History Of The Kitchen Sink - Will The Kitchen Survive In Homes of The Future?
The history of the kitchen sink et al
as we know it, probably began post 1944. After World War II (1939–1945), women became full-time, dedicated mothers and housekeepers.
Although much of the world was devastated, America boomed and the housewife became an important consumer. Kitchen makers gave these housewives their perfect dream kitchens.
Appliances were made in standardized sizes, so counters, stovetop, and sink were all originally at a standard height above the floor as were countertops.
Plug-in benchtop appliances — mixers, blenders, and toaster ovens derive their origins from the need for much welcomed time-saving devices. In every kitchen now were to be found paper towels, clear plastic wrap, and aluminum foil in cardboard containers adorned with pictures and advertising.
The composition and routines of the family were beginning to alter by the 1960s and the history of the kitchen sink et al changed accordingly.
Emboldened by the women's liberation movement, tertiary-educated women seized the opportunity to "have it all" — a career and a family. Mealtimes were no longer as formal as in the first half of the twentieth century, when the whole family originally gathered around the table at set times.
Now casual and often help-yourself meals and snacks from the well-stocked fridge-freezer were increasingly used as a quicker and easier alternative. Husbands sometimes shared household duties, often cooking meat — especially outdoors on a barbeque, the origins of which date back to the Stone Age!.
Other indispensible kitchen items were the sink - often a double bowl with a single mixer faucet, and a dishwasher. This started out as a status symbol and quickly found its way into over 50% of homes by the end of the century. Appliances came in white, and a few other colors.
By the last quarter of the twentieth century...
the history of the kitchen sink,et al changed as kitchens were designed as part of an open plan living / kitchen / dining area, where not only cooking but also other family activities — doing homework and watching television — took place.
Glass-fronted wall ovens in addition to stoves became familiar. The kitchen began to be designed ergonomically so that the users were considered, and appliances and built-ins were made with ease and comfort of use in mind.
Electric stoves had timed, self-cleaning ovens and modern tops were designed with flat, integrated surfaces for a quick and easy clean. As technology advanced in leaps and bounds, the high-tech kitchens of the 80's were filled with fashionable brushed steel appliances.
Convection ovens circulated heat evenly for greater efficiency. Workstations wetre focussed upon and the island in the center of the kitchen became a place for many activities as well as separating the kitchen from other areas. Often, a 'bar' was added.
Both partners cooked "gourmet" meals while entertaining guests. The versatile food processor took the place of gadgets for chopping, slicing, mixing, and grating. Microwave ovens, used for heating food more than for cooking, became universal.
The versatile food processor took the place of gadgets for chopping, slicing, mixing, and grating. Kitchens had recycling bins for metal, glass, plastic, and paper.
By 2000...
the kitchen was the area that 'sold' a home and appeal, functionality, efficiency and individuality became important.
A minimalist style was very popular in Europe and designers were thinking about sustainability and building eco-friendly kitchens.
So the history of the kitchen sink, et al, has been evolutionary and reflects an adaptation to the changing needs of families.
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