The Evolution of Kitchens

In Retrospect
Historic kitchens were inefficient. Iceboxes preceded refrigerators and freezers, using blocks of ice to keep food cold. Cast iron closed stoves of the 18th century, stove boxes and gas stoves of the 19th century, and electric stoves in the early part of the 20th century preceded today's self-cleaning, programmable stoves, built-in ovens, and range tops. There were dry sinks (metal troughs built into wooden cabinets), then copper, nickel, and iron sinks until these metals became part of the war effort; eventually stainless steel, ceramic, and enamel sinks in various shapes and sizes became available.

Kitchen renovations from the 50s to the 70s forfeited historic aesthetic appeal: linoleum phased out beautiful hardwood floors, Formica countertops that stained and scarred became the rage, and appliances came in the unforgettable harvest gold and avocado, as did some of the newfangled kitchen carpet patterns. The kitchen began as a place for food preparation; today it is the heart of the home, with emphasis on family, efficiency, and convenience.

Best of Show
Retro replicas of kitchen tables and chairs add charm to today's cottage and country kitchens. Cozy, space-saving breakfast nooks and banquettes with bench and chair seating are gaining popularity. Barstools are turning kitchen islands into eating and work areas - and kitchens are packed with plenty of open and luxurious storage solutions.

Hardwood floors are back, and vintage linoleums are gracing some retro decors; Formica has moved aside to make room for granite, marble, soapstone, ceramic tile, stainless steel, and butcher block counter tops. Today's kitchens range from ultra-modern with dark colors, sleek lines, and built-ins to casual contemporary with mix-and-match freestyle appliances, the stately culmination of wood, metal, and glass kitchen tables, and upholstered, rattan, wood, and metal kitchen chairs that match, complement, or contrast with kitchen tables. It's a wonderful time for kitchen design -- a time for creativity and thinking outside of the box.