The 1950s were an iconic time in the US, full of boomerang tables, plastics and sleek new appliances. This unique time in American history will always be remembered for the unique styles making their way into the home during this decade. Not everyone has an affinity for the 1950s, but if you’re looking to redecorate your kitchen with an “I Love Lucy” theme or create a tiki-themed den, then there are definitely a few things that you’ll want to keep in mind to achieve the right retro ambiance in your home.

During the post-World War II years, American homes were populated with color TVs, patios, barbecues and a host of other luxury items. Pastels were in vogue: pinks and aquas and turquoise. “Pepto-Bismo Pink” graced many appliances and who would have resisted the temptation to buy dishtowels decorated with poodles and teapots? Sleek curves, clean lines and chrome accents graced appliances. Boomerang shapes and starburst clocks were all the rage as the space race began. It was a time when it seemed that everyone was looking to the future, and the future was “space aged”. In the living room, you can count on kidney-bean shaped ashtrays, double tier coffee tables, massive television sets, shag rugs and a whole host of other “futuristic” items.

In many neighborhoods the living room became the place for housewives to show off their decorating acumen. The proliferation of televisions in households meant that commercials were being beamed in nightly – the latest products, the latest appliances – kicking off a consumer culture that would only accelerate in the coming decades. Eames furniture was supplemented with TV trays and TV dinners. Other stylish designers included George Nelson, Florence Knoll and Harry Bertoia.

More open floor plans were complemented by angular, boxy designs. In the kitchen, brand new appliances gleamed with chrome accents, and countertops were layered with Formica. Furniture and tables were draped in vinyl and crafted from synthetic plastics. In some homes, and especially in living rooms, one might expect to see framed floral prints as well as stacked brick fireplaces. If the family was a bit more adventurous, they may include a few tropical or tiki influences, thanks to the tiki craze that had begun the previous decade and would continue through the 1960s.

What’s seen as retro now was once the future of the world. Martini in hand, a man in a Hawaiian shirt might have stood on his patio flipping burgers, or hosting a themed cocktail hour. It was a time of synthetics, plastics and pastels. These were iconic times in the United States. Although the 1950s are now more than half a century behind us, it seems that the style has kept up with the changing times. Today, retro, space-age and tiki styles seem more popular than ever. Many families seek out these “vintage” styles in an attempt to relive the Americana of the 1950s. They do say that what goes around comes around — so perhaps it is not all that surprising that these retro styles are experiencing a revival.

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Category: Home Management
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