Interior of the ’50s American Houses Through Amazing Kodachrome Slides
The 1950s was a decade that brought massive changes into the homes of Americans. The post-World War II era was a prosperous time for most middle-class families. They experienced an evolution in everyday life, replacing their apartments and their lifestyles in the city for a cozy home in the suburbs.
Dynamic and vibrant designs started to appear, influenced by science, space exploration, and innovations in technology. The colors, furnishings, and designs were modern and futuristic combined with the classic All-American appeal.
The architectural characteristics of homes also changed in the 1950s. Houses were smaller than in the pre-War period. Open-plan living was introduced, and the fitted kitchen was part of every household, making the housewife’s work a lot easier.
Popular color trends for the interior design of contemporary-style homes of the 1950s were pastels, modern and Scandinavian color schemes.
These amazing Kodachrome slides from Flickr members show what the interior of American houses looked like in the 1950s.
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July 2, 2021 @ 3:37 pm
Brought back memories, especially of 40’s and early 50’s, of how we were always dressing up when: having family visits, going grocery shopping, doctor/dentist appointments, going to the bank, attending church meant wearing a hat and gloves for most women and of course nylons.
Casual attire was for outdoors.
I was allowed to get my first pair of Wrangler jeans when I graduated from grade school in 1953. Also got a blue denim jacket and got rid of my curls for a new DA haircut. My mother said I could get new clothes and a new hairdo, not knowing what my choices would be. My dad came home from work and asked who the new boy was, then said he liked my new hair style. My mother was appalled.
How could our mothers have thought those awful floral drapes or upholstered furniture looked good with patterned wall paper. Decorating is one thing that I think has improved immensely through the years. My mother didn’t like plastic flowers, so we were at least spared that decor disaster.
I have a plastic bin full of Kodak slides my dad took through the years. I wonder if my old projector still works; my old screen is gone, but I could hang a white sheet and have fun reminiscing, along with nostalgic moments seeing family and friends that have been long gone.
The one thing that my friends and I agree on is that we were fortunate to grow in the 40’s and 50’s.
July 2, 2021 @ 1:50 pm
Great shots
I remember some of those floral curtains
Early American furniture , no clutter
Plastic flower arrangements. Parents drank Martinis, father wore clear nail Polish .