TikTok is obsessed with this original 1950s pink kitchen: ‘Why did we stop making these?’

A kitchen with a pink, fully functional 1958 oven and wall-mounted refrigerator is going viral on TikTok — and filling vintage lovers with envy.

Uploaded by TikTok user and Utah real estate agent @llthomps, the pink kitchen quickly gained over 556,000 views, 71,000 likes, 5,400 saves and 1,300 comments.

Now, much like the 1960s high school photos that had TikTokers feeling like they were born in the wrong era, this all-pink kitchen has viewers yearning for the past (at least when it comes to appliances).

The GE Wall Refrigerator-Freezer, introduced in 1955 as part of GE’s Wonder Kitchen collection, came in six mix-or-match colors: green, brown, yellow, navy blue, white and pink — often referred to as “Mamie Pink.”

Mamie Eisenhower, first lady to President Dwight D. Eisenhower from 1953. to 1961, was famous for her love of pink. In fact, during the Eisenhower administration, the White House was often referred to as “the Pink Palace” due to her all-pink decor. It’s said her love of pink inspired more than 5 million pink bathrooms across America.

TikTokers were enthralled by the Mamie Pink, wall-mounted appliances.

“I would install a modern version of this immediately,” commented @researchtok.

“This kind of appliance innovation NEEDS TO HAPPEN AGAIN,” wrote @oltuffpuss.

“why did we stop making these 😭🙏 I want one!” commented @fairy.princess.93.

The very same GE Wall Refrigerator-Freezer made an appearance in another TikToker’s video — this time gaining over 2.4 million views.

In the video, @cyberexboyfriend theorizes that appliance brands moved away from such colorful, innovative designs in order to appeal to a wider consumer base — as well as to save money.

“Everyone and their mom needs [a kitchen] … So why are we gonna put in effort innovating and making challenging designs?” he states.

@cyberexboyfriend then takes viewers through his favorite examples of 1960s and 1970s “midcentury modern design and innovation” — such as the 1960 Western Holly built-in range, and the Frigidaire Flair with roll-out burners.

@cyberexboyfriend isn’t the only fan of the Frigidaire’s innovative 1960s design.

When TikTok user @chasejosie spotted a 1960 Frigidaire Flair Custom Imperial oven, consigned by its original owner, she decided her modern-day kitchen needed a vintage upgrade — gaining 1.4 million views in the process.

Historical footage from an actual 1950s kitchen also went viral on the app when retro account @vintageminds0 uploaded clips from the 1949 informational film, “A Step-Saving Kitchen.”

Originally produced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the video fascinated TikTokers, amassing nearly 10 million views when @vintageminds0 uploaded a second part.

“it’s like we’ve moved backwards with kitchen design!” commented @janiesuperfabdiaz.

“Back when things were built for quality and not continued sales. 😑” wrote @valady87.

“Architects home builders designers & planners- PUT THESE GREAT IDEAS BACK IN THE HOME. Please,” commented @watchingitall.

“I want this exact set up but 2025 tech,” added @katrinathomas09.

While some TikTokers claim brands moved away from pastel appliances because of “the patriarchy,” Elle Decor asserts that brands phased out “Atomic Age” colors as kitchens became more integrated into the layouts of homes, requiring appliances to become more like furniture pieces that blended in with their environment.

As for innovative designs, vintage design website Retro Renovation speculates that such appliances as the GE Wall Refrigerator-Freezer faded from the marketplace due to their cost and size.

Still, judging by TikTokers’ comments, it seems many people would be willing to sacrifice space and cash for the innovations of past kitchen designs.

In The Know by Yahoo is now available on Apple News — follow us here!

The post TikTok is obsessed with this original 1950s pink kitchen: ‘Why did we stop making these?’ appeared first on In The Know.

More from In The Know:

Teen transforms thrifted wedding dress into stunning pink prom dress: 'I audibly gasped'

1992 JCPenney's wedding catalog is making TikTok nostalgic for the past: 'So. Many. Bows'

The 6 best personal item bags that will definitely fit under the seat on your next flight

These are the 7 wardrobe staples you’ll find in every French girl’s closet