The 70s vibe we often imagine – light and airy – wasn’t quite the reality when it came to home decor. Instead, think chunky browns, burnt oranges, and of course, the ever-present avocado green.
We recently took a trip down memory lane with iconic objects from this decade, and this time, we’re turning up the heat – literally, with all the coffee makers and countertop appliances that made the 70s kitchen a technological marvel. But the 70s wasn’t just about function; it was about creating a space for family time.
Enter the iconic kitchen peninsula, complete with Formica counters and cabinets that doubled as homework desks and hors d’oeuvre stations. So, get ready for a dose of nostalgia as we delve into the unforgettable style of a 70s kitchen – dark woods, pops of rattan, and enough cookie jars to satisfy the sweetest tooth. Our 70s home tour begins now, and our first stop is the heart of the home: the kitchen.
The Timesaving (And Lifesaving) Original Crockpot
The 1970s were a busy time, and who had the energy to cook elaborate meals after a long day? The Crockpot was a lifesaver for families on the go. In the mornings, you could toss together a chicken casserole and throw it in the slow cooker before grabbing a quick piece of toast. By the time you got home before your parents, the house would be filled with the delicious aroma of a home-cooked meal – a comforting reminder that, even amidst a hectic schedule, a delicious and satisfying dinner was always possible.
The Kitchen Chatter With The Wall-Mounted Rotary Phone
The kitchen in the 1970s wasn’t just for cooking – it was the central hub for family life and gossip. A key part of this communication center was the wall-mounted rotary phone. You could chat with your friend Stacey while whipping up a pitcher of Tang, the long cord becoming an extension of your arm as you perched on a swivel stool.
That Ubiquitous Tupperware Pitcher
It was a staple in every 70s kitchen – the ubiquitous Tupperware pitcher. Whether you saw it at your grandma’s house or it graced your own fridge, chances are high it originated at a Tupperware party hosted by your mom. The functionality of that mysterious button on the lid remained a constant source of intrigue, but that didn’t stop anyone from pushing it with reckless abandon. Regardless, this trusty pitcher served up countless glasses of juice, becoming a silent (and slightly perplexing) witness to countless family meals.
The Greasy Wonder Of The Electric Skillet
The 1970s kitchen wouldn’t be complete without the iconic electric skillet. Whispers swirled about its uncanny ability to generate its own grease (a claim we can neither confirm nor deny), but one thing was certain: whatever emerged from its depths was guaranteed to be delicious. This versatile countertop marvel offered endless possibilities, from sizzling fajitas to gooey grilled cheese sandwiches.
The Enduring Oak Kitchen Set
The ubiquitous oak (or perhaps another sturdy wood) table and chairs were built to last, and chances are you (or someone you know) might still have this set gracing their kitchen. The chairs often sported a backrest with a vague resemblance to a pirate ship’s steering wheel, adding a touch of nautical whimsy.
Groovy Recipes, Questionable Cuisine
No 70s kitchen was complete without a shelf (or two) dedicated to cookbooks. While the recipes themselves might have promised culinary delights, the reality on the page was often a different story. Food photography in this era was, well, let’s say unrefined. Bland backgrounds, questionable close-ups, and a distinct lack of appetizing presentation made these cookbooks more time capsule than culinary inspiration.
A Collector’s Delight (or Mom’s Dismay)
Remember all those collectible spoons hanging on the wall at Grandma’s house? Well, in the 70s, the trend extended beyond grandma’s abode. Chances are, you had a few souvenir spoons gracing your own kitchen. These weren’t for decoration, though. Unlike Grandma’s collection, these were meant to be used, perhaps a bit too enthusiastically for your mom’s liking. Scooping up a bowl of Jell-O with a delicate souvenir spoon? Not exactly what Mom had in mind for those tourist treasures. Let’s just say, mealtimes could get interesting when collectible spoons were involved.
The Convenience of the TV Dinner
The iconic TV dinner, while not a creation of the 70s, became a staple during this decade. With more families adopting dual-income households, kids often found themselves needing to fend for themselves after school. The TV dinner is a convenient, self-contained meal that required minimal preparation and offered the bonus of catching your favorite show at the same time. These aluminum trays may not have won any culinary awards, but for busy families in the 70s, they were a lifesaver on nights when time was tight.
The Mysterious Electric Knife
The electric knife is a curious appliance that seemed to exist in a perpetual state of “just in case”. Despite warnings (real or imagined) about its potential to become a runaway cleaver, there was always one lurking in a dark corner of the cupboard. The truth is, most of us never actually witnessed this electric marvel in action. It remained a silent, slightly menacing enigma, a testament to the era’s fascination with technological innovation, even if its practicality remained questionable.
The Allure of Avocado Green Appliances
While the 70s décor leaned towards browns and oranges, a burst of color could often be found in the form of avocado green appliances. These, along with their butter yellow counterparts, were about the most vibrant elements you’d find in a 70s kitchen. Sure, they may not be the height of modern design, but these green appliances added a touch of personality and reflected the era’s embrace of bold colors.
The Multi-Tasking Electric Can Opener
The electric can opener was a jack-of-all-trades in the 70s kitchen. Sure, its primary function was effortlessly slicing through can lids. But its talents went beyond that. Many models boasted a built-in knife sharpener, keeping your blades restaurant-ready. And for some inexplicable reason, some also possessed the ability to generate the most ear-splitting grinding noise ever produced by a kitchen appliance.
Supersized Coffee Maker
The 70s kitchen wasn’t shy about supersized appliances, and the coffee maker was no exception. This was the era of the giant pot, capable of brewing enough coffee to jumpstart an entire army. It perfectly embodied the “bigger is better” mentality and the emphasis on family time. Whether it was fueling busy mornings or fueling late-night conversations, this dependable appliance was a cornerstone of the 70s kitchen, ensuring there was always a pot of coffee strong enough to wake the dead (or at least a sleepy teenager).
The Indestructible Pyrex Bowls
There’s a reason Pyrex bowls are synonymous with the 70s kitchen. These nesting wonders were practically indestructible. From mixing up a batch of brownies to storing leftovers, Pyrex bowls handled it all. Their versatility and durability made them a staple in every kitchen. And let’s not forget the iconic patterns – floral swirls, geometric designs, and the occasional rooster motif – that added a touch of cheerful personality to the countertop. Chances are, you might even have a few of these timeless treasures kicking around your kitchen today.
The 70s Kitchen One-Hit Wonder: Fondue Sets
The fondue set – a symbol of 70s dinner parties and questionable culinary choices. These elaborate contraptions, often fueled by flaming sterno, promised a night of melted cheese or chocolate dipping fun. Reality, however, often resulted in a single fondue experience, followed by a lifetime of the set taking up prime real estate on the counter. Its precarious position guaranteed a dramatic fall whenever someone reached for the more practical (and popcorn-producing) electric popper lurking behind it.
The Mighty Electric Popcorn Popper
The 70s kitchen boasted the electric popcorn popper, a hefty beast that felt like it weighed a ton and probably skirted the fire code. But oh, the popcorn it produced! This countertop marvel churned out fluffy, delicious kernels that put modern air-popped versions to shame (don’t even get us started on the flavor debate). The crowning touch? A dedicated butter compartment at the top, ensuring a perpetual coating of greasy, nostalgic goodness. Sure, it might not have been the healthiest option, but that buttery scent instantly transports you back to movie nights and family gatherings in the heart of a 70s kitchen.
The Mushroom Mania of the 70s Kitchen
Remember that hilarious “Put a Bird on It!” sketch from Portlandia? Well, in the 70s kitchen, it was all about “Put a Mushroom on It!” From cookie jars to lamps, these funky fungi seemed to sprout everywhere. Was it a nod to the psychedelic era? A premonition of Smurf Village? Whatever the reason, mushrooms became a ubiquitous motif, adding a whimsical and whimsical touch to the 70s kitchen.
Also The Owl Takeover On Decors
Well, there was another creature dominating the décor scene: the owl. These wise (or perhaps slightly kitschy) birds perched on everything from cookie jars to pot holders. It was the ultimate avian equivalent of “Put a Bird on It!” – only in this case, it was specifically owls. So, next time you see an owl-shaped kitchen accessory, take a moment to appreciate this delightful (and slightly bizarre) trend that hooted its way into the hearts (and kitchens) of the 70s.
Hanging with the Classics In Spider Plants and Macrame Planters
Step into a 70s kitchen and you might just find yourself gazing upwards. Suspended from the ceiling, often in front of the window, would be a cascade of green: the iconic spider plant. These easy-to-care-for beauties thrived in the warm, humid environment and added a touch of life to the space. But the real stars of this botanical show were the macrame plant hangers. These knotted masterpieces, crafted from thick cords, weren’t just functional – they were a true expression of the era’s love for handmade crafts.
That Old Peeling Formica Table
There’s nothing quite as synonymous with the 70s kitchen as a Formica countertop. And let’s be honest, what better way to test a child’s patience (and maybe express a little rebellion) than by meticulously peeling away at its edges? Those countertops may have been known for their durability, but they were no match for a determined youngster with a playtime project. In fact, the slow, satisfying peel might just be the most iconic pastime associated with these ubiquitous surfaces.
The Rattan Comfort While Chatting
The iconic wall-mounted phone wasn’t the only communication essential in a 70s kitchen. Often gracing the space alongside it would be a set of rattan furniture – a chair and perhaps a matching stool. These lightweight, natural-fiber pieces provided the perfect perch for catching up with friends on the phone. And if the swivel stool from the peninsula was feeling a little too stationary, you could always pull it over and chat away while adding some spins to your conversation.
The Flower Power That Clinged a Little Too Long
Floral wallpaper was the epitome of early 70s style, a vibrant explosion of blooms adorning kitchen walls. While it might have captured the spirit of the free-love era, its removal was anything but. This persistent wallpaper proved to be the ultimate test of adhesive strength, stubbornly clinging to walls well into the 80s. Despite its eventual (and much-needed) demise, floral wallpaper remains a symbol of the era’s bold design choices, a testament to a trend that, well, stuck around a little longer than welcome.
The The Unintentionally Iconic Linoleum Floor
While modern house flippers might shudder at the sight, very, very colorful linoleum floors were a hallmark of the 70s kitchen. These holdovers from the 50s and 60s were testaments to incredible durability, a quality that turned into a double-edged sword. Their tenacity to cling to the subfloor may not have been intentional, but it undeniably cemented them as a signature element of the era.