Wow, does anyone know about countertops like these? Becky recently bought a time capsule and her french provincial kitchen (I’d call it) includes these countertops. Reminds me of these Fritz floor tiles. Anyone work with this back in the day who knows? Kind of, an early-days version of Silestone or the other composite-quartz countertops sold today. I love it!! And that kitchen, too (nix the carpet and get a counter-depth fridge.) Note: These are photos from the walk-through before Becky bought the house. She is talking about gutting — argh! Becky: Live with the house a while, I implore you — I sure bet you can learn to Love this House You’re In!
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Reader Interactions
73 comments
Diane says
This kitchen is so adorable. I love those kind of countertops. My parents have a 1962 home with those kind of countertops and they look great even after all these years. I really like the lamp hanging over the cute table and chairs.
Judi says
I recently saw a spoon rest at a thrift store that might have been made out of this very stuff, with the word Florida and a seashell or two floating in with the little chips. It seemed like acrylic with all the little things floating in it. I passed on it, because my kitchen has more of a colonial or country theme, rather than beachy. But I would not pass on these great counters. The entire kitchen (minus dark floor and giant fridge) is really wonderful. I remember visiting the homes of friends as a teen in the 70s — the ones who lived in new homes — and seeing such lighthearted kitchens. I think my husband would hate the girliness of this kitchen, however.
midmodms says
Looks something like the shower in a house my aunt owned way back when. That had sheets of resin with pebbles in it. Pretty neat.
Alice says
What an adorable kitchen! That countertop is wonderfully unique, and if it’s endured this long, it is probably going to stick around awhile longer. I think that kitchen is precious. I agree with Pam on the few changes to make – carpet and fridge. Can’t really see the wallpaper, but you might want to look at something retro-parisian as a replacement. Thanks for sharing the photo and let us know if you find out the story behind the countertop!
Lynn-O-Matic says
It looks a lot like those Lucite collectibles from the fifties and early sixties: [link gone]
I ADORE the countertops. I wouldn’t change a thing in that kitchen other than the flooring and possibly the wallpaper. It’s really hard to see in the photo, but the wallpaper looks pretty eighties to me, and not in a good way. I might paint the wall behind the table another color. But it looks like such a cheerful, bright kitchen as is. I’d love to sit down at the table with a cup of coffee and the morning paper.
johnny dollar says
i’d be inclined to poke my head in under the cabinets and see if i could find any product info – stickers, or whatever. the demo i am doing on my ranch now is lousy with product info – stamps on studs and pywood, stickers on backs of laminate, etc. pulling dishwasher etc. might provide further access.
Carol says
My grandmother’s bathroom sink was comprised of this same material. The house dated back to the 1930s, but I think the sink was installed in the late 60s or early 70s (she moved into the home in 1977). I used to fill the sink with water and pretend that my Barbies had the coolest pool around. Great memories for me.
Amy Hill says
I’ve mainly seen this material used to make the ugliest clocks ever. It’s so awful it’s actually cool looking. And definitely a conversation starter!
I hope the home owner takes your advice and lives with it for a while. There must have been something about the house that spoke to her, else why would she have purchased it to begin with?
Or am I the only one who’s house totally charmed me right from the start? Love at first sight!
Jane (aka Elvis) says
No, Amy, I think you’re far from being the only one whose house charmed them from the start. My 1956 ranch certainly charmed me four years ago! That said, it’s true many here seem to have taken awhile to “come around” to appreciating their lovely retro and mid-century homes.
Heidi Swank says
Ooooo! I am so utterly jealous! I would happily get rid of my mustard yellow counter tops for this! It is amazing! I also love the white cabinets and fabulous light over the dinette. I agree with Pam: get rid of the carpet and put in some appliances that are in scale with the room. As an at first unhappy owner of a very very cute 1956 kitchen, I now love it and highlight it. Makes me feel like Mrs. Cleaver. Does anyone know where I might be able to have counter tops like these made? Gosh, am I jealous!
Shane Walp says
I think the kitchen would look FABULOUS with granite counters, dark cabinets, and stainless appliances! (A little tongue-in-cheek humor there)
Alice says
Shane! We’re going to have to send you back to remedial retro-renovating!
JAson says
Vintage Thermadore appliances could be used……vintage Nutone stainless steel range hood…..vintage stailness steel sink…….vintage stainless steel paper dispenser….and, of course, stainless steel countertop edging!!!! HAHAHAHAHA!!!