Recipe for Success: A History of the Modern Australian Kitchen
How the kitchen has evolved from the Cinderella room of the house to be the hub of contemporary home life
Rebecca Gross
8 August 2015
Design writer and historian. I write about contemporary architecture and design, and I study cultural history through the lens of architecture, design and visual culture. I have a Masters in the History of Decorative Arts and Design from Parsons The New School for Design, New York. My latest book is called "Ornament is not a crime: Contemporary Interiors with a postmodern twist."
Design writer and historian. I write about contemporary architecture and design,... More
Impacted by rapid technological and social change, the Australian kitchen has evolved during the last century from a place of simple functionality to a room with multi purposes. Historically, domestic kitchens were a place of hard work. Without electricity or gas, refrigeration or running water, they were dark, smelly, hot and uncomfortable. They certainly weren’t the social spaces, or indeed the potential ‘selling point’ of a home, that they are today.
So what’s been cooking in kitchen design over the last century? Things began to change between the world wars. Perth’s The Sunday Times reported on a new American trend on July 25, 1937: “Improvements in kitchen design and equipment have made it possible to bring the Cinderella room of the house into the social circle of modern life.” More change was to follow, and so here we take a look back at some of the pivotal benchmarks in design that ultimately transformed the Aussie kitchen.
So what’s been cooking in kitchen design over the last century? Things began to change between the world wars. Perth’s The Sunday Times reported on a new American trend on July 25, 1937: “Improvements in kitchen design and equipment have made it possible to bring the Cinderella room of the house into the social circle of modern life.” More change was to follow, and so here we take a look back at some of the pivotal benchmarks in design that ultimately transformed the Aussie kitchen.
DOMESTIC INTRODUCTIONS AT THE TURN OF THE CENTURY
Gas, water and electricity
The introduction of gas, water, and electricity to homes in the 19th and early-20th century changed the way people lived and cooked.
WATER: The cast-iron sink became a focal point of the kitchen as people no longer had to carry a bucket to a well. Large enough to carry out all manner of water-related activities, the kitchen sink was huge, heavy and almost immovable, giving rise to the colloquial phrase ‘everything but the kitchen sink’.
GAS: Gas pipes provided both light and heat in the house (as well as the occasional explosion or fire), making cooking an easier task and allowing ovens to become smaller and lighter.
ELECTRICITY: When electricity was adopted in some pioneering Australian towns, it made kitchen life increasingly more comfortable and stimulated the invention of time-saving kitchen appliances over the coming decades. In fact, the first electric cooking stove, otherwise known as the Kalgoorlie Stove, was patented by West Australian resident and municipal engineer David Curle Smith in 1905.
Interior view of a kitchen in 1906; photo appeared in Beautiful Homes, Wunderlich, Sydney 1906, p.29; photo by Wikimedia Commons user SLQbot courtesy of John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland
Gas, water and electricity
The introduction of gas, water, and electricity to homes in the 19th and early-20th century changed the way people lived and cooked.
WATER: The cast-iron sink became a focal point of the kitchen as people no longer had to carry a bucket to a well. Large enough to carry out all manner of water-related activities, the kitchen sink was huge, heavy and almost immovable, giving rise to the colloquial phrase ‘everything but the kitchen sink’.
GAS: Gas pipes provided both light and heat in the house (as well as the occasional explosion or fire), making cooking an easier task and allowing ovens to become smaller and lighter.
ELECTRICITY: When electricity was adopted in some pioneering Australian towns, it made kitchen life increasingly more comfortable and stimulated the invention of time-saving kitchen appliances over the coming decades. In fact, the first electric cooking stove, otherwise known as the Kalgoorlie Stove, was patented by West Australian resident and municipal engineer David Curle Smith in 1905.
Interior view of a kitchen in 1906; photo appeared in Beautiful Homes, Wunderlich, Sydney 1906, p.29; photo by Wikimedia Commons user SLQbot courtesy of John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland
Storage and bench space
A greater interest in how to increase efficiency and promote time-saving methods in factory production (think the Ford Model T motor car and invention of the factory assembly line) flowed into kitchen design as well.
Early kitchens had very little bench space or storage because kitchen cabinets (built-in or otherwise) were not yet in production for the home. In 1899, the Hoosier Manufacturing Company (USA) adapted the existing baker’s cabinet into the freestanding metal Hoosier Cabinet. It had space-saving and functional features like upper and lower cabinetry, shelving, a flour bin/sifter and pull-out work surface. The Hoosier cabinet was compact yet large enough to provide adequate storage and make working in the kitchen that much more efficient.
A greater interest in how to increase efficiency and promote time-saving methods in factory production (think the Ford Model T motor car and invention of the factory assembly line) flowed into kitchen design as well.
Early kitchens had very little bench space or storage because kitchen cabinets (built-in or otherwise) were not yet in production for the home. In 1899, the Hoosier Manufacturing Company (USA) adapted the existing baker’s cabinet into the freestanding metal Hoosier Cabinet. It had space-saving and functional features like upper and lower cabinetry, shelving, a flour bin/sifter and pull-out work surface. The Hoosier cabinet was compact yet large enough to provide adequate storage and make working in the kitchen that much more efficient.
In Australia, the Hoosier (or one of its variations) soon became a kitchen staple, described in 1918 in The Farmer and Settler as the “principal item of kitchen furniture”, along with the cooking stove. Other features of kitchen design recommended in The Farmer and Settler included:
- White tiled-walls to keep the kitchen “clean, cool, and comfortable”
- A “Wedgewood blue” wash above the tiles and patterned linoleum floor to match
- A rack to display saucepans that if “well chosen and carefully treated, add considerable attractiveness to a kitchen”
FUNCTIONAL PLANNING IN THE 1920s
After WWI, a wave of streamlined, functional and rationally planned kitchens established the beginnings of the kitchen we know today.
Haus-am-Horn, 1923
Bauhaus designers created Haus-am-Horn in 1923. The galley kitchen is one of the earliest examples of a kitchen in which form is dependent on function.
Frankfurt kitchen, 1926
In 1926, Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky designed the Frankfurt kitchen for the boom of Austrian public housing units. It was a study of ergonomics that aimed to make kitchen tasks take shorter amounts of time.
The Frankfurt kitchen was tiny and organised to boost user efficiency. Each kitchen had counters at the same height and level, and a window above the sink for light. They came with a swivel stool, gas stove, built-in storage, fold-down ironing board, adjustable ceiling light, drying rack, removable garbage drawer, and labelled aluminium storage bins.
Lihotzky also gave careful thought to hygiene, economy and family life. She used easy-to-clean materials; incorporated standardised and prefabricated elements; and opened the kitchen to the dining room to enable mothers to watch their children.
Reconstruction of a Frankfurt kitchen in the MAK, Vienna; photo by Wikimedia Commons user 8linden Frankfurter Küche, Christos Vittoratos
After WWI, a wave of streamlined, functional and rationally planned kitchens established the beginnings of the kitchen we know today.
Haus-am-Horn, 1923
Bauhaus designers created Haus-am-Horn in 1923. The galley kitchen is one of the earliest examples of a kitchen in which form is dependent on function.
Frankfurt kitchen, 1926
In 1926, Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky designed the Frankfurt kitchen for the boom of Austrian public housing units. It was a study of ergonomics that aimed to make kitchen tasks take shorter amounts of time.
The Frankfurt kitchen was tiny and organised to boost user efficiency. Each kitchen had counters at the same height and level, and a window above the sink for light. They came with a swivel stool, gas stove, built-in storage, fold-down ironing board, adjustable ceiling light, drying rack, removable garbage drawer, and labelled aluminium storage bins.
Lihotzky also gave careful thought to hygiene, economy and family life. She used easy-to-clean materials; incorporated standardised and prefabricated elements; and opened the kitchen to the dining room to enable mothers to watch their children.
Reconstruction of a Frankfurt kitchen in the MAK, Vienna; photo by Wikimedia Commons user 8linden Frankfurter Küche, Christos Vittoratos
Back home in Australia, in 1937,The Newcastle Sun reported on how the kitchen had become a “very important laboratory of the home” and is now “planned according to the work that has to be done in it.”
Kitchens did away with the centre table and had workbenches and cabinets that ended at the refrigerator, which only a few lucky Australian homes had in the 1930s. Refrigerators were not easily accessible or affordable until the late 1940s, 1950s, and even 1960s. Before then, homemakers made do with an icebox to keep food fresh and chilled. Overall, the kitchen became smaller, more compact, and therefore in need of considered planning.
Kitchen in a house built by Mr. Park, 1937; photo by Sam Hood, Wikimedia Commons user File Upload Bot, Photographic Collection, State Library of New South Wales
Kitchens did away with the centre table and had workbenches and cabinets that ended at the refrigerator, which only a few lucky Australian homes had in the 1930s. Refrigerators were not easily accessible or affordable until the late 1940s, 1950s, and even 1960s. Before then, homemakers made do with an icebox to keep food fresh and chilled. Overall, the kitchen became smaller, more compact, and therefore in need of considered planning.
Kitchen in a house built by Mr. Park, 1937; photo by Sam Hood, Wikimedia Commons user File Upload Bot, Photographic Collection, State Library of New South Wales
Kitchen work triangle
The layout of the Frankfurt kitchen led to the kitchen work triangle, developed by researchers at the University of Illinois School of Architecture in the late 1940s. The ‘golden triangle’ addressed the kitchen space between the three major functions/areas: storage (refrigerator), cooking (stove) and preparation (sink).
It maximised kitchen efficiency and reduced cost through standardised construction. This resulted in a variety of configurations, including the U-shaped kitchen (pictured), which The Australian Women’s Weekly sung the praises of in 1952: “Planned for a family with young children, the kitchen is a compact room designed for everyday use.”
The layout of the Frankfurt kitchen led to the kitchen work triangle, developed by researchers at the University of Illinois School of Architecture in the late 1940s. The ‘golden triangle’ addressed the kitchen space between the three major functions/areas: storage (refrigerator), cooking (stove) and preparation (sink).
It maximised kitchen efficiency and reduced cost through standardised construction. This resulted in a variety of configurations, including the U-shaped kitchen (pictured), which The Australian Women’s Weekly sung the praises of in 1952: “Planned for a family with young children, the kitchen is a compact room designed for everyday use.”
Fitted kitchen
Appliances were integrated within cabinetry in the ‘fitted kitchen’, and proved to be an important transformation in the 1930s and 1940s. Fitted cabinetry and appliances created a more purposeful and stylish interior design and made the kitchen easier to use.
Kitchen cabinets in the Karrasch house in St Lucia, Brisbane, built in the 1940s; photo by Wikimedia Commons user SLQbot and courtesy of John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland
Appliances were integrated within cabinetry in the ‘fitted kitchen’, and proved to be an important transformation in the 1930s and 1940s. Fitted cabinetry and appliances created a more purposeful and stylish interior design and made the kitchen easier to use.
Kitchen cabinets in the Karrasch house in St Lucia, Brisbane, built in the 1940s; photo by Wikimedia Commons user SLQbot and courtesy of John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland
AESTHETIC AND ECOLOGICAL ADVANCES IN THE POSTWAR ERA
The post-WWII housing boom and advances in manufacturing impacted Australian kitchens. They soon become a source of domestic pride and a place worthy of entertaining. Australians looked to US trends and innovations for interior decoration ideals as well as how to live the new ‘modern lifestyle’.
Open-plan kitchens
Kitchens broke out of the fourth enclosing wall to be more open plan, flowing into the dining area and/or outdoors. This facilitated family life, sociability and entertaining.
The breakfast bar was a “handy time-saver” as the The Courier-Mail, Brisbane, reported in 1950. The breakfast bar adjoined the kitchen bench and was used as both a servery and a convenient and informal dining space.
The post-WWII housing boom and advances in manufacturing impacted Australian kitchens. They soon become a source of domestic pride and a place worthy of entertaining. Australians looked to US trends and innovations for interior decoration ideals as well as how to live the new ‘modern lifestyle’.
Open-plan kitchens
Kitchens broke out of the fourth enclosing wall to be more open plan, flowing into the dining area and/or outdoors. This facilitated family life, sociability and entertaining.
The breakfast bar was a “handy time-saver” as the The Courier-Mail, Brisbane, reported in 1950. The breakfast bar adjoined the kitchen bench and was used as both a servery and a convenient and informal dining space.
Colourful kitchens
American and Australian magazines promoted the kitchen as the most important room in the house and endorsed colourful benches, patterned floors and the latest shiny appliances.
In 1964, The Canberra Times advised readers to paint small kitchens in bright colours, even suggesting a yellow wall, a red wall, and a sky blue ceiling.
Colourful wallpaper also became popular in kitchens that had traditionally been painted. Newly invented vinyl-coated wallpapers proved a practical and easy-to-clean alternative to paint.
American and Australian magazines promoted the kitchen as the most important room in the house and endorsed colourful benches, patterned floors and the latest shiny appliances.
In 1964, The Canberra Times advised readers to paint small kitchens in bright colours, even suggesting a yellow wall, a red wall, and a sky blue ceiling.
Colourful wallpaper also became popular in kitchens that had traditionally been painted. Newly invented vinyl-coated wallpapers proved a practical and easy-to-clean alternative to paint.
Technology and equipment
Innovations in kitchen technology and equipment in the 1960s spurred demand for blenders, microwaves, toasters, quiet ventilation hoods, shiny ovens, matching refrigerators, and dishwashers. The kitchen soon became both the aesthetic and technological pride of the postwar house.
History of the Modern Kitchen; photo by Flickr user Joe Wolf
Innovations in kitchen technology and equipment in the 1960s spurred demand for blenders, microwaves, toasters, quiet ventilation hoods, shiny ovens, matching refrigerators, and dishwashers. The kitchen soon became both the aesthetic and technological pride of the postwar house.
History of the Modern Kitchen; photo by Flickr user Joe Wolf
Kitchen islands
A revived interest in home cooking, a consumerism of kitchen utensils and designer cookware, and an increase in home entertaining and social activities also helped move family life into the kitchen. Island benches emerged to provide more storage, servery space and surfaces on which to prepare food.
A revived interest in home cooking, a consumerism of kitchen utensils and designer cookware, and an increase in home entertaining and social activities also helped move family life into the kitchen. Island benches emerged to provide more storage, servery space and surfaces on which to prepare food.
CONTEMPORARY KITCHENS
Social hub
The popular ideal of the 21st-century kitchen combines the purpose of multiple rooms – the dining room, living room, study and kitchen – in one open, coordinated and social space.
Social hub
The popular ideal of the 21st-century kitchen combines the purpose of multiple rooms – the dining room, living room, study and kitchen – in one open, coordinated and social space.
Multipurpose features
The kitchen island, breakfast bar and counter (sometimes with a sink or stove) have become a united architectural element that provides a multipurpose space for dining, cooking, preparing food, reading, working and entertaining. There’s not much this key kitchen feature can’t do.
The kitchen island, breakfast bar and counter (sometimes with a sink or stove) have become a united architectural element that provides a multipurpose space for dining, cooking, preparing food, reading, working and entertaining. There’s not much this key kitchen feature can’t do.
Indoor-outdoor flow
Historically, kitchens tended to be situated as far away as possible from the social or private rooms in a home due to the smell, heat, and often unsanitary conditions. While they moved toward the centre of the home during the 20th century, they have moved to the back of the home again in recent decades as indoor-outdoor flow and outdoor cooking and dining has become characteristic of modern life.
Historically, kitchens tended to be situated as far away as possible from the social or private rooms in a home due to the smell, heat, and often unsanitary conditions. While they moved toward the centre of the home during the 20th century, they have moved to the back of the home again in recent decades as indoor-outdoor flow and outdoor cooking and dining has become characteristic of modern life.
All the mod-cons
With a focus on healthy cooking, efficient food preparation, and a social lifestyle, kitchens are designed and fitted out to facilitate modern life. Double ovens, double fridges, wine racks and space for all the latest appliances is becoming stock standard in many larger Australian homes.
With a focus on healthy cooking, efficient food preparation, and a social lifestyle, kitchens are designed and fitted out to facilitate modern life. Double ovens, double fridges, wine racks and space for all the latest appliances is becoming stock standard in many larger Australian homes.
Butler’s pantry
Renewed interest in the butler’s pantry, which began in England and America in the 19th century, has seen this secondary room revived. Originally a small pantry between the kitchen and dining room where china and silver were stored and meals plated and served, the contemporary butler’s pantry provides extra cabinetry, storage, bench space, and a place to hide an ever-growing multitude of appliances.
TELL US
Where does your kitchen stand on the scale of historical to contemporary? Or does it combine various features of new and old?
MORE
Sociable Kitchen Islands Designed to Bring People Together
The Scullery Reinvented for Modern Living
9 Simple Changes to Make Any Kitchen Work Better
Renewed interest in the butler’s pantry, which began in England and America in the 19th century, has seen this secondary room revived. Originally a small pantry between the kitchen and dining room where china and silver were stored and meals plated and served, the contemporary butler’s pantry provides extra cabinetry, storage, bench space, and a place to hide an ever-growing multitude of appliances.
TELL US
Where does your kitchen stand on the scale of historical to contemporary? Or does it combine various features of new and old?
MORE
Sociable Kitchen Islands Designed to Bring People Together
The Scullery Reinvented for Modern Living
9 Simple Changes to Make Any Kitchen Work Better
Related Stories
Most Popular
Renovation Insight: How to Choose a Kitchen Designer
The right designer can bring your dream kitchen to life – three kitchen designers reveal where to look and what to ask
Full Story
Kitchen Expert Advice
7 Common Kitchen Design Challenges & How Experts Get Around Them
From bad layouts to poor storage, here are seven issues pros come up against (and overcome) in clients' kitchen renos
Full Story
Kitchens
A Good Fit: 10 Questions to Ask a Potential Kitchen Designer
By lwkkitchens
A good designer knows which questions to ask about your kitchen project. But what should you ask them before you sign?
Full Story
Most Popular
8 Dos and Don'ts for a Well-Functioning Butler's Pantry
Having a little help behind the scenes is key to a pristine kitchen – here's how to create a functional butler's pantry
Full Story
Most Popular
Key Measurements to Consider When Designing the Perfect Kitchen Island
By Anne Ellard
Discover the correctly proportioned kitchen island bench dimensions so your space works as well as it can
Full Story
Kitchen Renovations
10 Times You Should Hire a Kitchen Designer
These specialists can solve layout issues, save costs, update an older space and create custom design details
Full Story
Popular Houzz Series
How Practical Is... Handleless Joinery?
Handleless joinery is popular in modern homes. But how suitable are cupboards that can only be opened with a touch?
Full Story
Renovation Guides
Room by Room: Experts on Ways to Avoid Common Renovation Blunders
From the kitchen to the garden, and all areas in between, experts identify common mistakes and share priceless insights
Full Story
Most Popular
From Planning to Pendants: Kitchen Lighting Essentials
By Joanna Tovia
This valuable guide will give you all you need to know about choosing kitchen lighting for fabulous form and function
Full Story
Kitchen Renovations
A Kitchen That Uses Special Elements to Punch Above Its Weight
This couple wanted a well-designed kitchen that incorporated their pre-bought furniture; this designer delivered
Full Story
I have an original kitchen from 1950/60s. I love that I can change the cupboards just by painting the doors, and the build is really solid.
Well researched article. Thank you for the perspective.
I love reading informative articles such as this one. Good job, Rebecca! I like the photo used as an example of the post WW2 common kitchen design - it really reflects the joy, optimism and positivity that people must have felt after the war ended and the future looked much brighter.
The modern day kitchen almost seems to have taken on status symbol tags like never before - double ovens, built-in steam oven, butler's pantry, double fridges, specialized wine fridge, dedicated coffee makers, a thermomix! Does it all make us better cooks than those in the past, do you think?