Kitchen design and function have come a long way since the early 1900s. What was once a hidden space reserved only for cooking, has now become the most important room of the home.

Take a journey with us as we delve into the evolution of kitchen design of the past 100 years and consider where the next 100 will take us.

1910s – 1920s

In the early 1900s kitchens were a secluded space tucked away in the back of the home. Its primary function was solely for preparing and cooking food, dining and entertaining was held in a separate room located off of the kitchen. Refrigerators were known as “iceboxes” and appliances were stripped down with basic functions,  and wood stoves had minimal cooking options with no reliable temperature control features.

1930s – 1940s

During the housing boom that took place post-WWII, there was an increased emphasis on the design of the home and demand for technology in the kitchen. During this era, the kitchen was revolutionized with new refrigeration options that offered increased  storage space and ovens that were integrated with hot plates for stovetop cooking. The idea of the “fitted” kitchen became a popular concept and appliances began to be built-in to the cabinetry for a seamless and organized look.

1950s – 1970s

As innovations in technology and design quickly evolved, the kitchen started to transform into the hub of the home. As new homes were being built, the placement of the kitchen moved from the back of the home to the center and was no longer closed off to dining and living areas. Homeowners were opting for bold design choices, selecting whimsical wallpaper for backsplashes, unique linoleum flooring and the iconic wood-look cabinetry we’ve all come to love. During this time, appliances were also advancing to include added cooking options and features that made meal prep easier.

1980s

“Bigger is better” was a major theme of the 1980s and of course kitchens followed this movement. A trend for larger homes added square footage in the kitchen allowing for more countertop space, larger eating nooks and room for entertaining. With all this extra space, islands and peninsulas quickly became a staple in kitchen design. This provided the opportunity for additional seating and multi-functional use of the kitchen which allowed families to spend more time together in this space.

The addition of multiple cooking appliances was also popular during the late 1980s. Wall ovens paired with cooktops or kitchen ranges provided homeowners the option to cook more than one dish at a time, reducing the time it took to cook a meal.

1990s – 2010s

By the mid-1990s, the kitchen had officially been dubbed the heart of the home. The idea of the gourmet kitchen took off during these years with pro-style appliances like Verona Appliances ranges, cooktops, built-ins and ventilation hoods.

Through the late 90s and into the early aughts, luxury details such as granite countertops, tiled flooring, and dark cabinetry brought a polished and modern feel to the center of the home. Stainless steel was the trending finish for all kitchen appliances and accents thanks to its durability and ease of maintenance.

As the age of the internet defined the late 2000s and 2010s, technology was becoming a more prevalent in the home, smart devices were being introduced in the kitchen and the design of appliances was becoming more streamlined for a sleek and futuristic look.

2020 and Beyond

As the role of the home dramatically shifted in 2020, so did the function of the kitchen. Now a home office, classroom, dining room, utility space and so much more, the kitchen serves a much greater purpose.

The need for customization and personalization in this space has become a top priority in the progression of residential design. Verona Appliance’s innovative Designer Range Builder allows homeowners to customize their range by finish, fuel type for a look that fits their personal space and the brand-new Kitchen Suite combines a collection of pro-style appliances to craft a custom design that always looks pulled together.

If your kitchen looks like it belongs in a past era and an update is seriously needed, Verona Appliance offers an extensive catalog of appliances, accessories and tools to transform your space for the modern age.

All of our ranges and hoods are available in a myriad of sizes, finishes, and cooking options to meet the needs of kitchens of all layouts.

We’re excited to see where the future of kitchen design takes us and what’s to come in the next 100 years!

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