Design Through the Decades

1930s Kitchen

As you might imagine, the kitchen of the 1930s was simple and functional. While it didn’t have the counter space of modern homes, it did have the country charm that many homeowners were looking for in their kitchens. Light and bright color palettes, simple decorative touches and sturdy $mdash; yet slightly rustic — cabinets and counters define this era of kitchen design.

1940s Living Room

Life was a little more formal back in the 40s. Elegant crown molding and tastefully appointed upholstery add an air of sophistication to this living room, proving that good taste never really goes out of style. Want this look in your home? Achieving a formal look that doesn't come off as stuffy and disjointed takes the right eye for design. We recommend talking to an interior designer to ensure you get the style you have in mind.

1950s Kitchen

While the kitchen has always been a gathering place, technological conveniences developed during the 50s transformed the cooking and dining experience. Mass-production made time- and space-saving kitchen gadgets more affordable, cutting the time housewives had to spend in the kitchen. With less time spent cooking and cleaning, more time could be spent enjoying the fruits of their labor. Bold colors, tons of storage, playful tile backsplashes, and black and white checkered flooring give this 50s era kitchen a fun and welcoming personality.

1960s Bathroom

As the country eased out of the 50s and into the 60s, interior design started to get a lot less conservative, as evidenced by this gold and baby blue bathroom. While not as popular as the mid-century modern look, certain elements of 60s style — such as elaborate wallpaper, bright tile countertops, and gold accent materials — are making a comeback.

1970s Kitchen

The decade that brought us disco also ushered in styles that were definitely different, if not necessarily stylish. Dark wood cabinets; the use of multiple building materials; lots of brass; crazy vinyl flooring; and the excessive use of brown, yellow and orange are a perfect example of the uniqueness that defined the design trends of that decade.

1980s Bathroom

Glass block walls, gold fixtures, floral wallpaper, lots of lots of white tile, questionable lighting choices and color combos best left to history leave us hoping that the 80s look never makes a comeback. Though, like all trends, we’re pretty sure it will.

1990s Kitchen

Was it because the country was recovering from the excesses of the 80s or did someone decide that conservative styling was in? All we know is that this 90s kitchen lacks the visual punch of the design styles that became popular towards the end of the decade and into the early 2000s. Light oak cabinets, white Formica counters, understated Venetian blinds, white appliances, and understated color choices make this kitchen look like a room that is long on function but short on style. And while we might not be in love with the 90s aesthetic, we are happy to see that Formica is regaining popularity as an affordable and attractive countertop choice.

2000s Kitchen

As we moved into the 2000s, the kitchen took a leading role. Families got busier and formal dining rooms found their way out. The kitchen became the center of the house, and design trends reflected the room’s newfound status. While kitchen islands have always been popular, they became all the more so, turning into the de facto dining room tables and prep stations of the decade. Of course, you can't mention the 2000s without highlighting two of the decade’s most prominent trends: granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.

The 2010s

It’s often said that styles repeat themselves. And while few homeowners are ready to embrace the styles of the 70s, 80s and 90s, many are taking design cues from the 30s and 40s, as well as from the 50s and 60s (best exemplified by the popularity of all things mid-century modern). What’s great about interior design is that as it changes, so too can you. If you’re thinking that you’ve got a few rooms that could use updating, we’ve got the kitchen, bath and design pros who can help you achieve the perfect look for your home.

Some photos courtesy of UglyHousePhotos.com