1935: Bring In Art Deco
When the Great Depression ended, Americans were able to refocus their attention on beauty. Art Deco, which originated in the 1920s, has reappeared with a modern twist. Checkerboard linoleum floors were popular, and colors got more vibrant. Many kitchens featured dark blues, reds, and golds. Chrome furniture, particularly tables and chairs, became popular. Pendant lights and colorful knobs were not required, but they were placed by some people to make their kitchen look prettier and more modern.
1940s: Future Kitchens Will Clean Themselves
House Beautiful collaborated with Procter & Gamble in 1939 to develop a “self-cleaning kitchen,” often known as “the kitchen of tomorrow.” This kitchen was meant to be easy to clean. The kitchen floors were mostly wider so that people could vacuum them. Stainless steel sinks and continuous countertops were created to be sleeker and easier to clean. Although many retained their original layouts, future kitchens were no longer crammed into a corner—they were designed for ease.