Walk into a newly constructed house and you’ll likely find the kitchen to be a main focus. Often described as the ‘heart’ and ‘haven,’ the kitchen is now architecturally designed to be the center of the home where family and guests gather. But, this wasn’t always the case. A cursory glance at the evolution of kitchen design reflects social and economic changes in the American society.
Before WWI, the domestic kitchen space was an exclusive domain of working-class women employed as cooks and maids. The kitchen was located to the rear of the house beyond public view. Kitchens were often small and inefficient, best kept hidden from guests who were entertained in the parlor.
In the 1940s, the kitchen design improved, mainly due to the efforts of women architects and designers and the demands of middle-class women. Fewer homes had servants to manage the kitchens, and it was in middle-class women’s interests to create a space that was less isolated, more accessible, and more efficient.
Enter the ‘kitchen triangle,’ a design created by the University of Illinois School of Architecture that connects the three major work centers: the stove (cooking), the sink (food preparation, washing), and the refrigerator (storage, preservation).
Besides its design change, the kitchen’s location moved too and is integrated with other shared domestic spaces. As technology advanced, appliances became quieter and cleaner. This ‘open design’ allows for simultaneous cooking, eating, and entertaining with kitchens flowing into dining and entertainment areas. Kitchens often have bar counters and stools that encourage guests or family members to stay in the kitchen.
With the kitchen in full view, the aesthetics of the kitchen became important. According to Rosemary Sadez Friedman, an interior designer and author of Mystery of Color, in the 1950s, color was introduced to the traditionally white appliances. Bright yellow, turquoise green, and soft pink made the kitchen a place of safety, comfort, and belonging.
Women could express their creativity and define their various identities as mothers, wives, and home-builders.
The 1960s saw coppertone, which has remained on the top list of favorite colors for many years. The ’70s brought naturals, the 80’s and 90’s returned whites, and with the new century came stainless steel. Today white remains a popular choice for kitchen appliances with stainless and black finishes.
On a practical note, a well-planned kitchen does not necessarily mean a triangle design nor one that is large and opulent with marble and stainless steel. According to Sara Kate Gillingham and Faith Duran of The Kitchn, what makes a perfect kitchen differs for each person. It depends on your needs and how you use your kitchen.
If you like to cook with friends, a kitchen with adequate counter space is more suitable than a galley kitchen, closed off from the living room. If you like to grill often, access to the outdoors is important. If you like to bake, a large surface is needed to roll out dough. Whether you shop daily or stock up on food for a month also determines the size of appliances necessary for a functional kitchen. The number of cooks in the home makes a difference too; with more help, more space is needed.
On a symbolic level, what does it signify that the kitchen has become a sign of wealth and status? Is it because more men are cooking than ever before? Is it because cooking has become a popular hobby? Seen as a source of leisure and pleasure?
As the kitchen design continues to evolve, it will continue to provide clues as to everyday living of Americans. The best one is one that encourages social gatherings and inspires your cooking.
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