Art Deco/1930's kitchensThere is some distinction to be made between what is commonly understood as "Art Deco", and the more humble 1930's suburban house. The latter was a more modest building, and the kitchen was still fairly primitive. The sink would almost certainly be china, still on brick pillars (though some were placed over a simple cupboard) with a wooden draining board. The cooker would be gas or electric, and there would be either a free-standing cupboard (see the ELF 1930's unit) and a kitchen table, or a built-in unit comprising various cupboards, shelves and drawers.
The Art Deco kitchen too was fairly simple, certainly compared with the rest of the house. Remember that at this time most people, even of modest means had hired help and therefore didn't invest in luxury in the kitchen. There may have been a rudimentary fitted kitchen, though the sink was often still a china one on brick pillars, and the cooker relatively primitive. In a large room there may have been a "modern" 1930's Aga.
The fitted kitchen, with streamlined surfaces and labour-saving devices only really came into being in the 1950's and 60's when the middle classes, no longer able to afford or find paid help, were forced to enter the kitchen and take over the task of food preparation and storage.
We design and make Art Deco/1930's kitchens to suit your house. We also produce a free-standing 1930's unit, and supply the excellent Phoenix kits for cookers. Please email us to discuss your requirements.
The kitchen pictured was made by ELF, and completed with table and stools by Kim Selwood. With thanks to KB for her photo of the kitchen brought to life with a wonderful selection of Art Deco accessories.
Please click on photos for more information and further images
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