12 Things You’d Only See in a 1960s Kitchen

Kitchens in the 1960s were full of color, charm, and clever designs that reflected the optimism of the time. Bright appliances, bold wallpaper, and unique furniture gave every kitchen its own personality. Many of these items feel nostalgic now, showing how much home life has changed.

1. 1. Harvest-gold refrigerator

The harvest-gold or avocado-green refrigerator was a hallmark of 1960s kitchens, signalling modernity and colour in a time of bold interiors. It replaced the plain white cold box and made a visual statement. Many families treated the appliance as a focal point of the room rather than a background item. Today, seeing one stands out because it feels like a time capsule of kitchen décor.

2. 2. Knotty-pine cabinetry

Cabinets made of knotty pine were very common in mid-century kitchens, giving spaces a rustic yet modern look. The visible wood knots and warm tones contrasted with the slick laminates that were emerging at the time. Seeing original knotty-pine kitchen cabinetry today evokes a strong sense of the era’s taste and material choices.

3. 3. Bold geometric wallpaper

Kitchens in the 1960s embraced bold geometric and boomerang-style wallpaper designs, bringing visual energy into the space. Designers recognized that the kitchen could be not only functional but also lively and expressive. In modern homes, the effect would feel overwhelming, which is why these wallpapers today serve as clear signals of a 1960s setting.

4. 4. Solid-color laminate countertops

Laminate countertops in a single vibrant colour were key to kitchen design in the 1960s, providing bright, affordable surfaces. The practicality of laminate meant it could be easily updated, making kitchens feel new and clean. Today, such bright solid laminate surfaces feel retro instantly because modern kitchens favour neutral or stone finishes.

5. 5. Eye-level double ovens

Some kitchens in the 1960s featured eye-level double ovens and a separate stovetop, allowing cooking at a more comfortable height. The built-in design reflected changing cooking habits and more technology moving into the home. These ovens now look distinctly vintage because design and ergonomics have moved on significantly.

6. 6. Wall-mounted rotary-dial phone

A wall-mounted rotary dial telephone in the kitchen was once common in 1960s homes, providing a link between the home’s social life and its cooking space. Because mobile phones and cordless handsets replaced them, the sight of rotary phones in a kitchen now feels nostalgic and unusual. Its presence reminds us how kitchens doubled as social zones, not just food prep rooms.

7. 7. Metal roll-top bread box

The metal roll-top bread box was a staple in many 1960s kitchens, keeping loaves fresh while adding decorative detail to the counter. It spoke to a time when bread was often bought in loaves and stored on the countertop rather than in the fridge or freezer. In today’s kitchens, the bread box has largely disappeared, replaced by more hidden storage or built-in pantries.

8. 8. Avocado-green appliances

Avocado-green colored appliances became wildly popular in the latter part of the 1960s, marking a shift away from the bright pure colours of early ‘60s kitchens. This hue blended with the era’s growing interest in earth tones and natural materials. While fashionable at the time, the color now signals a very specific historical period.

9. 9. Built-in can and storage drawers

Kitchens in the 1960s often included built-in storage drawers designed specifically for canned goods and kitchen supplies, reflecting the era’s focus on integrated design. These drawers were part of the tidy, efficient layout that homeowners aspired to. Today, shelves or hidden cabinets are preferred in many kitchens.

10. 10. Kitchen-side television set

Some 1960s kitchens even featured a small television set mounted near the cooking area, allowing families to keep an eye on shows while preparing meals. That setup shows how the kitchen was being redefined not just as a workspace but as a family gathering space. It remains a fun reminder of how entertainment and household tasks were merging in that decade.

11. 11. Built-in cocktail bar niche

A built-in cocktail bar or liquor cabinet inside or adjacent to the kitchen was a style choice in many 1960s homes, signaling leisure as much as cooking. It reflected the social aspirations of the era, when entertaining at home became more common and stylish. Nowadays, the idea of a kitchen cocktail nook still exists, but feels more of a retro homage than original design.

12. 12. Plastic moulded child-proof chairs

Kitchens of the 1960s often included plastic moulded chairs or stools for casual dining, chosen for their durability and ease of cleaning. These chairs reflected the growing importance of informal family meals rather than formal dining rooms. Today, such chairs are either collectible or reinterpreted in retro design schemes, but they capture a distinct kitchen-culture moment.

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• 1960s kitchen
• retro appliances
• vintage kitchen
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