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As society has evolved over the past century, so have kitchens. Driven by advances in technology, unfortunate decor trends and more, here are some of the strangest kitchen trends of past decades.
Kitchens
20 Most Bizarre Kitchen Trends by Decade
July 18, 2020
As society has evolved over the past century, so have kitchens. Driven by advances in technology, unfortunate decor trends and more, here are some of the strangest kitchen trends of past decades.
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1930s: Fold-Out Ironing Boards
1/201930s: Fold-Out Ironing Boards
1/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
As kitchens evolved during the 1930s, a space-saving feature that became part of many small kitchens of the era was a ironing board hidden behind a wall panel, which could fold out for easy use. <br></br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/scott-mcgillivray-worst-home-trends-1921832/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Scott McGillivray Ranks the Worst Home Design Trends of the Last 10 Years</a>Kitchens20 Most Bizarre Kitchen Trends by Decade1930s: Fold-Out Ironing Boards
PHOTO 1 of 20READ LESS -As kitchens evolved during the 1930s, a space-saving feature that became part of many small kitchens of the era was a ironing board hidden behind a wall panel, which could fold out for easy use. <br></br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/scott-mcgillivray-worst-home-trends-1921832/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Scott McGillivray Ranks the Worst Home Design Trends of the Last 10 Years</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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1940s: Rounded Surfaces
2/201940s: Rounded Surfaces
2/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
The 1940s saw kitchens embrace a more rounded design, with edges that had previously been squared-off replaced by circular features, particularly in countertops. <br></br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/worst-design-trends-past-50-years-1931075/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The 18 Worst Design Trends of the Last 50 Years</a>Kitchens20 Most Bizarre Kitchen Trends by Decade1940s: Rounded Surfaces
PHOTO 2 of 20READ LESS -The 1940s saw kitchens embrace a more rounded design, with edges that had previously been squared-off replaced by circular features, particularly in countertops. <br></br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/worst-design-trends-past-50-years-1931075/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The 18 Worst Design Trends of the Last 50 Years</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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1950s: Built-In Cutting Boards
3/201950s: Built-In Cutting Boards
3/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
With space at a premium in 1950s kitchens, one odd innovation came by installing a pull-out cutting board just beneath the kitchen countertop, which could be slid right back in after it had served its purpose. <br></br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/decor-trends-making-your-house-look-outdated-1925778/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10 Decor Trends That Are Making Your House Look Outdated</a>Kitchens20 Most Bizarre Kitchen Trends by Decade1950s: Built-In Cutting Boards
PHOTO 3 of 20READ LESS -With space at a premium in 1950s kitchens, one odd innovation came by installing a pull-out cutting board just beneath the kitchen countertop, which could be slid right back in after it had served its purpose. <br></br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/decor-trends-making-your-house-look-outdated-1925778/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10 Decor Trends That Are Making Your House Look Outdated</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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1960s: Refrigerator Egg Storage
4/201960s: Refrigerator Egg Storage
4/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
<a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/genius-ways-leftover-egg-whites/#!angel-food-cake" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Eggs</a> were a big part of the 1960s diet, so much so that <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/fridges-works-of-art-1935577/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">refrigerators</a> of the era had slots built in to the door's shelving where individual eggs could be stored, available for quick, easy access.Kitchens20 Most Bizarre Kitchen Trends by Decade1960s: Refrigerator Egg Storage
PHOTO 4 of 20READ LESS -<a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/genius-ways-leftover-egg-whites/#!angel-food-cake" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Eggs</a> were a big part of the 1960s diet, so much so that <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/fridges-works-of-art-1935577/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">refrigerators</a> of the era had slots built in to the door's shelving where individual eggs could be stored, available for quick, easy access.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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1960s: Space Age Styling
5/201960s: Space Age Styling
5/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
The 1960s saw American and Russia engage in a space race — and this new obsession with outer space became part of the era's design trends by imbuing everyday objects with a sleek "space age" feel.Kitchens20 Most Bizarre Kitchen Trends by Decade1960s: Space Age Styling
PHOTO 5 of 20READ LESS -The 1960s saw American and Russia engage in a space race — and this new obsession with outer space became part of the era's design trends by imbuing everyday objects with a sleek "space age" feel.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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1960s: Mix-and-Match Colours
6/201960s: Mix-and-Match Colours
6/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
The 1960s also saw the kitchen colour palette become wilder and more colourful, mixing hues that really had no business being in the same room together. Here's how to <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/property-brothers/photos/mid-century-modern-home-1922043/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">weave colour into your home without going overboard</a>.Kitchens20 Most Bizarre Kitchen Trends by Decade1960s: Mix-and-Match Colours
PHOTO 6 of 20READ LESS -The 1960s also saw the kitchen colour palette become wilder and more colourful, mixing hues that really had no business being in the same room together. Here's how to <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/property-brothers/photos/mid-century-modern-home-1922043/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">weave colour into your home without going overboard</a>.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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1970s: Crazy Linoleum
7/201970s: Crazy Linoleum
7/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Linoleum is a word that will elicit gasps of horror from modern-day designers, but the much-maligned flooring has been a kitchen staple for much of the 20th century due to its durability and easy-clean properties. During the 1970s, however, checkerboard patterns and simple styles went out the window as wilder, groovier designs took over. <br></br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/kitchen-cabinet-trends-2020-1933926/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The 17 Hottest Kitchen Cabinet Trends for 2020</a>Kitchens20 Most Bizarre Kitchen Trends by Decade1970s: Crazy Linoleum
PHOTO 7 of 20READ LESS -Linoleum is a word that will elicit gasps of horror from modern-day designers, but the much-maligned flooring has been a kitchen staple for much of the 20th century due to its durability and easy-clean properties. During the 1970s, however, checkerboard patterns and simple styles went out the window as wilder, groovier designs took over. <br></br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/kitchen-cabinet-trends-2020-1933926/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The 17 Hottest Kitchen Cabinet Trends for 2020</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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1970s: Avocado Appliances
8/201970s: Avocado Appliances
8/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
First introduced in the latter part of the 1960s, avocado-coloured appliances really took flight during the '70s, along with similar colours such as "Harvest Gold." As designer Sarah Archer told <a href="https://theattic.jezebel.com/how-the-avocado-fridge-came-to-embody-the-70s-1835061986" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Jezebel</em></a>, these nature-inspired hues reflected the hippie ethos of the era, with some manufacturers even adding such features as woven rattan to kitchen appliances.Kitchens20 Most Bizarre Kitchen Trends by Decade1970s: Avocado Appliances
PHOTO 8 of 20READ LESS -First introduced in the latter part of the 1960s, avocado-coloured appliances really took flight during the '70s, along with similar colours such as "Harvest Gold." As designer Sarah Archer told <a href="https://theattic.jezebel.com/how-the-avocado-fridge-came-to-embody-the-70s-1835061986" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Jezebel</em></a>, these nature-inspired hues reflected the hippie ethos of the era, with some manufacturers even adding such features as woven rattan to kitchen appliances.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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1970s: Hanging Mugs on Display
9/201970s: Hanging Mugs on Display
9/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Coffee mugs that had once been tucked away in kitchen cabinets were suddenly placed on display as hanging them from hooks somehow became a thing. Spilled your coffee? Here are the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/the-10-most-common-stains-and-how-to-treat-them-1052973/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">most common stains and how to treat them</a>.Kitchens20 Most Bizarre Kitchen Trends by Decade1970s: Hanging Mugs on Display
PHOTO 9 of 20READ LESS -Coffee mugs that had once been tucked away in kitchen cabinets were suddenly placed on display as hanging them from hooks somehow became a thing. Spilled your coffee? Here are the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/the-10-most-common-stains-and-how-to-treat-them-1052973/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">most common stains and how to treat them</a>.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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1980s: Black Appliances
10/201980s: Black Appliances
10/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
While avocado may have been all the rage in the 1970s, the following decade brushed that aside and went all-in on <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/black-kitchen-ideas-that-will-inspire-you-to-go-dark-1925714/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">black appliances</a>, often contrasted with light-coloured wood cabinets.Kitchens20 Most Bizarre Kitchen Trends by Decade1980s: Black Appliances
PHOTO 10 of 20READ LESS -While avocado may have been all the rage in the 1970s, the following decade brushed that aside and went all-in on <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/black-kitchen-ideas-that-will-inspire-you-to-go-dark-1925714/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">black appliances</a>, often contrasted with light-coloured wood cabinets.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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1980s: Tiled Countertops
11/201980s: Tiled Countertops
11/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Tiled countertops had been a feature of kitchens for decades, but really made a big comeback in the 1980s, likely because it was a less-expensive choice and could be found in a wildly diverse array of styles and colours. <br></br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/worst-to-first/photos/2020-decorating-trends-revealed-in-worst-to-first-1928966/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">2020 Decorating Trends Revealed in Worst to First</a>Kitchens20 Most Bizarre Kitchen Trends by Decade1980s: Tiled Countertops
PHOTO 11 of 20READ LESS -Tiled countertops had been a feature of kitchens for decades, but really made a big comeback in the 1980s, likely because it was a less-expensive choice and could be found in a wildly diverse array of styles and colours. <br></br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/worst-to-first/photos/2020-decorating-trends-revealed-in-worst-to-first-1928966/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">2020 Decorating Trends Revealed in Worst to First</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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1990s: The Country Kitchen
12/201990s: The Country Kitchen
12/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
For some reason, the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/fixer-upper/photos/country-chic-kitchen-redesigns-from-joanna-gaines-1053147/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">country kitchen</a> trend caught on big in the 1990s — did everybody suddenly wish they lived on a farm? Along with the resurgence in farmhouse sinks and wood countertops, this trend also encouraged hanging pots and pans from an overhead rack, not just for easy access but as a design statement. This became an issue in kitchens where ceilings weren't so high, leading to the occasional bumping of the head by a frying pan.Kitchens20 Most Bizarre Kitchen Trends by Decade1990s: The Country Kitchen
PHOTO 12 of 20READ LESS -For some reason, the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/fixer-upper/photos/country-chic-kitchen-redesigns-from-joanna-gaines-1053147/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">country kitchen</a> trend caught on big in the 1990s — did everybody suddenly wish they lived on a farm? Along with the resurgence in farmhouse sinks and wood countertops, this trend also encouraged hanging pots and pans from an overhead rack, not just for easy access but as a design statement. This became an issue in kitchens where ceilings weren't so high, leading to the occasional bumping of the head by a frying pan.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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1990s: Tuscan Style and Faux Finishes
13/201990s: Tuscan Style and Faux Finishes
13/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Recreating the kitchen from a villa in Tuscany became big during the 1990s, while kitchen designers also embraced the rag-rolling faux finishes that became popularized at the time. The result could be seen in kitchens such as this one, which went all-in on the Tuscan trend while also adding a faux finish.Kitchens20 Most Bizarre Kitchen Trends by Decade1990s: Tuscan Style and Faux Finishes
PHOTO 13 of 20READ LESS -Recreating the kitchen from a villa in Tuscany became big during the 1990s, while kitchen designers also embraced the rag-rolling faux finishes that became popularized at the time. The result could be seen in kitchens such as this one, which went all-in on the Tuscan trend while also adding a faux finish.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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2000s: Two-Toned Cabinets
14/202000s: Two-Toned Cabinets
14/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Combining two colours in kitchen cabinetry also became popular during the 2000s, as did wood-trimmed brightly-coloured cabinets. Here are some <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/soaring-kitchen-ceilings-that-will-give-you-design-envy-1937689/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">soaring kitchen ceiling that'll give you design envy</a>.Kitchens20 Most Bizarre Kitchen Trends by Decade2000s: Two-Toned Cabinets
PHOTO 14 of 20READ LESS -Combining two colours in kitchen cabinetry also became popular during the 2000s, as did wood-trimmed brightly-coloured cabinets. Here are some <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/soaring-kitchen-ceilings-that-will-give-you-design-envy-1937689/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">soaring kitchen ceiling that'll give you design envy</a>.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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2000s: Mosaic Tiles
15/202000s: Mosaic Tiles
15/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
When designers outgrew the Tuscan kitchen trend, they began getting super creative with backsplashes by sourcing colourful mosaic tiles for a look that has't exactly stood the test of time.<br></br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/backsplash-tile-cabinetry-top-kitchen-trends-2020-1931289/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Backsplash, Tile, Cabinetry: The 15 Top Kitchen Trends for 2020</a>Kitchens20 Most Bizarre Kitchen Trends by Decade2000s: Mosaic Tiles
PHOTO 15 of 20READ LESS -When designers outgrew the Tuscan kitchen trend, they began getting super creative with backsplashes by sourcing colourful mosaic tiles for a look that has't exactly stood the test of time.<br></br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/backsplash-tile-cabinetry-top-kitchen-trends-2020-1931289/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Backsplash, Tile, Cabinetry: The 15 Top Kitchen Trends for 2020</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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2000s: All-White Kitchens
16/202000s: All-White Kitchens
16/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Among all the kitchen trends of the 2000s, perhaps the most prevalent was the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/modern-white-kitchens-1909607/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">all-white look</a>, with designers seeking a sleek, colourless monochrome that was elegant, sleek — but also kind of boring.Kitchens20 Most Bizarre Kitchen Trends by Decade2000s: All-White Kitchens
PHOTO 16 of 20READ LESS -Among all the kitchen trends of the 2000s, perhaps the most prevalent was the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/modern-white-kitchens-1909607/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">all-white look</a>, with designers seeking a sleek, colourless monochrome that was elegant, sleek — but also kind of boring.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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2010s: Chalkboard Walls
17/202010s: Chalkboard Walls
17/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Chalkboard walls became popular with those looking to recreate the vibe of a hip cafe within their own kitchens.Kitchens20 Most Bizarre Kitchen Trends by Decade2010s: Chalkboard Walls
PHOTO 17 of 20READ LESS -Chalkboard walls became popular with those looking to recreate the vibe of a hip cafe within their own kitchens.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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2010s: Edison Bulbs
18/202010s: Edison Bulbs
18/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
As kitchens embraced a more industrial aesthetic during the 2010s, simple hanging light fixtures with vintage-looking Edison bulbs became all the rage. Alternatively, here are some <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/lighting-trends-transform-a-room-1917503/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">lighting trends that'll transform any room</a>.Kitchens20 Most Bizarre Kitchen Trends by Decade2010s: Edison Bulbs
PHOTO 18 of 20READ LESS -As kitchens embraced a more industrial aesthetic during the 2010s, simple hanging light fixtures with vintage-looking Edison bulbs became all the rage. Alternatively, here are some <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/lighting-trends-transform-a-room-1917503/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">lighting trends that'll transform any room</a>.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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2010s: Open Shelving
19/202010s: Open Shelving
19/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
While the open shelving trend made sense financially — putting up some shelves costs significantly less than installing cabinets — they also proved to be not that practical in terms of storage. (There's a lot to be said for being able to hide kitchen clutter behind cabinet doors versus having it all right there out in the open). <br></br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/20-gorgeous-kitchens-that-will-inspire-you-to-embrace-open-shelving-1896891/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">20 Gorgeous Kitchens That Will Inspire You to Embrace Open Shelving</a>Kitchens20 Most Bizarre Kitchen Trends by Decade2010s: Open Shelving
PHOTO 19 of 20READ LESS -While the open shelving trend made sense financially — putting up some shelves costs significantly less than installing cabinets — they also proved to be not that practical in terms of storage. (There's a lot to be said for being able to hide kitchen clutter behind cabinet doors versus having it all right there out in the open). <br></br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/20-gorgeous-kitchens-that-will-inspire-you-to-embrace-open-shelving-1896891/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">20 Gorgeous Kitchens That Will Inspire You to Embrace Open Shelving</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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2010s: Waterfall Countertops
20/202010s: Waterfall Countertops
20/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Having a <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/kitchen-countertops-will-increase-value-of-home-1925713/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">countertop</a> that doesn't end at the edge but instead takes a turn to wind up at the floor became a big kitchen trend in the 2010s. While it's definitely an eye-catching aesthetic, there's a good chance that it's going to be one of the key elements that will make a kitchen seem dated in the years to come.Kitchens20 Most Bizarre Kitchen Trends by Decade2010s: Waterfall Countertops
PHOTO 20 of 20READ LESS -Having a <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/kitchen-countertops-will-increase-value-of-home-1925713/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">countertop</a> that doesn't end at the edge but instead takes a turn to wind up at the floor became a big kitchen trend in the 2010s. While it's definitely an eye-catching aesthetic, there's a good chance that it's going to be one of the key elements that will make a kitchen seem dated in the years to come.Photo Credit: Getty Images
