The 1950s is an era for the eager consumer. It was the decade following the war-laden era. There were massive changes inside homes since the people wanted to get rid of the things that reminded them of the war. For them, it was the perfect time to get rid of the old and start embracing the new.

The ‘50s was the time when open plan living was finally introduced to the world. Kitchens were fitted with new appliances and all housewives became excited to welcome the idea of serving their families.

With homes then becoming the wife’s domain, the rooms that were given particular attention were the kitchen, dining room and living room. Sofa beds became quite common and the diner look was finally introduced. The most utilized colors were bubblegum pink and blue; kitsch; and neon. The textile designer look was also highly appreciated. From then, these colors and styles became instant classics.

1950s Design in a Nutshell

• Concentrate on having an open-space plan
• Have fitted kitchens
• Use primary colors
• Buy stack furniture
• Geometric or abstract patterns
• Animal prints
• PVC, fiberglass, melamine, rubber, Formica, vinyl, aluminum, and plastics

To use this interior design, think of the major influences such as American (jukebox, diners and big fridge); the modernism of 1930s was also carried over; scientific research (it was during the 1950s that DNA was discovered); and surrealism such as the lip sofa of Salvador Dali was highly valued.

To get the look, make sure that you knock down walls and open up your place. Before doing this, though, you need to ask a structural engineer. Have this expert check if the walls of your home are able to support the new load.

Having a mezzanine was also typical of the 1950s. If you want to epitomize the look, use checkerboard flooring. This means using red and white vinyl or its other which is the yellow and white.

You can also have floor tiles installed so that you won’t have to cut vinyl anymore. Just lay out the tiles and you are done.

When having the kitchens fitted, use Formica tabletops instead of the regular types in the market. Have the doors and fitting spray-painted. A few companies already sell reconditioned kitchens that have been originally installed in 1950s homes. There are also new ones that are exact replicas of the designs that were used back in the day. Even junk shops can be a haven for old kitchen fittings.

As for the chairs, use vinyl and chrome that come in Day-Glo colors. Have a table reconditioned with Fablon or Formica. Basket weave chairs were also pretty common during those years.

For added authenticity, find a huge fridge that was painted with a bright color. Reconditioned ones can also be bought; just make sure that you have a sharp eye for them. Find blenders and toasters as well as swing bins.

Rooms during that time rarely had fireplaces. Let go of dado rails, cornices and paper division of the walls. For your choice of fabric, use abstract patterns that come with atoms, starbursts, calyxes, floral, polka dots, stripes, blues, reds and yellows. Animal prints were a huge thing as were fake fur throws.

With bright colors dominating the picture, it was a must to find accessories in white, black or red plastic-coated wires. Magazine racks, plant stands and coat stands were very big during this time so make sure that you do not miss out on these accessories. Go into details such as crockeries, collectible Tupperware, ashtrays, radios, ice buckets, atom wall clocks, nodding dogs, ceramics, flying ducks on walls, pictures of poodles and toy Cadillac.