1960s Kitchen Trends

When you look back on the 1960s, you may remember your family's kitchen. It was a warm, inviting room where you spent most of your time. In this article, we explore some of the kitchen trends of the era, from Formica countertops to rattan chairs and pendant lighting.

General Electric's 'Wonder Kitchen'

General Electric's Wonder Kitchen was an innovative show highlighting the company's appliances and technology. It opened in 1955. By the end of the decade, most households owned a toaster oven.

GE's Wonder Kitchen was a success. The company hoped that the attraction would be a permanent fixture at Disneyland. But in 1973, audiences dropped off. However, GE didn't want to give up on Disney and asked them to move the attraction to Walt Disney World.

GE developed an answer center that answered 500,000 calls in its first year to show off its new technologies. They also invented dishwashers that remember when to start. In addition, they introduced electronic refrigerators that beeped if they were left ajar.

Another technological breakthrough came in the form of the microwave. GE was the first manufacturer to mass-produce a microwave. The device could cook a hot dog in about 20 seconds.

Formica countertops

During the 1960s, Formica countertops were in vogue. In addition to being affordable and durable, Formica also offers various colours and patterns. It was a popular choice for kitchen countertops in the 1950s and 1970s but was largely out of favour by the early 1980s. However, it has since been rediscovered and is now a popular alternative to natural materials.

One of the main advantages of Formica is that it can be cleaned easily. This makes it an ideal material for young families. Another advantage is that Formica laminate can be repaired easily.

If your Formica countertop is in bad shape, you can repair it with epoxy putty. You will need to sand the surface so the putty can blend in. Once the epoxy is dry, use a putty knife to spread the repair.

Rattan

Rattan is a great way to bring a little southern California flair into your kitchen. It's a versatile material that will work well with any design style. You can use it as a bar stool, TV unit, or even an art piece on your walls.

It's also an excellent material to incorporate into your kitchen because it's weather resistant and durable. However, you'll want to balance it out with other materials. This includes other natural materials like wood.

Mixing the various textures of the material is also a good idea. For example, you could use a lacquered coffee table with a rattan chair. Or you could use a rattan lamp to add texture to your slick marble shelving.

Of course, you should be careful not to go overboard. Rattan isn't cheap, so you'll want to limit your budget to a few key pieces.

Pendant Lighting

If you're decorating your kitchen and looking for ways to make it feel welcoming, consider adding some pendant lighting. There are lots of styles and finishes to choose from, and they can add a fun touch to your space.

Pendants are helpful for any kitchen but can be particularly useful for food prep areas. They brighten up work surfaces and help bring focus to a particular area. Many pendants have multiple uses, from a task light to a decorative accent. A kitchen island or breakfast nook may benefit from a single larger fixture.

Decorative lights are the most expensive element of your lighting scheme. They draw attention to your design, create a warm, cozy atmosphere, and illuminate your room. Here are some of the best options available: whether you're shopping for a pendant light, a chandelier, or a floor lamp.

Eat-in kitchen

Regarding home improvement, the 1960s eat-in kitchen is not a dying breed. A recent study suggests that more and more people are returning to their culinary roots. With that in mind, why not consider making it an all-in-one room? Not only will it serve as a dining room, but it will also allow you to cook in style while entertaining your guests at the same time.

As far as design is concerned, a peninsula kitchen is usually the way to go. You can easily fit a full-size kitchen into a tiny square, and the bonus of extra countertop space can be a godsend. Having a centralized cooking and dining hub can also mean the elimination of a cramped kitchen-dining room divide.

Frequently Asked Questions

When remodeling a kitchen, should you start with the floors or the cabinets first?

It depends on how the floor is being installed. Before installing floating flooring, your counter and cabinets must be installed first. For glue-down or nail-down flooring options, you need to install your flooring first and then install your cabinets. Consult a professional to determine which option is best suited for your kitchen remodel.

Which color goes best in a white kitchen

White kitchens can be decorated in many colors, but walnut looks great with it. The warmth of the natural wood tones will enhance the space. They will also work well together. If you are looking for something subtler, black and gray are good options. If you're looking to make a bold statement, choose a bright color like yellow or red. No matter which route you take, make sure the rest of your decor matches your chosen colour so the space is cohesive.

What does a kitchen renovation do to your home's value?

Up to 20% increase in value can be achieved by renovating your kitchen. A major remodel can be expensive, ranging from $40,000 to $150,000. You need to decide how much you can afford and whether you'll get a return on your investment.

It is important to choose a kitchen design that appeals to many buyers if you are planning on selling your house soon. Stick with neutral colours and classic styles to avoid turning away potential buyers.

You can personalize your kitchen even if your home isn't on the market. Take into consideration what your kitchen is used for and how it should look and feel. Do you host parties often? Consider a layout that offers plenty of space for prep and guests. Are you passionate about cooking? If so, you might want to spend more on high-end appliances.

No matter what kind of plans you have, a kitchen renovation can increase the value and appeal of your house. Make sure to find the right contractor and do your research to get the best possible results.

Are Kitchen Remodeling Costs Worth it?

Remodeling your kitchen can make your home look better, but it can also come at a high cost. There are many things to consider when remodeling your kitchen.

There are several factors to consider when determining whether or not remodelling your kitchen is a good investment. The first is the value of your home. If you are planning to sell your home in the near future, it is important that you ensure that the remodel cost has been recouped in the final sale price.

Cost of the remodel is also important. high-end kitchen remodels can cost upwards of $50,000, so it's essential to ensure you have the budget to cover the costs. Costs may not be as important if you aren't planning to sell your home.

The last thing you need to think about is how much you'll use your new kitchen. You will need to make sure your new kitchen is able to accommodate large parties or prepare large meals. If you don't plan on using your kitchen much, you might be able to get by with a more minor, less expensive remodel.

Here are some suggestions to help you get started if you don't know where else to look.

1. Decide whether you want to build new cabinets or replace existing cabinets. Kitchen remodels can be expensive if you add new cabinets. If you decide to replace all of the cabinets, you will need to take them out before installing new ones.
2. Choose your colours carefully. Choose carefully when choosing your colours. They can impact the overall appearance and feel of your kitchen.
3. Decent whether you plan to replace the flooring. The flooring might not be necessary if you intend to sell your house in the near future. A freshly painted concrete slab could give off a "new look."
4. Consider adding additional storage space. Adding cabinets, drawers, or shelves can increase your kitchen's usable space.
5. Lighting is important. Recessed lights installed above the sink, stove, and refrigerator can brighten dark corners in your kitchen.
6. Add Appliances. A newer fridge can lower your energy consumption. It can also improve the resale worth of your home.
7. You must ensure you have enough outlets. The majority of kitchens only have one or two outlets. This means you won’t be able plug in your blender or microwave.
8. Water lines should not be overlooked. Water pipes are hidden behind walls or floors. Be sure to check for leaks before starting any work.
9. Reduce clutter. It's likely that your kitchen is already overcrowded. But, try to keep it organized. Take out anything unnecessary.
10. Compare quotes from multiple contractors. When shopping around, compare prices based on square footage, material type (cabinets vs. stone), and the number of doors and windows.
11. Consider financing options. Many people choose to finance their kitchen remodels. You can avoid paying interest and make payments.
12. You should have a clear idea of how long your house will stay. Your kitchen should be updated more often the longer you live there.
13. Keep track of everything. Take down all details in a notebook.
14. Plan ahead. Sketch out the vision you have for your kitchen. This will make the entire project easier to visualize.

Statistics

• In the Pacific region (Alaska, California, Washington, and Oregon), according to Remodeling Magazine, that same midrange central kitchen remodel jumps to $72,513, and a major upscale kitchen remodels jumps up $11,823 from the national average to $143,333. (hgtv.com)
• Experts also recommend setting aside 20 percent of your budget for surprises, including unpleasant demolition discoveries. One is water damage, the electricity that is not up to code, or other budget-spiking gotchas. (hgtv.com)
• According to Burgin, some hinges have this feature built-in, but it's an add-on cost for other models of about $5 retail, adding up to $350 to $500 for an entire kitchen, depending on size. (hgtv.com)
• It's a fantastic thing about most home improvement projects: no matter the job. It often seems like the last 20% is the most difficult. (familyhandyman.com)
• Keep 10 to 25 percent of List 2, depending on the budget. (familyhandyman.com)

External Links

houzz.com

• The Habitatilist – Project Photos & Reviews — South Orange, NJ US
• The 8 Essential Elements of a Craftsman-Kitchen Workbook

remodeling.hw.net

• 2021: Value vs. Cost
• Cost vs. Value Project: Minor Kitchen Remodel

familyhandyman.com

• Family Handyman
• Create an Open, Craftsman-Style Kitchen (DIY)

hgtv.com

• Choosing Kitchen Appliances | HGTV
• HGTV - Creating a kitchen for entertaining

How To

These are ten small kitchen renovations that you can do by yourself.

Small kitchen renovation ideas that you can do yourself.

It's not always an option to do a small kitchen remodel. If you're looking to make your home feel new, this is the right thing to do. There are many things you can do to improve your kitchen that don't cost too much. Here are some ideas for small kitchen renovations that you can do by yourself.

1. Install a backsplash. If your countertops and sink are not covered with tiles, then a backsplash can be a great option. The backsplash adds style and colour to your kitchen and makes it appear larger and cleaner.
2. You can replace your cabinets. Cabinets are a great addition to any kitchen. They protect your walls from splashes, spills, stains, etc. And they give your kitchen a classy look. If your cabinet door frames look worn, replace them.
3. Paint your kitchen. Not only will it improve the look of your kitchen, but you'll also save money. Painting your kitchen gives it a new life and makes it look more modern. It'll be much easier to clean.
4. Update your appliances. It's a great idea to update your appliances. Not only will it increase their lifespan, but it will also make them look more modern. If you know which appliance you need to upgrade, do it. Or you can get help from someone who has experience installing these appliances.
5. Add a Bar - Another great idea is to add a bar area to your kitchen. Not only does it provide additional work surface, but it's also a perfect place to entertain guests.
6. To create a breakfast spot, you don't need to spend a fortune. All you need is a small table and some chairs. To make it even more comfortable, you can add cushions.
7. A pantry is essential in every kitchen. It's a great place to store food, dishes, and other things.
8. Install an island. An island can be a wonderful addition to your kitchen. The island adds space to your kitchen and gives you ample work surface. When combined with wood flooring, it can look very appealing.
9. A wine rack can be added to any home. You can also use them at home. They come in different designs and sizes. You can choose what best suits your kitchen.