Welcome to our newest feature, Journey through Christmases Past. This series is a nostalgic celebration of the holidays we all remember...
- The history and traditions of the holiday.
- The décor that filled our homes.
- The toys that defined each decade.
- The television and movie shows that brightened the season.
- The outfits we adored (and the ones we definitely didn’t).
Happy Sunday, everyone! Hope you had a nice Easter if you celebrate it. We had most of the family at the house today. Our youngest was working. After spending two days in the kitchen, cooking and baking, I felt inspired to share more about kitchens and landed in the 1940s.
Before the 1950s, which is when the open floor plan concept began, kitchens were hidden workspaces that focused on functionality and efficiency. Metal cabinets with enamel finishes were typical; some still exist in homes I've shown and viewed here in Massachusetts.
Depending upon where you lived in 1940, and how easily accessible and affordable electricity was, your home likely had an icebox or an electric refrigerator.
Vintage 1940 icebox - Photo credit: Architectural Salvage Warehouse
Electrical appliances were also found in some 1940s kitchens.
Drip coffee maker - found on Pinterest from an expired Etsy listing
Stand mixer - Photo credit: Facebook page (no longer linked)
Features you might find in a kitchen in the 1940s included:
Farmhouse sinks or double bowl sinks with drainboards - Photo credit: Retro Renovation
Breakfast nook - Photo credit: Click Americana
A working pantry (jealous of this one)
A pullout cutting board
Built-in dishwasher - Photo credit for all these is Rare Historical Photos
Sometimes, you even had your washer and dryer in the kitchen, like in this photo featured in the "THEN AND NOW: Here's How US Kitchens Have Evolved Throughout the Years" article from Business Insider.
Does your home have any of these neat features?
