If we take a brief trip to the past, we’ll find out that kitchens weren’t just casual rooms in the house but arguably focal places, as homeowners took care of them the most. If they would’ve settled with a bed, dresser, a fancy lamp, and maybe a mirror for their bedrooms, that doesn’t mean their kitchens have received the same treatment. In a world where pubs and restaurants didn’t exist on every street corner (and not everyone could afford to go there anyway), kitchens took centerstage, as they weren’t solely places for cooking and eating but also for socializing and spending quality time with loved ones.
Back in the day, happiness wasn’t so expensive; The smell of freshly baked cherry pie, women with flower aprons and hair gathered in graceful buns, and children eagerly dipping their fingers in the dough on a Saturday morning was the highlight of happiness. We’ll probably never get to experience the freedom people lived with before, but at least we get the chance to explore the elegance, stylishness, and finesse of those times by scouting kitchen designs through the decades, starting our journey with the 70s and finalizing it in the present days. Are you ready?
The 70’s kitchen
The spirit of the ’70s revolves around The Beatles (which dramatically split up) and ABBA, as it was a time of freedom, reckoning, and growing. That showed in terms of kitchen decoration as well, where daring designs were very popular, as the notion of “conventionally beautiful” wasn’t yet alive, and people weren’t afraid to show their true colors through kitchen patterns, layouts, and appliances. Let’s find out what are the most recognizable features of 70’s kitchens:
- Color: Vibrant colors were very common during the 1970s, so expect to see everything from avocado green to burnt orange. Earthy browns and harvest golds were among people’s top choices as well, as they pair well with bold colors and become a neutral background for everything else in the kitchen.
- Patterns: From wallpaper to floor tiles, everything was adorned with geometric shapes, abstract designs, and nature-inspired motifs.
- Layout: The concept of open living became popular, blurring the lines between the kitchen and dining room. The kitchen-dining area moved away from the rigidity of the past, encouraging a more relaxed and informal dining experience.
- Kitchen Islands, which weren’t common features in homes built before the 1970s, became central hubs for preparation, dining, and socializing.
The 80’s kitchen
The 80s can definitely be seen as a time of excess and extremes, where kitchens were big and exaggerated. You better be ready to embrace bold, eye-catching colors, such as red, blue, and yellow, neon accents, wall art, and accessories. Let’s meet the authentic kitchen elements that the 80’s are all about:
- Retro appliances, such as mint green or baby blue refrigerators.
- Patterned wallpapers, such as geometric designs and floral prints.
- Funky flooring, such as checkered tiles in monochrome colors or vibrant shades like red and blue.
- Open shelving, such as mugs, plates, and glassware, was a prominent part of the décor.
- Lighting was mainly divided into globe lights and pendant lamps with metallic finishes.
- Pop art elements, such as comic bookplates, mugs, and oversized fruit sculptures.
The 90’s kitchen
Even in the present day, people are still falling in love over and over again with 90’s kitchen trends, as they were too beautiful to be left in the past. They held a unique and inviting aura, bringing a sense of comfort and relaxation. From warm honey oak cabinets to black and stainless appliances, there are a few to almost no design trends of the 90s that can feel outdated. The trends that dominated the 90’s kitchen aesthetic are skirted and high cabinets, traditional lighting, butcher block countertops, matchy-matchy elements, and tiled floors. For example, cream-colored kitchens were a signature color theme in the 90s and remain a favorite even today, as they add warmth and elegance to any space, considerably making kitchens from a London kitchen supplier feel larger and brighter.
As an extra reference for 90s kitchen designs, you can watch Friends, Seinfeld, Practical Magic, Clueless, and Home Alone. Each of them features unique characteristics of this era and its timeless components.
Early 2000 kitchen
The 2000s came with new design mandates for the modern kitchen, as a heightened emphasis on efficiency and streamlining labor emerged, with minimalist designs dominating the kitchen area. The top kitchen trends of the early 2000 included:
- Stainless Steel Appliances
- Rustic Tuscan Design
- Island with Seating
- Granite Countertops
- Double Ovens
- Pendant Lighting
- Dark Wood Cabinets
- Neutral Color Palettes
- Arched Openings
- Present days kitchen
Present day kitchen
As for 2025, balancing style and functionality remains a priority in the kitchen. Kitchen design trends focus on rustic minimalism, as the traditional style is making a huge comeback. Wood is a very popular choice for flooring and cabinets, as the natural beauty of materials creates a penetrating contrast between surfaces, ultimately generating a space that can smoothly blend with the rest of the house. Marble and granite will also dominate the kitchen landscape in 2025, with people adorning their houses with them due to the unique imperfections they feature and the ability to bring a sense of balance and harmony to the kitchen. Furthermore, 2025 kitchen design trends consist of:
- Pantries and larders
- Stylish curtains
- Bold backsplashes
- Layered lighting and show-stopping decorative lighting
- Smart tech
- Brass hardware
- The kitsch effect
- Colorful cabinetry
- Fluted finishes
- Vintage furniture
Final Thoughts
Whether an 80’s epitome of Avant Garde kitchen that has excess as a signature or a Country-Style design that is a statement of simplicity and excellence, the beauty of kitchen designs never disappoints. Each era brings its unique character, so choosing a favorite becomes less about preferences and more about the stories these places tell. By now, you should know which one between those resonates with your soul, so it’s time to let your space reflect the way you truly live and love. Good luck!
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