100 Years of Cookbook Design

If you are interested in understanding how American culture and economic status have changed over the decades, an unexpected place to look is the covers of our cookbooks. The design of cookbook covers has evolved significantly in the last 100 years, reflecting graphic design trends, cultural shifts, and technical advancements in printing and publishing.

These books have evolved from practical guides to home accessories. So, what does each era of cookbook design tell us?

1920s-1930s

• Design Characteristics: Cookbook covers from this period were typically straightforward, featuring simple, utilitarian designs. They often included practical illustrations of food and the title was prominently displayed on the cover. These were often thin, small-volume recipe booklets bound with simple, economical techniques such as stapled saddle stitch or side stitch binding. Larger-volume cookbooks were bound in cloth hardcovers.

• Cultural Influence: The focus was on utility and functionality, with a no-nonsense approach that reflected the economic realities of the Great Depression. Cookbooks were seen as essential household guides, many produced by food manufacturers and featured recipes for baked goods and grain-centric meals that could stretch household food budgets.

1940s-1950s

• Design Characteristics: During the mid-20th century, cookbook covers often featured animated illustrations of idealized domestic scenes, emphasizing family and home-cooked meals. The covers were colorful and cheerful, aiming to convey warmth and comfort while showcasing graphic design as a formal practice. Plastic became increasingly popular in the 1950s, which led to comb binding for smaller-volume cookbooks, while larger volumes featured case binding or—in some cases—even a 5-ring binder to allow the reader to add in their own recipes.

• Cultural Influence: The post-war era saw a focus on traditional family values and the burgeoning middle class, whose disposable income increased by fivefold from 1940 to 45. Cookbooks during this time were designed for white suburban housewives and often reflected the growing popularity of home economics and convenience foods.

1960s-1970s

• Design Characteristics: The covers from this period began experimenting with more artistic and bold designs, incorporating vibrant colors, abstract art, and unconventional fonts. Photographic covers became more common, showcasing the appeal of the dishes. Many books continued to feature spiral or coil binding for practical purposes, while large volumes were case-bound with a decorative dust jacket for protection.

• Cultural Influence: The 1960s and 1970s were times of social upheaval and cultural experimentation. There was a growing interest in foreign foods and a big wave of gourmet foods inspired by French cuisine. All of this was reflected in the more artistic and internationally-influenced approach to cookbook design, aligning with broader art and graphic design trends.

1980s-1990s

• Design Characteristics: The rise of celebrity chefs and gourmet cooking in the 1980s and 1990s brought a more polished and professional look to cookbook covers. High-quality photography of dishes, often styled to perfection, became the norm. The covers frequently featured the chef or author prominently.

• Cultural Influence: With the 1980s affluence came abundance and a stronger focus on luxury. The culinary world began to intersect more with popular culture as cooking shows and food networks gained popularity. This era saw a shift towards aspirational cooking, emphasizing sophistication and professional expertise.

2000s-2010s

• Design Characteristics: The early 2000s introduced a minimalist aesthetic to cookbook covers, with clean lines, simple fonts, and an emphasis on white space. Covers often featured a single, beautifully photographed dish or ingredient. The celebrity chefs continued to rise, with many of them.

• Cultural Influence: This period saw a growing interest in lifestyle branding, with cookbooks not just about recipes but also about conveying a particular way of life. The minimalist design reflected broader trends in graphic design and consumer goods.

2020-present

• Design Characteristics: Recent cookbook covers are diverse in their approach, reflecting the wide variety of culinary voices and styles. They blend high-quality food photography, artistic illustrations, and innovative typography. Some covers emphasize rustic, artisanal aesthetics, while others are a vibrant and eclectic rejection of the minimal aesthetic of the previous generation of cookbooks—leaning into solely graphic covers with big, gold type and often other trimmings such as debossing, foils, or die-cutting.

• Cultural Influence: The influence of social media (and thus, food influencers) and a renewed interest in diverse culinary traditions have shaped the contemporary cookbook. There is a greater focus on health, sustainability, and storytelling, with covers that aim to convey the unique narrative of the cookbook.

Whether you're interested in designing your own cookbook or wish to learn more about recipe book design, contact AP&B to get started.