100 Years of Kitchens: How Brighton Stays Ahead of Design Trends

April 1, 2025 3:27 pm
Published by Brighton Homes

From utilitarian spaces hidden away from guests to the open-concept heart of the home, kitchens have seen a dramatic transformation over the past century. Let’s take a decade-by-decade journey through kitchen design and see how far we’ve come—and how Brighton continues to lead the way in forward-thinking design.

🕰 1920s – The Workhorse Kitchen

Kitchens in the 1920s were all about function. Tucked away from the rest of the home, they featured freestanding cabinetry, wood or coal stoves, and iceboxes. Efficiency was key, but style took a backseat.

Photo Credit: Underwood Archives / Getty Images

🕰 1930s – The Birth of the Modern Kitchen

Influenced by the Great Depression, the 1930s kitchen saw built-in cabinetry become more common, and appliances like refrigerators started to replace the icebox. Metal cabinets were popular, and color schemes shifted toward cheerful pastels to brighten up the space.

Photo Credit: H. Armstrong Roberts / Getty Images

🕰 1940s – Utility with Warmth

World War II influenced design with rationing and practicality, but post-war homes brought a warmer feel. Linoleum floors, electric ovens, and more cohesive cabinetry were introduced. The kitchen became slightly more welcoming but was still mostly separate from living areas.

Photo Credit: FPG / Getty Images

🕰 1950s – The Heart of the Home

The post-war boom and rise of suburban living brought vibrant colors, chrome finishes, and the famous “work triangle” layout for efficiency. Kitchens became more open, with space for casual dining and family interaction.

Photo Credit: Tom Kelley Archive / Getty Images

🕰 1960s – Groovy + Bold

The 1960s embraced bold color palettes (think avocado green and mustard yellow), laminate countertops, and the rise of electric appliances. Kitchens began to reflect the homeowners’ personalities more than ever before.

Photo Credit: Heritage Images / Getty Images

🕰 1970s – Open Concept Emerges

Wood paneling, darker tones, and larger appliances dominated this decade. The open concept was introduced to allow for easier entertaining, and islands started to make their debut.

Photo Credit: H. Armstrong Roberts / Getty Images

🕰 1980s – High-Tech + High Style

Technology took a front seat in the ’80s with microwaves and dishwashers becoming standard. Oak cabinetry, white tile counters, and boxy fluorescent lighting became common, blending function and style in new ways.

🕰 1990s – Neutral Simplicity

The ’90s leaned into beige and natural wood tones, with solid surface countertops gaining popularity. Kitchens were still semi-closed but often had a pass-through to the dining or family room for convenience.

Photo Credit: ClassicStock / Getty Images

🕰 2000s – The Open Kitchen Reigns

Open-concept design hit its stride in the 2000s, with kitchens merging into great rooms. Granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and bar-height seating defined the decade.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

🕰 2010s – Sleek + Smart

Minimalism met innovation with quartz countertops, touchless faucets, and smart appliances. Shaker cabinets and subway tile became timeless staples, and islands turned into multi-functional hubs.

2017 Parade of Homes Showcase Home | Brighton Homes

🕰 Today + Tomorrow – Where Brighton Comes In

At Brighton, we know the kitchen is more than just a place to cook—it’s where life happens. That’s why we design kitchens that not only reflect today’s best trends but are built to grow with the future. Here’s how:

• Timeless Materials: We use high-quality Greyloch cabinetry and durable quartz countertops that are both beautiful and built to last.
• Smart Functionality: Our floorplans are designed with optimal flow, oversized islands, and walk-in pantries that support everyday life and entertaining.
• Energy-Efficient Appliances: Brighton homes feature premium stainless-steel appliances that combine sleek aesthetics with powerful performance.
• Neutral, Flexible Palettes: We prioritize classic finishes that allow buyers to personalize their space, avoiding fleeting fads that quickly feel dated.

2024 Great Homes Tour Showcase Home | Brighton Homes

The Next 100 Years…

The kitchen may have changed a lot over the past 100 years, but it’s always been the heart of the home. And at Brighton, we’re proud to continue designing kitchens that honor that tradition while leading the way forward.

Ready to see what the next 100 years of kitchen design looks like? Explore our available homes or visit a model today and experience the Brighton difference.

Categorized in: DESIGN TRENDS

This post was written by Brighton Homes