Five Kitchen Design Choices From 1958 That Resident Kept Untouched

A kitchen in a home often evolves with the times, but one TikTok user has chosen to embrace the past.

Eric Wang, known as @im_ericwang on TikTok, shared a video showcasing some original features in his rental home’s 1950s kitchen, celebrating their retro charm. The clip has amassed more than 5.5 million views since it was first shared on September 11, 2024.

“I live in a home that was built in 1958, and these are five things I love about my kitchen,” Wang says in the clip, as he walks through the unique features that have stood the test of time. Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via email. This video has not been independently verified.

Wang’s video is a tribute to midcentury design, proving that, even in an era of constant renovation, some vintage features still have a place in modern homes.

Home renovation spending in the U.S. was reported to have increased in recent years, with the median spend jumping by 60 percent between 2020 ($15,000) and 2023 ($24,000). This is according to a survey of 32,615 users, including 17,713 renovating U.S. homeowners, conducted by Houzz, a home design website.

The Original Tiling

First on Wang’s list is the kitchen’s countertops, which feature beige tiles with a dotted pattern.

“With all the sterile white countertops nowadays, I really love how these tiles give off a cozy retro vibe that highlights the long history of the home,” he says in the video.

While some might find them outdated, Wang says he appreciates how they add warmth and personality to the space.

The Bay Window

A small bay window sits above Wang’s sink, framed by a collection of green plants.

“I’ve always dreamed of having a bay window in front of my sink, so this is one of my favorites,” Wang says.

The design is both practical and aesthetic, offering a glimpse of the outdoors while also creating additional space for decor, plants, and sink essentials. Natural light streams in through the window, brightening up the kitchen throughout the day.

The Ceiling Skylight

In addition to the bay window, a ceiling skylight is another feature that enhances the home’s lighting.

“This lets in tons of natural light throughout the entire day to make it feel bright and welcoming here,” Wang says.

The natural light doesn’t just illuminate the kitchen—it also helps plants thrive, making it an ideal spot for Wang to place greenery throughout the space. The skylight’s presence is a contrast to modern kitchens, which often rely on artificial lighting.

The Wood Cabinets

Wang’s kitchen features solid wood cabinets that have lasted over six decades. Opening and closing the original wood cabinets, Wang highlights their enduring appeal.

“They may be a bit worn down, but I feel like the aged wood grain really adds a lot of warmth and character,” Wang says.

He also points out a detail that has become increasingly rare in modern homes—rotating lazy Susan cabinets. These built-in turntables maximize storage efficiency, a practical feature that has largely disappeared in contemporary designs.

The Butcher’s Block Island

The video also showcases the butcher’s block island, a wood-topped prep area that has been in use for over 60 years.

“The wood topper provides some variation and contrast to the rest of the tiled countertops,” Wang says. “It also gives me a dedicated place to do all my cooking prep work.”

While the island is still functional, Wang acknowledges its age. “Since it is over 60 years old, it is pretty dirty, though. So, it could definitely use some sanding and refinishing,” he adds.

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