Following up on Monday’s exciting post about the Arpa USA palette of solid-color laminates, let’s take a look at how to use this material to recreate this 1959 Ma Bell kitchen. It would be oh-so-easy! Elements include:
- Laminate cabinetry using Arpa’s “Jardin” colorway.
- Cabinet pulls: Rejuvenation’s new midcentury “sharp arch”, in satin chrome
- Countertops are also laminate – I like Arpa’s “Off White” but there are 4 whites that could work – Off White, Snowbound, Dover White and Downy — that you can eyeball in your kitchen – and test adjacent to your appliances.
- On the floor, I’d put Armstrong’s faux-brick vinyl sheet, Saguaro in birch white
- And if you can scrounge them up — this kitchen also deserves a pink stovetop, built-in ovens, and even fridge…Reader Ron might be able to find you some
- If you can’t find pink or don’t want vintage - the Sub-Zero with appliance white panels and the old-style vent at the top, makes for a mighty fine authentic mid mod look. Pair it with a vintage range.
- For a sink – stainless steel from Elkay, they have lots of great designs straight from the era.
- Arpa USA’ laminate in “Jardin”
- Rejuvenation’s new Sharp Arch pull
- Armstrong flooring, Saguaro in birch white
- Search for pink appliances on clist, ebay and through our growing Retro Renovation network
- Subzero side by side – appliance white panels – old style vent at top. Build pantry cabinets around it.
- These Elkay sink tops are great, or use a classic double-bowl, countertop mount
- Original ad: Promoting a telephone for your kitchen!
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Before I started reading this blog I had in mind that when Nathan & I move from our ‘built-from-a-model 2001 home’ in Manteca we would move into a custom home. I had for years been thinking of things I had to have in the house and have a list started. We have done quite a bit in an effort to get the vintage feel in this house, but of course are working with all new architcture, moldings, doors etc. After seeing so many posts on this website about the amazing houses of the 1960s and drooling over them I realize now that finding one of those homes would fill so many items on my ‘custom home checklist’ and would fit us perfectly. I am in constant awe of the style, colors, fabrics and what seems to be true innovation of the time (unlke my 2001 nothing-is-unique house). The website has made me reminisce of my aunts & uncles and cousins homes that were 1960s groovy, the courtyards that sat in the center of the house, the planter space along the real stone wall in the living room, the large angled windows near the ceiling etc.
When the housing market turns back around and we get to sell this place and move on, it will be a move to a fabulous 1960s ranch. What a great thing to look forward to! Thanks for all the inspiration!
Anita
Anita – Thank YOU for such a lovely note. It’s been so fun to get your emails and see your purchases. So far you have tried to kill us with asbestos tiles… then, you made up for it with that wicked awesome stereo… What’s next? I’m sure it will be good!
Yes, dearie, it sounds like there is a 60s ranch out there waiting just for you and Nathan, when the time is right!
What is clist?
Thanks!
Heidi – shorthand for craigslist.