Appropriate Kitchen Countertops for the 1950s

Inspiration

• The post-war 1950s saw a resurgence in the home kitchen as a gathering spot to celebrate the troops back on the homefront. Optimism reigned and with it came color, technological advances (previously focused on military defense) and an economic surge leading to kitchen remodeling and design of new home constructions. In an effort to encourage their youth to spend time at home, 1950's kitchens were remodeled or designed to mimic the favorite hangout of the time: the diner.

Layout

• During the 1950s, the kitchen truly became the heart of the home. As a result, kitchen layouts were "L" or "U" shaped, inviting people to be in and move around the kitchen even when preparation was underway. The kitchen "island" desired by so many in modern kitchens was born in the 1950s to add more counter space both for preparation and gathering. The "breakfast nook" -- a domestic term for a diner booth -- was also born during this time.

Materials

• Formica and chrome reigned supreme in ideal 1950's countertops. Formica, a plastic of the time, was known for its durability and easy cleaning, while the more industrial chrome was used as its trim. As such, it was used in the diners that were so favored in the 1950s and carried over into the 1950's domestic kitchen. Easy to wipe down and match to fabric, Formica became the key material for 1950's countertops, and the chrome trim kept it and the cohesive design of chrome appliances in place.

Colors and Patterns

• In keeping with the post-war optimism of the 1950s, the domestic kitchen used vibrant and patriotic colors akin to the diner, as well as their lower-key counterparts: the pastels. Often, these colors were mixed in "modern" geometric patterns; the traditional 1950's countertop utilized a "boomerang" design which juxtaposed vibrant colors against each other in a boomerang pattern. Colorful, these countertops were anchored by the other predominant material of the time, which had its own color: chrome. Traditional 1950's kitchen countertops are trimmed with chrome, sometimes beveled and sometimes smooth, depending on the height of the countertop. Silver, as a result, is a predominant accent color for 1950's kitchen countertops.