Category: 1940s

1940s Kitchen Wallpaper

Post author By Vintage
Post date 25th October 2022

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.

In the 40s, Britain underwent total transformation. Every single person was affected by World War II, and almost everybody played an active role. You’ll know about the Land Girls for example, pioneering women who were posted to work on the land to make sure food did not need to be imported, and the UK was self-sufficient.

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.

We Can Do It poster — We Can Do It, said Rosie the Riveter – and she 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.

1940s

Evacuee Suitcases – Why We Love Them

Post author By Vintage
Post date 29th August 2013

Vintage evacuee suitcase

A past worth respecting

The evacuee suitcase is a reminder of a time in our history when thousands of British children experienced travel, adventure, discovery and growing up. For many kids their case was their only possession apart from the clothes they stood up in. Their life’s most treasured items – clothes, a book or two, some family photos and keepsakes, were packed into the case, and sent with them off an adventure far away from home.

Makes of evacuee suitcase

Papworth
Rodney
Pioneer

From 1939 as many as 3.5 million people were evacuated to the rural “reception” areas of Britain, and some went abroad as far as Canada and Australia, risking extreme danger on their sea journey. For all children it was a bewildering time, full of concern and homesickness, but tinged with some excitement too.

Unforgettable times

Many older people remember their evacuee years as a joyful time. My mother-in-law was evacuated to South Wales, and spent four happy years on a farm being well looked-after, playing in green fields, and discovering how farms and country life worked. She learnt how to milk cows, harvest apples and collect eggs. Unlikely skills for a London schoolgirl!

For many children evacuation was a time of enforced “growing up” and toughening up. Sometimes the new outsiders were bullied at their new schools, placed with families they hated, and generally made to feel unwelcome and burdensome.

Along with the gasmask and identity label, the evacauee suitcase is perhaps the most striking and evocative emblem of those times. It can provide a link to a past we shouldn’t forget. Carrying an evacuee suitcase as you go about your daily business is a kind of dressing-up game, with a slightly serious side. But aside from that, they are super-cool and really incredibly useful and desirable.

Styles and types

Your typical evacuee case is a simple brown leather case of plain, durable and rugged construction. It will have reinforced corner pieces and locking catches. If you buy one make sure the key hasn’t been lost!

Almost invariably the condition bears witness to their interesting history. They tend to be scuffed and marked, with a patina from years of usage or storage. Makes them all the more beautiful and desirable.

The inside is often paper or cardboard-lined and they don’t tend to have masses of compartments for pens and pencils and notebooks like today’s briefcases. If your case happens to have its owner label still intact or a name written inside, treat this as a bonus.

Don’t limit your imagination to using a vintage suitcase as a suitcase! They are frequently used for “shabby chic” storage of linen, sheets or clothes. They can also be upcycled in imaginative ways. Why not install a shelf, and make your suitcase into a bathroom cabinet? Or maybe a fold-down desk, when attached to a wall. They make amazing treasure chests – storage for toys and games. How about using your vintage suitcase to store postcards and birthday cards – or maybe even love letters?

These suitcases are valued today for lots of good reasons. Evacuee suitcases sell from £20 to £100 (average price about £40), depending on quality and condition.

Why we love them

The most obvious use is as a briefcase – perfect for carting about all your office papers and general work stuff. Needless to say they also make superb travel cases. They’re easy to stow in train and aeroplane stowage holders. They look fantastic on train platforms and ship gangways. They generally have comfortable leather handles. Corners are well armoured with tough leather or metal protectors.

These suitcases are valued today for lots of good reasons. Evacuee suitcases sell from £20 to £100 (average price about £40), depending on quality and condition.

1940s 1960s 1970s Home Kitchen

Vintage Kitchenware

Post author By Vintage
Post date 29th August 2013

Vintage sugarbowl

Classic simplicity

In the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s is that practicality was the aim of the game; it wasn’t about fancy gadgets that would be used once or twice. In the post-war era, kitchenware was built to last, not be used for a year or two and replaced. Some of those designs were so good they became style icons in their own right.

How many people have been into Grandma’s and found a 1950’s Swan colander? Beats your vulgar plastic version purchased from the local supermarket hands down, right?? And the plastic version probably only has a year or so left on its shelf life, whilst Grandma’s is hitting the mid-sixties age range.

In the grand scheme of good vintage brands, Swan is right up there for quality and reliability, and they produced everything from jelly moulds, jam pans, aluminium kettles, enamel pans and teapot sets amongst other things. Swan is possibly the Daddy of vintage kitchenalia and went on to be some of the first manufacturers to produce the toaster and a kettle containing an element as well as develop the world famous ‘Teasmade’ alongside co-subsidiary, Goblin.

The 1950s kitchen

The style: open-plan, fitted kitchens.
Brighter colours, greater convenience and great utility were the hallmarks of the 50s kitchen. Rounded “bubble” corners on shelving and doors.
The palette: bright pastel greens, blues and oranges.
New materials: linoleum, PVC and Formica began trending.
Influences: American diners, pop culture
The look: chequerboard lino flooring. Open plan. Chrome and plastic stacking chairs. Polka dot curtains.

Another key appliance of vintage kitchenalia that is conjured up in the mind’s eye is the big electric mixer, usually produced by Kenwood and absolutely screams 50’s housewife. The majority of these appliances left on the market are still in good working order, look great and are a hell of a lot cheaper than their modern counterparts.

A set of Salter scales is another great idea for a kitchen going for a throwback look. Known for their accuracy, these scales often sell for more than a brand new set from a department store, but their look and resilience to last through the decades makes the benefits of owning a vintage set of Salter scales far outweigh the pros for buying a new set, pardon the pun …

To demonstrate the style of the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s, Sadler is a brand to certainly look into. Their teapots, creamers, storage jars and sugar basins amongst other things certainly span the decades. Whether it be the somewhat brash colourings of the 60’s, the fun look of the 50’s or that smidge of chintz that the 40’s offered, a Sadler piece will be out there somewhere.

Unlike many moons ago, in this day and age, people can afford to spend money without worrying whether what they are buying has a practical implication, so opting to spend a few pounds on vintage tea tins such as Twinings, Tetley, Lyons and Typhoo is another option for a proper vintage look.

The key to combining vintage kitchenalia with a modern kitchen is playing around and choosing the right things, so that the overall look doesn’t become tacky or gimmicky but still manages to throw in some great nostalgia.

1950s kitchen — The 50s kitchen – bright colours, rounded corners, checkerboard flooring.

You can’t have missed the trend for injecting vintage chic with kitchenalia that throws back to the golden years of classic design. The kitchen is the heart of the home, so it’s well worth putting some thought into getting it just right. It’s easier than you might think. Any kitchen can be transformed using a few well-chosen vintage/retro objects. You don’t have to pay the earth – second-hand or refurbished items are just as good as brand new. It’s all about what you choose.

What To Look For In Vintage Kitchenware

1920s 1940s 1960s Art Deco Furniture Home

Vintage Furniture Trends

Post author By Jamie Banning
Post date 19th August 2013

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Give your home the stylish vintage look

Everyone loves the revived look that interiors and exteriors take on in preparation for the much welcomed summer months. However, a spring clean is often the precursor to a bigger decorating make-over, and it could be one that involves a totally new feel and look to a home. Deciding on a style can be fun – you get an excuse to spend time leafing through glossy design magazines and visit stylish websites. It’s the best way to get ideas and draw inspiration when you want to revamp a home with well-chosen vintage furniture.

Many of us live in houses built in the Victorian or Edwardian eras, and want to recreate some of the atmosphere those early owners of the properties might have enjoyed. But you don’t need to go vintage right down to carpets and cushions. A better idea is to spend your budget on a small number of larger pieces – maybe a desk, set of chairs, wardrobe or dresser – and stick with modern materials with vintage designs for the carpets, curtains and soft furnishings.

The vintage look is a popular trend that’s stood the test time. If well thought through, vintage can add a certain cachet to a home. It’s possible to create a luxurious or cosy retro feel in your living room, kitchen or even bathrooms – think sumptuous copper bath tub surrounded by Biba style Kentia palms. Even on a small budget, it’s possible to achieve a great vintage look and have fun doing it too! To get started it’s a good idea to know about some of the main eras of vintage style.

1930s Appeal

The thirties were a very stylish decade, and about as far back as you can go before you’re in the realm of “antique”. You may want to create a Poirot-style opulent Agatha Christie ambiance. Or recreate a Jeeves and Wooster living room. Twenties and thirties furniture was characterised by clean lines, practical thinking, and a thoroughly “modern” break from the cluttered past of over-decorated Victoriana. Think bird’s eye maple desks, sumptuous walnut bedroom suites and for the lounge, think leather tub chairs paired with a Marcel Breuer style chrome chair or two. Geometric carpets and fabrics add the all important finishing touch.

Sedate Post War Trends

The post-war era brought austerity to Britain, and practicality and “built-to-last” was the uppermost in designer’s minds. It’s possible to find brilliantly made English retro furniture – Utility being one of the companies that in its heyday produced masses of utilitarian furniture. Although not to everyone’s taste back then, it’s enjoying a revival in these modern times. The great thing about retro English furniture is that because much of it had been overlooked up until recent times, it is more affordable than some Scandinavian vintage furniture that’s around.

Fifties Revival & Sixties Style

The fifties were pretty austere times for most – yet the 1951 Festival of Britain saw innovative furniture designs and futuristic objects that today, are extremely collectable. Companies like Metamec made stylish, colourful clocks whilst glassware was ultra kitsch – especially the Italian coloured glass fish that adorned many 1950’s fashionable homes. Today, the glassware is getting more and more collectible.

After the war, furniture makers like the Morris Furniture Group, began producing innovative designs. They were the brainchild of Neil Morris, son of the company’s founder. He pioneered fascinating new shapes for chairs and tables using the latest wood technology in laminated woods. Later, in the sixties, Neil Morris won awards for the now extremely collectible Bambi chair and Clouds occasional tables. Today, these items are snapped up when they appear on the market.

Other furniture makers of the time were Ercol, E Gomme, the company that produced G-Plan. Then there was Stag’s C-Range and later the Minstrel range of furniture, all of which is much sought after by people who want to recreate that retro look in the modern day home

The Scandinavian Influence

By the sixties, Scandinavian furniture makers began to make their mark all over the world. Again, furniture designs were innovative with teak and rosewood being a popular choices of wood. The teak Danish sideboard is one of the most popular vintage items of furniture today.

Sourcing retro furniture is that much easier with the advent of the Internet and it’s great fun deciding on which style to go for. There’s a heap of choices from furniture made out of exotic laminate woods to solid teak, rosewood. Then ther are the bentwoods made famous by the likes of Thonet and Alvar Aalto. It’s just a question of sitting down and deciding which would suit your lifestyle and budget. Then the fun really begins as you start sourcing the vintage furniture you want – not forgetting the all important retro objects too!

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1920s entrance hallway

The Jeeves and Wooster interior style

The FiftyFive armchair by Gplan Vintage

1950s living room

1940s interior

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