What You Wanted to Know About Kitchen Design: Trends of the 1970s–1980s

Cyclical fashion today looks to the 1970s–1980s — a time of bold experiments with colors, forms, and materials. Together with the brand Gorenje, we tell you what made kitchens of that era unforgettable.

What do we know about this time? The 1970s–1980s are often called one of the wildest and rebellious eras of modernity. In fashion, disco and dance floor accessories were in vogue, freedom of self-expression, an abundance of decoration, and shine. Designers experimented with colors, forms, and materials. Furniture made from plastic and polypropylene gained popularity. Cardboard furniture first appeared: designer Frank Henry introduced the Wiggle Side Chair to the world. The legendary Ettore Sottsass created the Memphis group. Chairs, lamps, shelves, and other furniture from this creative collective became the face of the 1980s, such as Martinuzzi's Superlamp or Peter Shire's Bel Air chair. The trend for cosmic design was at its peak. Today, however, 'cosmic' household appliances, furniture, and lighting have become softer and more homely, with cold metallic color palettes diluted by blues, browns, and yellows. The patterns and motifs of this period are instantly recognizable by wavy lines, rainbow themes, and nostalgic color schemes featuring terracotta, orange, and brown tones. The recognizable patterns of the 1970s–1980s were influenced by the work of David Hicks and Werner Panton — iconic figures of that era.

Kitchens from the 1970s–1980s: Key Features

Generations of housewives in the past! Women living in large American and European cities began to build their careers. However, after work, they now had to prepare dinner while also keeping an eye on the kids and spending time with their husbands. How did these changes affect the layout of kitchens in the 1970s–1980s, and what else made the kitchens of that era distinctive?

Kitchens Joined to Living Rooms

This innovation was perhaps the most significant in the appearance of typical kitchens of that time. Small, isolated kitchens common in the 1950s were joined with living rooms to form spacious studio-style spaces. This trend was greatly supported by the appearance of powerful range hoods and improved ventilation systems.

Focus on Exclusive Design

By the 1970s, kitchens with modern