Betty Furness had an admirable career as a model, movie and stage actress and consumer affairs expert who on the Today Show. However, she is best known for promoting Westinghouse home appliances starting in 1948. Those of a certain age will remember her opening a refrigerator door and saying, “You can be sure – if it’s Westinghouse.” These retro kitchen appliances will look great if you are redesigning your kitchen to have a look reminiscent of an age gone by.
Retro kitchens are a huge trend in home decor these days, and your friends and family will definitely appreciate the charm and warmth that the kitchen will exude. One popular flooring design that is making a comeback is the black and white checkerboard flooring. But don’t be afraid to use other color combinations to fit your personality.
The cabinets and the walls of retro kitchens are usually a light color. In fact, retro kitchen colors often include two-toned cabinets. In a 1930s kitchen muted yellows, blues and reds were used with dabs of black and white highlights. Depression glass pieces were a big trend in the 30s and may be used in the decorating scheme. A 1940s kitchen is typically bright and colorful. Cherry red, air force blue and Kelly green are common color schemes from that era.
In the 1950s, kitchens were modern and stylish as well as functional. Red and white colors with accents of black were common, and these colors will bring back memories of 1950s style diners. Catch an episode of “Happy Days” to see Arnold’s Diner all decked out with red tables and booths as well as an authentic 50s style jukebox.
After World War II, most folks wanted a happy colorful home. Retro kitchen countertops made from wipe clean Formica was popular and the colors included Amulet Green, Steel Blue and Scarlet Red as part of the Softglow collection.
Countertops made from grouted hex tiles and other tiles lost favor since food crumbs and bacteria could build up in cracks and cause unsanitary conditions. Many retro kitchens had linoleum counters that were glued down with a chrome strip added around the edges.
Retro kitchen sinks are a must for any redesigned kitchen. Porcelain enamel covered cast iron drainboard sinks were everywhere after the war and original sinks of this type can be found at estate sales and on-line auction sites. Also stainless steel sinks appeared in the 1950s and are easier to clean and more sanitary.
When designing retro kitchens, be sure to check and double check your measurements so you can be sure the sink and other items will fit into your space.
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