1967: Microwaves And Dishwashers
Microwaves were mostly employed by companies and wealthy Americans in the mid-twentieth century. However, Raytheon, the first microwave manufacturer, introduced goods aimed at the common family in 1967. Microwaves were no longer a luxury item; they were virtually as common as toothpaste. Dishwashers first appeared in American kitchens in the late 1960s. In the 1970s, they became ubiquitous throughout North America. Designers began incorporating dishwashers into counters, increasing the resale value of 1970s homes.
1969: Solid-Colored Laminate
Solid-colored laminate is a telltale indicator of the late 1960s and early 1970s design. Unlike today’s marble, tile, and granule counters, 1960s kitchens incorporated vibrant color wherever feasible. While the upper and lower cabinets were made of wood, the laminate countertops were available in green, yellow, blue, grey, or white. In some kitchens, wood paneling was blended with bricks that were painted the same color. ’60s kitchens have simple walls and funky countertops instead of simple walls and funky counters.