If you’re a fan of retro style, you’ll love the 1940s kitchen wallpaper patterns that are back in fashion. These colourful designs feature classic motifs like flowers and paisleys, and they add a touch of nostalgia to any room. You can use them to create an accent wall or to dress up a plain backsplash. So if you’re looking for a way to add some vintage flair to your kitchen, check out these stylish wallpaper designs.
Whilst society underwent transformation so did gender roles, with 36% of women in work – many of whom were enlisted into factory and agricultural jobs.
Not a time to be thinking much about decorating the kitchen wall, you might think. But what never ceases to amaze about WW2 is that folks somehow managed to stay cheerful – and this was reflected in their choices for interiors.
By the end of the war, austerity was the order of the day and styles were muted. The mood was subdued but resolute. “Make do and mend” was the motto.
With Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters crooning from the radio, women kept the nation’s spirits up with wholesome, unfussy food and built their families with love and great care, savouring each day as it came, whilst saving every penny and making everthing count. “We Can Do It”, said the poster, and it was right.
The 1940s kitchen colour palette is one of mint greens, creams and blacks, plain wooden furniture and scrubbed tiles.
Everything needed to be fresh and clean, if not antiseptic.
Kitchens needed to be practical and were used for many purposes, from cooking to washing, ironing, eating and as a central point for the family to gather.
Fridges were in, but electrical gadgets such as microwaves and air fryers were still a long way off.
This sugar bowl sums up the 40s palette. Greens, dark browns and creams were the palette of the decade.
The 1940s kitchen colour palette: cream backgrounds, botanical greens, rich reds, browns and duns.
Most kitchens were not wallpapered, but simply painted in single tones or tiled. Partly because kitchens back then were generally steamier places than they are today. There were fewer extractor fans and kettles, boiling vegetables (not microwaved), washing and ironing all produced steam in vast quantities that would run down the wall and condense on cold windows.
Folks would even boil their knickers on the hob when a washing machine wasn’t available. (“Granny, why are you cooking your pants?”)
But when they were papered, patterns with muted colours were favoured. Small patterns such as botanicals would be favoured over garish patterns. Fruit and flower motifs were especially popular, but in subdued tones and styles. This was a time of humility, not self-indulgence.
To get the 1940s look you’ll want to focus on simple practicality and good quality. This was not a throwaway decade and money was tight. Reflect this with high-quality kitchen goods and wallpapers that will last a long time.
If you’re looking to add some retro flair to your kitchen, consider choosing a 1940s kitchen wallpaper style. This type of wallpaper can be found in a variety of styles and designs, so you’re sure to find something that fits your taste. Plus, it’s a great way to add some unique style to your space.
By the end of the decade, the nation’s mood was lifting a little bit. Although rationing did not fully end until 1954, but the 50s it was clear that the UK’s economy was on the up, and wages rose, men went back to work, and new houses were built in bombed-out cities.
This was reflected in our interiors, with brighter colours coming in and new gadgets cropping up. So if your thing is late 1940s, you’ll want to include some eye-popping colours here and there, whilst retaining the basic sturdy and clean look and feel.
In summary:
- The 1940s were a time of transformation in Britain.
- Gender roles changed during this time, with more women working outside the home.
- The mood was subdued but resolute, and the motto was “make do and mend.”
- The kitchen colour palette of the 1940s consisted of mint greens, creams, and blacks.
- Kitchens were used for many purposes beyond cooking, such as washing and ironing clothes.
- By the end of the decade, the nation’s mood was lifting a bit as rationing came to an end and wages rose.
- For wallpaper styles go for small, detailed florals and botanicals with washed out and muted colours such as browns and greens.