The heart of the home, the kitchen has seen many changes over the years. Today, we enjoy a more functional yet also more luxurious space. Here, we will look at the evolution of the kitchen through the decades.
Medieval
Hundreds of years ago, the kitchen took up a whole floor for those wealthy enough – but was also separate from the dining room, inhabited predominantly by servants and cooks. Meals were mostly cooked on open fires and appliances were simple but effective. The kitchen was typically made of brick and wood, with large workspaces for big, rich, extravagant meals, as well as large stone sinks and pots made of iron, bronze, copper and clay. For those in the lower class, a smaller space, but with a similar setup, was common.
Early 1900s
The 1920s to 1940s saw the kitchen work triangle come to fruition, maximising the efficiency of the space. Initially created as simple, plain spaces for necessity rather than an enjoyable space, the kitchen slowly evolved to become more aesthetically pleasing with more luxuries, such as microwaves, kettles and toasters. Linoleum also came into style, with the iconic black and white check pattern popular.
The 50s housewife
The 1950s saw this change from a space of function continue towards a homemakers dream, with the kitchen becoming the star of the home. Pastel colours were popular and the best appliances were a necessity for any self-respecting housewife. Sparkling white appliances, electric mixers for baking and more modern refrigerators were born, as was the housewife look!
Late 1900s
The next 20 years saw cooking become not only a daily need, but also a creative outlet. In the 70s, brown and yellow styling was all the rage, with kitchen size increasing and appliances on every benchtop. The 80s saw better ventilation, even more appliances and a more open plan feel, encouraging both cooks and the rest of the family to enjoy time together in the kitchen and even eat in the same space. Bright, primary colours, as well as that 70s brown, were popular.
Modern day
Today, the kitchen has remained the heart of the home, but technology has made it easier and faster to do what you need to. New appliances, more options and a throwback to the large kitchen spaces of old have made the modern kitchen a place the whole family enjoys. With a huge choice of styles and colour schemes and custom kitchens the norm, the kitchen is now a social space where you can get creative with your cooking and easily get your next meal made.
Into the future
The future sees technology continue to expand and improve the space, with sci-fi looking contraptions making any task simple and creating a more minimalist kitchen, with more room to socialise and create. Neutral colour schemes will be popular, with the sparkling white look of the past coming back into fashion.
The kitchen will always be the hub of the home, making interior design a crucial step. If you are looking to renovate your kitchen, talk to our team. Whether you want something more traditional or prefer futuristic stylings, Darren James Interiors can help! Get in touch today to discuss interior design with our Brisbane consultants.
