DIY Cooling Board: A Retro Kitchen Project Inspired by the 1950s

The story goes that a group of forward-thinking decision-makers at General Electric were gathered in a boardroom back in the 1950s. Recognizing the growing popularity of the “great room” concept in home design, one of them suggested a revolutionary idea: Why not start manufacturing kitchen appliances in colors that matched the trendy living areas? After all, that’s what his wife would want.

And so, they did. This simple idea transformed the way kitchens were designed and equipped, bringing color and style into what was once a purely functional space. The impact of this decision resonated throughout the mid-century era and continues to influence kitchen design today.

According to my great-grandpa, he was the very fellow who pitched the idea of colored appliances. Which, of course, also means my great-grandmother had phenomenal design sense!

Being at the forefront of innovation meant that my great-grandparents always had access to the latest and greatest appliances. Take, for example, this photo of my great-aunt Kathy proudly showcasing a yellow-gold double oven for a GE product advertisement. It’s a perfect snapshot of the era, capturing the optimism and style of the 1950s kitchen.

I must confess, though, I have absolutely no explanation for the pig head in the picture.

To honor this incredible time period for design, as well as my family’s history, I wanted to create a simple project for my home that echoed some of the elements from that era. Baking, warm wood tones, and a general sense of nostalgia were key. I wanted something that would remind me of my great-grandmother whipping up something delicious in her stylish double oven. And, considering my… ahem… less than stellar track record in the kitchen, it needed to be something I would actually use.

Do you love cookies?

I certainly do. Chocolate chip cookies, plain and simple, to be exact. There’s something comforting and classic about a perfectly baked chocolate chip cookie that’s hard to resist.

Cookies are one of the few things I’ve actually mastered in the kitchen (okay, so I don’t regularly burn them). My only real complaint is that I never seem to have enough counter space for my cooling rack when I’m baking. So, I decided to solve the problem by making a new one. In this case, it evolved into a cooling board.

Can it get any simpler than that? It’s small, so it’s easy to store, and it’s far more attractive than the clunky metal cooling rack I was previously using. This cooling board is both functional and adds a touch of handmade charm to my kitchen.

Materials You’ll Need to Create Your Own Retro Cooling Board:

• Wooden cutting board in the size of your choice
• Drill and drill bits of varying sizes
• Pencil
• Sandpaper
• Mineral Oil (food-safe)
• Wood Glue
• Wooden ball knobs (available at most hobby stores)

This project is relatively inexpensive and uses readily available materials, making it a perfect weekend activity for DIY enthusiasts of all skill levels.

First, I sketched a design on the board with a pencil. My goal was to create a pattern that, if the holes were connected by lines, would resemble an Eames textile design. This nod to mid-century modern design could even inspire me to create matching drink glasses, if I were feeling ambitious!

Next, I grabbed my 5/8″ and 1/2″ drill bits and started drilling holes into the board. Once I had a good number of large holes, I began filling in the gaps with smaller and smaller drill bit sizes. The varying sizes create a visually interesting pattern and help promote better airflow.

In the end, the board looked a lot like Swiss cheese! After using the board several times, I would suggest adding even more large holes than I initially did to maximize ventilation. This will help your baked goods cool down more quickly and evenly.

To ensure the board was completely food-safe and ready for my chocolate chip cookies, I needed to treat the newly drilled holes. Mineral oil is a natural, food-safe oil that’s perfect for this purpose. It’s also fantastic for sprucing up your butcher block countertops!

Using a clean rag, I drizzled mineral oil in and around the holes and rubbed it thoroughly into the board. This process helps to seal the wood, prevent it from absorbing moisture, and keeps it looking beautiful for years to come. Be sure to apply multiple coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

Next, I oiled the wooden ball knobs. This step isn’t strictly necessary, but it helps to protect the wood and gives them a richer, more polished appearance. It also ensures that the knobs will age gracefully over time.

Once the ball knobs were dry, I simply glued them to the base of the board to raise it above the counter. This elevation allows for better air circulation and prevents condensation from forming underneath the board. I used wood glue for a strong and durable bond.

And, that’s it! The cooling board is complete. I use it for my cookies, and my husband uses it when he bakes bread (yes, you read that correctly – my husband bakes bread!), slicing it directly on the cooling board. The simple design is perfect for a variety of baking needs.

So, after using my decidedly less adorable modern GE oven, I get a small glimpse into what life might have been like for my great-grandmother back in the good ol’ 1950s. It’s a small way to connect with my family’s history and add a touch of vintage charm to my modern kitchen.

Without the weird pig head, of course.

While I appreciate the great-room concept and the colorful appliances of post-war design, there were countless other fantastic design innovations during that era. What’s your favorite aspect of the mid-century modern movement? Share your thoughts and inspirations in the comments below!

Embracing the Nostalgia of 1950s Kitchen Design

This DIY cooling board project is more than just a practical kitchen tool; it’s a tribute to a pivotal era in design history. The 1950s brought about a significant shift in how we viewed our homes, particularly the kitchen. No longer relegated to the back of the house, the kitchen became a vibrant and stylish hub of family life.

The introduction of colored appliances was a game-changer, breaking away from the sterile white and beige that had dominated kitchens for decades. These appliances became statement pieces, reflecting the homeowner’s personality and taste. The “great room” concept further blurred the lines between living spaces, encouraging open floor plans and a more social atmosphere.

Beyond the aesthetics, the 1950s also saw significant advancements in kitchen technology and convenience. New appliances like dishwashers and garbage disposals streamlined household tasks, freeing up time for families to spend together. This era truly marked the beginning of the modern kitchen as we know it today.

Tips for Customizing Your DIY Cooling Board

While this project provides a basic framework for creating a retro-inspired cooling board, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your personal style and needs:

• Experiment with Wood Types: Consider using different types of wood for your cutting board to achieve a unique look. Walnut, cherry, and maple are all excellent choices.
• Play with Hole Patterns: Get creative with the hole pattern you drill into the board. Try geometric shapes, floral motifs, or even abstract designs.
• Add Color: Paint or stain the board to match your kitchen decor. Opt for classic 1950s colors like turquoise, pink, or yellow for a truly authentic retro vibe.
• Incorporate Personal Touches: Engrave the board with your initials, a favorite quote, or a meaningful symbol. This will make it a truly one-of-a-kind piece.
• Vary Knob Styles: Instead of wooden ball knobs, try using ceramic knobs, metal pulls, or even vintage drawer handles for a more eclectic look.

Maintaining Your Wooden Cooling Board

To keep your DIY cooling board in top condition, follow these simple maintenance tips:

• Clean Regularly: Wipe the board clean with a damp cloth after each use. Avoid using harsh detergents or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the wood.
• Oil Periodically: Reapply mineral oil every few months to keep the wood hydrated and prevent it from drying out.
• Avoid Excessive Moisture: Do not soak the board in water or leave it exposed to excessive moisture for extended periods.
• Sanitize When Necessary: If the board comes into contact with raw meat or poultry, sanitize it with a diluted bleach solution (1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water).
• Store Properly: Store the board in a dry, well-ventilated area when not in use.

With proper care and maintenance, your DIY cooling board will provide years of faithful service and add a touch of retro charm to your kitchen for generations to come.