The Clever 1940s Kitchen Cabinet Design We Wish Still Existed (It's So Convenient)

When it comes to kitchen design, we've come a long way. Cooks of yesteryear couldn't begin to imagine modern cooking appliances that are nearly invisible or smart refrigerators that can track your inventory. For all the ways we've advanced through technology, we've also lost a few clever ideas along the way. Some of the most ingenious and forward-thinking kitchen features come from decades past.

While many mid-century kitchens featured bulky wooden produce bins, some kitchens adapted to tilt-out metal drawers that were embedded in the walls or the cabinetry itself. Picture a pull-out bin on a hinge flush with the kitchen wall, with small ventilation holes in the metal lining. These specially designed drawers provided the cool, dark airflow ideal for keeping potatoes and onions fresh, or even storing bread and baked goods. 

Some kitchens even went as far as to outfit the area above a range with tiny versions of these pull-down cabinets just for things like salt, pepper, grains, and spices that you'd otherwise have to go grab and bring back to the cooktop. These miniature hinging cabinets would have significantly cut down on steps and work while saving space. We can only guess why this concept faded away from fashion, but it certainly makes the list of vintage kitchen trends we can't wait to see come back. If you have this handy feature in your vintage kitchen, consider yourself lucky — they don't make 'em like that anymore, literally.

Think kitchens and you envision appliances, counters, and maybe the backsplash. However, you might be overlooking key details in your layout. Little add-ons and upgrades can lighten the workload and make your kitchen feel more spacious. Items like the vintage tilt-out drawers cut down on the steps a home cook had to take, with the onions, potatoes, and staples located right at arm's reach.

This was far from the only ingenious tweak that was once commonplace in retro kitchens. Some included a convenient garbage hatch in the countertop that led straight to an under-cabinet trash can, or small niches in the wall next to a sink to hold sponges. Even pull-out bread boards slid into countertops when not in use. There was even a time when you didn't have to rummage through your drawers to open a can, because electric can openers were mounted on the wall or under cabinets.

It's easy to lament that we've lost simple yet game-changing designs, such as the potato drawer. Historic features are often demolished in favor of contemporary styles, but you may still be able to build these retro features yourself or find pieces of the past while thrifting. If you're looking forward to a kitchen renovation anytime soon, don't forget to look back at the past for many of the best ideas!