The 1950s was a decade of change and progress, as people rebuilt their lives after the devastation of World War II. One area where this was particularly evident was in the design of homes and interiors. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the style and trends of this postwar period.

Exterior

The exterior of homes built in the 1950s typically featured a single-story brick facade with a straightforward gable roof of double pantiles. The windows were rectangular pivot windows, often larger in the living room, and the outside door was a teak door with a groove design. One of the typical period details was side extensions with different roof heights, windows, and outside doors framed in brickwork, and decorative wrought-iron railings.

Interior

The interior design of homes in the 1950s was characterized by a mixture of traditional and modern elements. The floors in social and living areas were typically oak, fishbone, cork parquet, and cork linoleum, while a natural stone was used in the lavatory and entrance hall. The interior doors were made of exotic varieties of wood, such as teak or gabion, and the door handles were stainless steel with mahogany or ribbed bone-white plastic handles and stainless-steel backplates.

Fireplaces were made of stonework with curved hoods, and the wallpaper featured geometrical patterns and strong contrasts. Furniture followed the Scandinavia design, with typical pieces including Stringhylla ("String shelf") bookcases, the butterfly chair, sideboards, writing tables, dressing tables, bedside tables, and chests of drawers. Teak was a popular material, as was IKEA. Vinyl, chrome details, stainless steel, and decorated porcelain were also commonly used in furniture design. Curtains with valances were a popular choice for window treatments.

Lighting in the 1950s was characterized by standard and table lamps made of brass and teak, with lampshades of fabric, plastic, or varnished metal. Bright colors and strong pastel shades were used to add pops of color to the decor.

In the bathroom, checkered floors and colored bathroom details in green or turquoise were popular. Cabinets with rotating mirror doors and mosaics on the walls, floor, and bath surrounds were also typical. Sintered porcelain slabs were used on the floor, and pedestals under sinks to conceal the pipes became more common.

Kitchens in the 1950s became more angular and formal, with frameworks and doors made of new, lighter materials. Wall units had sloping fronts and lower work surfaces than today's, and handles were typically made of teak. Bright pastel colors or whole designs in teak veneer were popular choices for kitchen decor. The classic laminate countertop pattern Virrvarr began production in 1958.

In conclusion, the 1950s was a time of innovation and change in the design of homes and interiors. Traditional elements were combined with modern materials and techniques to create a unique aesthetic that still resonates today. From the use of teak and cork in flooring and furniture to the bright colors and strong pastel shades used in lighting and wallpaper, the style of the 1950s was truly one of a kind.