The American Kitchen: From Bland to Beloved

We now know the kitchen as the heart of the American home—a place for cooking, eating, socializing, relaxing, even kids’ homework or crafts. But just over a century ago, the kitchen was a drab, no-frills workspace for food preparation and little else. How did the kitchen evolve from forgotten space to home centerpiece?

Major advancements in technology and changes in design morphed the kitchen into the gathering place we know and love today. The first changes in the kitchen began in the 1920s, according the Architectural Digest. This is when home appliances became freestanding and more widely available. Gas and electricity brought cleanliness and convenience, replacing the smoky fireplaces that were previously a necessity. Decorative elements like small rugs and color cabinets began popping up in kitchens, too.

Over the years, innovative appliances like the built-in wall oven and refrigerators with storage in the door made cooking easier and faster, taking some of the drudgery out of food preparation. Appliances even came in colors like mint green and pink, and homeowners began displaying their china—turning the kitchen into a showcase rather than an afterthought. In the 1950s, kitchens moved to the front of homes so they became accessible to the living room and more of a social space.

Fast-forward to the 1990s, and the first versions of the much-loved, large open-concept kitchen were introduced. The style grew in popularity as kitchens developed into how we know them today: multi-purpose rooms for entertaining and family time.

Expert studies have proven the physical and emotional benefits of families cooking, eating and spending time together, so it’s no surprise that the kitchen has become such an important place for many families. What may be surprising is that the many appliances and utilities we use each day had a vital role in that transformation.