The Evolution of Kitchen DesignNovember 11, 2021

Mungo Homes has been building beautiful, high-quality homes since 1954. With over 65 years in the industry, we’ve witnessed the evolution of home trends and styles—especially in the kitchen. What started as a dark, concealed room in the home has transformed into a true focal point in every home. 

The Heart of the Home 

In many older homes, the kitchen is tucked away behind walls. Hidden from the living and sometimes even dining spaces, those preparing a meal in the kitchen couldn’t easily interact with family and guests. 

Eventually, kitchens started opening up a bit—changing from galley style to a larger room with room for an eat-in dining space or island. Then came the half walls and openings, sometimes with a bar-height countertop added to encourage people to spend more time in or near the kitchen when they weren’t cooking. 

Entering the 21st century, homebuilders and homeowners knew that open-concept was the way to go—which brings us to the floor plans we see today. Combined kitchens, dining and living areas that make up one great room in the home where family members can gather together. The kitchen is now considered the true heart of the home. 

Changing Styles and Materials 

Aside from opening up the kitchen to the rest of the home’s living spaces, other components that have evolved over the years include layout, materials, color schemes and finishes. Depending on which decade a kitchen was designed in, you’ll see a range of traits that have since become outdated. 

A 1960s or 1970s kitchen will have dark cabinets, colorful countertops and a patterned wallpaper as opposed to backsplash. Most of these kitchens are small, and make the most out of limited square footage with a U-shaped or L-shaped layout. Kitchens did get larger in the 1980s and 1990s, but were finished with lots of laminate. Cabinet colors lightened up, and granite countertops eventually became popular before the turn of the century. 

Just as the 2000s brought kitchens out from hiding and incorporated into the the major living spaces of homes, they became the perfect place for homeowners to showcase their sense of style. Wood cabinets became popular again, typically in warm colors that pair well with earth-toned countertops. Stainless steel appliances were introduced in the 1990s, but became a true mainstay shortly after. 

Nowadays, thoughtfully designed kitchens in new-construction homes often feature white or gray cabinets, wood or wood-look floors, quartz countertops and patterned backsplash—in both muted and bold colors. Oversized islands with room for barstools, glass accents and a light, bright atmosphere really complete the space. 

The Modern Kitchen of Your Dreams 

Some homeowners make the choice to purchase an older home and renovate the outdated kitchen—but the project can become a huge undertaking, both financially and mentally. Older homes often have hidden issues that you won’t know about until it’s too late, costing you time and money. 

Buying a completed new-construction home, particularly from a trusted builder like Mungo Homes, offers a shorter timeline that can get you in your next home faster. It also means you’ll get the trendy-yet-timeless kitchen of your dreams—with the finishes, color scheme and lighting hand-selected by our expert design team. Our designers work hard to create kitchens that we know future homeowners will love, with sought-after features that won’t be found in older, outdated homes. 

If you’re on the hunt for a home with your dream kitchen, Mungo Homes is ready to help. Browse our collection of communities and completed homes throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Virginia and contact our team today to learn more.