How to Decorate 1930s Open Cupboards

Paint the exterior of the open cupboards to match the surrounding wall or apply a coat of white semi-gloss paint to give them a fresh, bright look. Paint the interior of the cupboards in a contrasting or complementary color to better show what you display inside. Use muted shades of butter yellow, rose or grayish-blue to give an authentically art deco look, or choose neutrals to lend a modern appearance.

Place a brushed nickel or wooden plate rack in the open cupboard to hold your dishes and keep the interior of the cupboards neat and tidy-looking. Arrange multiple plate racks in a symmetrical fashion as a reference to the design aesthetics of the 1930s. Opt for plain, white dishes with a classic design to impart a modern look to the kitchen.

Store dry goods such as sugar, flour and salt in enamelware canisters, as they are functional, attractive and true to 1930s interior design. Include reproductions of classic art deco-style canisters with the contents of each labeled in an era-specific typeface, or use modern canisters made of glass or metal to bring the style of the cupboards up-to-date.

Arrange cookbooks on the shelves between era-authentic items such as bakelite radios or classic bookends. Position books and knickknacks in the center of the cupboards so they are clearly visible. Avoid placing too many books in a continuous row because they will look untidy, lessening the decorative element of the arrangement.