These days kitchen décor comes in all colors, sizes and eras. One fun way to decorate your kitchen is with a bit of 1940’s nostalgia. Painted cabinets, glass knobs, and vintage linens combined with new appliances that have a retro look can give you a unique and functional kitchen.

You can get a great 1940’s look without spending a bundle and still be able to fill your kitchen with some nice collectibles. Here’s some ideas on how you can get a 1940’s look in your kitchen.

Colors

Some popular colors from this era include jadeite and a red and white theme. You can find plenty of vintage accents to fill your kitchen for either one of these color schemes. Why not start a collection of jadeite that you can display in open cabinets as well as use for dishware? You can jazz the place up with vintage wooden handle gadgets that are painted jadite and cream. If you are going for the red and white theme, there are plenty of red vintage kitchen ware gadgets out there and vintage linens can really perk up the place. Another advantage of the red and white theme is you can also add in a fruit theme on top of it like apples or strawberries.

I would leave the walls a neutral color – white of off white so that it does not detract from all
your great accessories. Linoleum flooring in a checkerboard pattern would be perfect.
Some color coordinated throw rugs can add a bit of color to the floor and pull it all together.

Lighting

Simple lighting is best. You can buy vintage ceiling lights and wall sconces if you want a
really authentic look. Of course you’ll want to make sure you have enough task
lighting so some modern lights will have to be worked in. I suggest you make them as subtle as possible so they don’t look out of place.

Window Treatments

Use vintage curtains for your windows. You can buy them with complimentary colors and great patterns.
If you can’t find curtains make some out of vintage dish towels or tablecloths – you can buy tablecloths that have stains in 1 area pretty cheaply and then just use the good area for the curtains! If you are going with a red and white 1940’s kitchen decorating theme, you might want to pick either cherries or apples as a secondary theme and look for curtains with those fruits in the motif.

Furniture

Glass knobs will really jazz up your furniture and cabinets and add an authentic vintage look. If you have painted cabinets in either white or cream, try the green glass knobs. Your table and chairs should either be a chrome vintage style dinette (you can buy these new and you can still get vintage ones as well), or a vintage wooden style table with enamel top. If you can’t find either of these, you can buy any type table and hide it with a vintage tablecloth.

Accessories

Accessories for 1940’s style kitchens can be found in antique malls as well as bought brand new.
Soften up the room by hanging vintage tablecloths and tea towels around. Chrome appliances go well with this look as do the retro style appliances you can buy brand new these days. And don’t forget the vintage
breadbox and canisters – every kitchen had them on the counter and you can choose from chrome
or enamel in cream and green, or red and white to complete your look.

By: Lee Dobbins

Kitchen sinks are made from all kinds of materials, from enameled cast iron, porcelain on steel, vitreous china, natural stone, to stainless steel and more. Listed below are some of the most popular kitchen sink materials.

Stainless Steel Sinks – the neutral color for the kitchen and the most popular style of sink. Stainless steel works in both traditional and contemporary kitchens and they’ll complement your decor long after trendy colors are out of style. Some have integrated counter tops & larger, deeper bowls. Though it may scratch, it’s easy to clean with a household cleanser and soft towel. They won’t chip, nick, crack or rust, stain or fade. The sanitary surface is just one reason healthcare facilities use them. Finishes include a mirrored finish which is shiny and brushed or satin stainless which is less likely to show scratches. Some sinks come as a combination with a satin bowl and mirrored rim. Most stainless steel sinks are undercoated with a sound deadening material to reduce noise, inhibit condensation and provide for better heat retention.

Enameled Cast Iron Sinks are a solid cast iron base layered with a deep enamel surface. These sinks are extremely heavy and resist almost any type of structural damage. Due to their weight, these long-lasting sinks are a little more difficult to install. They do, however, provide for good heat retention and are quieter than other types of sinks.

Americast Sinks are a remarkable alternative that’s more durable and weighs half as much as traditional cast iron sinks. It’s insulation properties allow it to retain heat longer and emits less sound. Americast is American Standard’s patented process that bonds the high-quality porcelain enamel surface with an enameling grade metal and a molded reinforcement material backing. This strengthens the sink for normal use and the smooth surface is very appealing.

Vitreous China & Fireclay Sinks are a ceramic-based material with baked on porcelain; best recognized for its smooth and glossy finish. This type of sink is often referred to as a county or French country style. The material is impervious to water, very durable and is available in almost any color, including hand-painted and sculptured designs. Damage could occur if a heavy object is accidentally dropped into the sink. It is easy to clean and is germ-resistant.

Manmade Materials – Also called Engineered Stone, which is an authentic solid surface. Color and texture run all the way through and cannot wear away.

Copper Sinks – This style of sink adds uniqueness to the kitchen. Most copper sinks are crafted from the finest quality copper. This super-thick copper is hand-hammered, and formed into a work of art that adds a touch of class to any kitchen. Copper sinks have a living finish, their patina ages and improves over time, therefore it resists stains and other discoloration. They are also the healthier choice because bacteria cannot grow on copper. You can choose from a natural “weathered” copper or dark bronze for a warm dark look. They are offered in “natural” or polished and finished in satin nickel. Most copper sinks are heavy because of their extra-thick casting process. This enables a lifetime of use while absorbing noise and repelling dings and scratches.

By: Dan Auer