Returning soldiers, and the subsequent baby boom, drove new housing construction to record levels. New-found prosperity meant money to spend; and homes were decorated with paint, wallpaper, carpeting and upholstered furniture in bright fabrics.

Primary colors were used throughout the house...

Home interiors took a turn towards modern, with open floor plans, sleeker furnishings and paint colors like glorious "Flamingo."

Evening wear was elegant and glamorous; fabrics were sumptuous and full bodied, with a polished look.

The mid-1940's kitchen was dominated by tile, linoleum floors, painted cabinets, glass knobs, bright colorful linens and bold primary colors. Navy blue, cherry red, sunny yellow and Kelly green were the colors of choice. Kitchen textiles featured fruits and/or gingham. Breadboxes and canisters of colorful enamel were both fun and functional. Kromax Ware pots and pans, glass Pyrex cookware and Sunbeam Mixmasters were kitchen staples, as were metal cookie cutters, and kitchen gadgets with cream & green or red & white painted handles.

The 1950's kitchen typically featured an open floor plan, pastel colors, a Formica counter and lots of chrome. Meals were most likely served on Melmac or Corning Cornflower dinnerware. Kitchen linens featured chefs, roosters, kitchen utensils, teapots and coffee pots. Turquoise, aqua, pale pink and yellow were standard kitchen colors. Souvenir tablecloths, novelty salt & pepper shakers and Holt Howard condiment jars were plentiful. In-home Tupperware demonstrations brought the product into kitchens across the country. Cookie jars were whimsical (and always full.)

Whether you prefer the bold colors of the mid to late 40's, the soft pastels of the 50's, or opt for a bit of each, we have plenty of hand-picked affordable retro kitchen accessories and vintage textiles for you to choose from.