Black-and-white flooring was popular in the 1950s.
In the 1950s, modernism became fashionable and interior design incorporated abstract patterns, geometric patterns and interesting color combinations. A popular look for a home was the American Diner style, with black-and-white floor tiles and bubblegum colors. The sleek designer look, with modernistic furniture and textiles, was also popular. Flooring was often very colorful and patterned, and many people covered walls and ceilings with wallpaper in matching colors and patterns.
Floor Construction
Until the 1950s, most houses had timber floors, but with the improvement of materials such as vinyl and synthetic carpet fibers, other types of flooring became common. Vinyl tiles or carpets were often laid over a concrete floor surface. Interior decorators and homeowners often updated wooden floors by covering them with carpet or vinyl tiles.
Colors
The color palette changed throughout the 1950s. At first, gray, maroon or burgundy and green color schemes were popular for interior design and flooring. Later in the decade, people started to embrace brighter pinks with contrasting black and white. Pastel colors were popular for kitchen interiors and a kitchen with pink floor tiles and matching cabinets was very fashionable. Other popular pastel colors were yellow and aquamarine.
Patterns
1950s homeowners would often opt for a checkerboard vinyl floor in red and white, black and white or yellow and white. Brown floors with a bright yellow block pattern were also popular. Striped candy-cane patterns were often used in kitchens. Flooring companies like Armstrong and Goodyear sold speckled floor tiles in a wide color range, including grays, browns and greens. Floor tiles were often laid in diagonal, geometrical patterns, inspired by Aztec art.
Materials
Rolled linoleum flooring was popular in North America. Vinyl tiles were an inexpensive flooring choice and were often made from asbestos, which was considered a durable material at the time. Cork floor tiles originated in the 1950s, and Armstrong offered many cork flooring designs. Cotton rugs were often used, either for the whole floor surface or scatter rugs. The 1950s also saw the creation of an innovative design: a reversible cotton rug, tufted and looped on both sides to allow double use and longer wear.
Related posts
The 1950s kitchen was both a study in economy and style.Bright floral patterns and muted greenish browns may not be the definition of popular interior design in the 21st century, but it was the no...
Bright colors and simple layered shapes are hallmarks of retro pop 1960s design.Whether you are displaying a vintage toy collection, selling retro style T-shirts or if you simply love that old sch...
As you drive through many U.S. towns, you will find replicas of the 1950s style diner. These diners are easy to recognize, with black and white exterior paint and huge neon signs advertising diffe...
Futuristic furniture became common in the 1960s.Trends in décor, much as in fashion, often come back around as often as they go out of style. This is helpful to think about when looking f...
Your restaurant decor should cater to your patrons and reflect your style and cuisine.Restaurant design should be geared toward your customers. Consider your target audience and what they would ex...
