It Was In Every '70s Kitchen - The Space-Saving Tool That Fits Under Your Cabinet

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You don't have to be a professional interior designer to know that decorating trends come and go all the time. Cafe window treatments that boomed in the '70s and '80s are breaking through to kitchens today, while vintage decor continues to embellish modern homes. There are plenty of cool trends from the '70s, specifically, that have come back en vogue in recent years, such as sculptural furniture silhouettes. Beyond decor, though, one trend from the '70s is starting to make its way back into modern kitchens, and that's the space-saving can opener tool that you can fit under the cabinet. 

Bold colors, geometric shapes, and wood-covered anything were popular in the so-called "Me Decade." Homemaking technology, especially in the kitchen, was constantly evolving to make life for busy families more convenient. The savvy under-the-cabinet can opener was just one popular kitchen gadget during this time, and it freed up countertop space for cooking and prepping. Today, you can find brands like the Black+Decker under-cabinet can opener being resold on places like eBay as rising trends bring this item back to the fore.

The once-forgotten but convenient kitchen appliance from the '70s promised to clear out space in the busy (and extremely loud) kitchen of the decade. But why the sudden shift, especially when we have compact devices that can simply fit in a kitchen drawer? The simple answer is the nostalgic essence it brings that modern decor just can't seem to get enough of. If you're yearning for retro design, you might want to consider adding this '70s appliance in your kitchen to piece the space together.

Black & Decker's Spacemaker was all the rage in the '70s. It was simply installed under the cabinet and worked by attaching your can to the machine, which opened it with ease. Clearly, convenience and clearing up counter space had major appeal during a time when efficiency was desired, and under-cabinet can openers were often the way to go. Some Spacemaker models also include extra utilities, such as a knife sharpener and a bag opener, making it a one-stop shop for convenient homemaking. The caveat is that while they make room for countertops, the bulky product can often look unsightly, and then you have the problem of installation. Plus, there's the risk of dropping your can if you aren't paying attention to other things during dinner time, which can get messy.

The resurgence of the Spacemaker isn't so much rooted in convenience or practicality as it is in nostalgia. Nostalgic decor from the '90s, '80s, and beyond has a way of making you feel something special when you walk into a room. Today, embellishing spaces with decor and appliances from previous decades can instantly transport you back in time, creating a comfy, bittersweet ambiance that reminds you of a time before the constant demands of media. That's especially true of the '70s, especially in the kitchen, where many homemakers spent a significant amount of their time. Plus, it's easy to combine the nostalgic essence of the '70s with modern design, as you can see in mid-century modern elements, which have become a stronghold of contemporary art and decor.

Now that you understand the commotion of this old-age appliance hitting modern kitchens, how do you style one tastefully? One of the most important parts of styling anything from yesteryear is giving it a proper refresh. Otherwise, you risk spaces like your kitchen looking outdated or your vintage piece standing out — and not in a good way.

One way to achieve a retro yet updated look? Ensuring you get the right model to elevate the aesthetic of your kitchen. The Black & Decker Spacemaker Optima Hideaway EC600, for example, was released in the '90s, but it can still help you get a slightly more modern look without compromising on nostalgia. It comes in a neutral white shade that easily stuns in bright kitchens. Install it underneath a cabinet you use for food prepping. This can be where you store your kitchen knives and utensils, and make sure it's against a backsplash for extra visual interest.

If you have white cabinets, this Spacemaker model can look even more seamless, but if you're feeling up for a creative DIY, you can always paint over the appliance. Not only would that make it blend in more with your kitchen aesthetic, but it would also make it look customized or built-in. Consider the hues in your kitchen and choose an accent color or apply the same shade as your cabinets to your retro appliance.