Angela’s 1956 kitchen is a charmer — and today she wants our help with paint, flooring and retro decorating ideas to make it the happiest family space possible. Yes: It’s Retro Design Dilemma time — let’s hear what you think she should do with this space.
Reader Angela’s 1956 home was in original condition when she and her family bought it from the original owners in 2005. Since then, the family of five has been working to retain the original details, while putting their personal stamp on the house one room at a time. Angela kept the original tiles in the bathrooms and also wants to keep the original yellow and brown tiles in the kitchen. But, she’s looking for our help with retro decorating ideas that will make sense given this color palette. She wrote:
Hi Pam and Kate,
My name is Angela and my husband, Jim and our three sons have lived in our 1956 ranch since 2005. We lived in our “starter” home for 17 years and when we outgrew that house, we found this one. We doubled our living space and got a great deal, it was an estate sale and the previous owners never had children and did not change a thing since the house was built. It was truly a “time capsule house”. We have updated every room in the house and saved the kitchen for last because I just don’t know what to do with it! We kept the original tiles in the bathrooms, so I would like to keep the tile in the kitchen, even though I really don’t like yellow tile and brown trim, but it is in very good condition, so I can’t see ripping it all out. We are also going to keep the plywood birch cabinets. I bought a wood cleaner and they cleaned up very nicely. I had to use a wood bleach on some of the cabinets to get rid of nasty black stains that I assume are from the metal handles and water over the years. I plan on rubbing on a stain to blend in with the rest of the cabinets and then putting a coat of poly on them to protect them. As far as the copper handles and hinges, going to take them off and spray paint them black and put them back on.
Where my table is in the corner, I was thinking of getting a L shaped bench with a square table and 2 chairs on the other sides. One other thing, I will not be putting the wooden dowels on the island back up, they also match the “valance” that is across the top of my window. I would like to have a shaped wood valance like I have seen in other mid-century homes. Maybe I can find a reader who will trace an outline of theirs so my hubby can make me one!
So, here is my question, what color should I paint the top half of my walls, and what kind and color of floor should I go with? I would like a floor that is low maintenance and kid friendly..(I have two teenage boys, soon to be three!) I wanted to go with a granite counter top in a dark color, but we may just go with Formica that looks like stone because of the cost and the low maintenance.
Any advice you could give me would be greatly appreciated!
Angela
Thank you, Angela — what a happy space!
Kate’s retro decorating ideas for Angela’s kitchen — Sunny and Sweet
Angela mentioned that she wasn’t a fan of the spindled valance over the sink — and I agree. Substituting the spindles for one of the scallop designs available from Randall Manufacturing — from Pam’s story — Scalloped wood molding — 6 ready made designs for retro cornices — would be a great solution. Angela mentioned changing out the countertops for a dark granite or laminate that looks like dark granite. I would not recommend doing this — adding dark countertops in the kitchen will make it feel darker — and I quite like the laminate counter tops that she currently has — which look to be a beige linen pattern. If those counter tops are in acceptable condition, I would not touch them. However — there will be an issue if Angela is removing the wooden spindles from the curved section of counter top — as this removal will leave square holes in the laminate. To solve this problem — Angela could either try to carefully patch the holes with something — wood, another laminate, cork — or have just the top of that counter redone in a laminate that coordinates with the original counters. If the laminate is in bad shape — I would choose a light colored laminate style — perhaps in the light beige, white or tan family.
When it comes to the walls, I would make the space cheery by painting the upper part of the walls a light aqua. To tie in this new color — a rectangular dining set with a light topped table and aqua chairs like the set above — submitted from a reader in our vintage dinette uploader — would add some cheery color to the room. One of the short ends of the table could be placed up against the wall, creating a booth-like set up that would still allow for 5 chairs to be placed around the table. For the floor, a medium colored cork tile — like this natural colored cork from Home Depot (link now gone) — would not show dirt and would stand up to all the foot traffic. Then it is just a matter of bringing in some cute vintage accessories in aqua and yellow to complete the look (update: links now gone):
- Vintage turquoise aluminum Kromex Canisters from Ebay seller cat01150
- A cheery retro yellow clock like this one from Ebay seller amazingstuffllc
- A vintage 1960s Floral print apron from Ebay seller jezebeltree
- Using vintage tea towels or a table cloth, such as this vintage teal and gold patterned table cloth from Ebay seller stored_treasures would work great to make custom cafe curtains for the area around the window.
Pam’s retro decorating ideas for Angela’s kitchen — Atomic Doodle Diner
You know me, when it comes to adding color and pattern to a vintage kitchen, I am a ginormous fan of using wallpaper. And happily today, due to the dramatically increased popularity of mid century modern and modest decor, you can find an abundance retro wallpaper patterns both vintage and new — see all our stories in the Wallpaper Category.
In my first mood board, above, I immediately thought of Bradbury & Bradbury’s Atomic Doodle wallpaper in Taupe. You’ll need to order a sample to check in the real environment of the kitchen, but I think the color ways and design of this wallpaper pattern would be nifty in this kitchen. The Doodle is a googie pattern – so it would inject some space age into this traditional space, which I think is just fine. Also, that looks like a really nice stove — you lucked out there. For wallpaper, I would try to find a pattern that picked up on the strong graphic of the black in the room. For the floor, I thought of 6′ wide sheet — the Corlon pattern (alas, now seemingly discontinued) that reader Nancy recommended in this story. Mind you, I have not seen this terrazzo-mimic flooring live, but it looks like an excellent possibility for our retro houses. I liked the light look of the Limestone colorway with your kitchen, at least online. Finally, you will see in this first mood board, I thought to paint the fridge black — or buying a counter top depth fridge in black — or a Big Chill fridge, even — to coordinate with the stove. And, I like the idea of painting the coppertone hardware black. Again — going “graphic” usually appeals to me.
Like Kate, I would not spend money to change the counter tops. In “humble” mid century kitchens like this, I think “humble” materials like laminate just seem so much more appropriate that luxe granite (or faux luxe granite). I recently created a new page all about retro kitchen design, in which I talk more about this issue. In addition, your laminate counter tops sound like they are in excellent shape. And, while I do not have data to prove it, I really think the “old” laminate was stronger and more durable that today’s laminate. Also, the beige color is so perfectly neutral — so easy to decorate with.
Sources for Pam’s first mood board above:
- Bradbury & Bradbury Atomic Doodle wallpaper in Taupe
- Armstrong Corlon flooring in Limestone (link now gone)
- Counter depth French door refrigerator in black
- Diner chairs from Heffron’s in black
Above: I love your idea of a booth — or even a small round diner-style table. I might go for black and white — you could even pipe in some yellow! One thing, though, I would not choose a unit that seemed too “big” or else it might looked jammed into the space. Getting the right scale will be important to making this work, aesthetically. You can see, I chose smallish chairs to spotlight. However, depending on the size of your three teenage boys, you might choose to go bigger — for comfort. Make it comfortable space where everyone wants to hang out — first and foremost!
Disclosure reminder from Pam: My recommendations include some products from current advertisers (Bradbury & Bradbury, Hannah’s Treasures, Heffron’s and Big Chill.) While I am grateful for our advertisers, my including their products in mood boards like this are not included as part of their advertising deal. They did not and do not pay for me to write about them or include their products in these stories; there is no quid pro quo for editorial coverage. Read here about how we make money on the blog..
Pam’s second mood board of retro decorating ideas for Angela’s kitchen — Yankee Doodle Dandy
Same idea as above, except this time, I found a kitschy 1950s vintage wallpaper from Hannah’s Treasures. It looks like it has all the right colors (interestingly — including the same blue that Kate chose for her paint color… blue and yellow work well together, it’s clear)… appropriate graphic punch… the scale looks right… and it’s a homey hoot.
Readers — what are your paint, flooring and retro decorating ideas for Angela’s kitchen?
LisaB says
What a lovely kitchen!
My first thought was to accent using red. Plus, a cute vintage wall paper to cheer up the space.
I like the postwar papers at bradbury: http://bradbury.com/postwar.html
The L shaped booth is a charming idea, for flooring I’d suggest checkerboard tile.
lisa says
This might be outside the scope of what you want to do, but have you thought about taking out the peninsula entirely and using those cabinets against the wall between the back door and hallway door?
For counters, I am a huge laminate fan. I’ve found it so durable and easy to care for, and nearly always the cheapest option available. Look on the Formica and Wilsonart websites — there is so much more available than what they display at the big box stores.
For your walls, I love the wallpaper idea. Personally, I think it would be a mistake to introduce large swaths of another color. I think you need to find something that really ties in the yellow and brown, and wallpaper would allow you to do that while still introducing SOME other colors (really dislike the “paint it blue or aqua” suggestions, but that’s just me — not into stark contrasts). Something with a cream background, lots of yellow and a little brown in the pattern would be very pretty. You want scrubbable for the kitchen, but since the prep areas are all near tile you don’t have to worry about splatters, just general kitchen grease.
Also consider ditching the ventilation fan in favor of an actual vent hood on the stove. You’ll have to cover the hole, but maybe you could hang a platter there to cover the lack of tile.
lynda says
I personally love the retro look of the fan above the stove! I wouldn’t change it. It adds to the original look of the kitchen. I think refresh rather than remodel would be my goal.
lisa says
Lynda, I suggested the vent hood for function. I was going under the assumption that a fan like that would not work as well as an overhead vented fan. But maybe I’m wrong! You are right that the vintage look of the fan is pretty cool. I guess the OP could in fact install a true vent hood AND keep the fan for looks and occasional “turn it to 11” venting needs. Also depends on the climate — that old fan might be letting in cold/hot air from outside.
pam kueber says
I think it’s all about the CFMs. I have the old-design Nutone (new manufacture) and the CFMs were fine; but that was assessed based on my own particular kitchen design and stove. On this issue: Check your local building codes – check with a properly licensed professional.
Jay says
Yes, the area does need to be assessed for size of the space in regards to fan capacity. I had the original 8″ thru wall fan with the pull chain that was in a decrepit filthy condition. Since the cabinets came down low, a hood was not an option so I replaced with a new NuTone 8″ fan. Sometimes the big pot of boiling water isn’t adequately vented and moisture collects on the wall and underside of cabinet. But it’s sure vintage looking!
lynda says
My daughter actually went to the trouble of finding and installing a new nutone fan. (with help from this site to locate the fan) She wanted the house to look like the era. She has a Viking induction range and she said it has been very adequate for ventilation. Her remodel was a bit of a refresh. She kept the cabinets and the original top nailed oak floor and replaced the counters, sink, appliances, back splash, and lighting.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3UQ-ullGZPk/TwvYElM305I/AAAAAAAARuo/L0Qorb5VmlU/s1600/IMG_9547.JPG
pam kueber says
Beautiful — a bit of old, a bit of new!
gretchen says
The minute I saw this kitchen I thought of those “Merry Mushroom” canister sets that Sears carried back in the day. They even had just enough brown to pick up your brown tile. With those, orange and olive or a light yellow-green would be perfect colors for walls and countertops. … Red or aqua would work too, if you can find some cute accessories to carry out your color scheme. I have an owl cookie jar that has aqua and brown in it. Maybe you can find something similar. …P.S.- I have formica counter tops on my cabinets that date to 1957 and they still look great. I recommend going that route.
Diane in CO says
I like the wall paper idea but something bold. Even though the cabinets are different, not wood like yours, this PHOTO could be inspirational. I love the fact that they made the bold move of wallpapering the ceiling!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/americanvintagehome/5536721860/
(hope the right pic shows up!)
Also agree with others that replacing table/chairs and the spindles is a must. BTW, granite is so “last decade”… IMHO. Some of the Wilsonart laminates are great.
lady brett says
i know you already have a plan for the counters, so you can just disregard this =) – but my first thought seeing that kitchen was that it would look perfect with yellow laminate counters. (it’s near-perfect as-is, so…)
one other thought, which is probably way more work than it’s worth (and a little bit scary, as it could mess something up), is that if you don’t like the yellow and brown together, you could possibly leave the yellow, but remove (carefully!) the brown trim and replace it with a color that you like better. i would use red – i love a yellow and red kitchen.
audrey w says
Hello, with everybodies great comments here are mine, first of all great kitchen with great bones! suggtions add some tangerine solor to the walls and some pictures on the walls, easier to change pics than wallpaper! add some white or crean flooring in a linoleum with a terazzo pattern to lighten up the floor! donot please do paint the handles black! clean them thoruughly and if you feel the need to spray paint after? Copper please! a semi gloss copper!, the coutner tops FORMICA not Granite it is the 1950s your preserving not the 1980s! the spindles? oh yes loose them! even the upper cabinet, looks like you will not need it for storage, then with the wider counter to create the counter hieght and bar stools with backs on them or not but… make the fabric on the stools the same as the fabric on the curtians to tie them together, in a new made to look fabric or a retro fabric if you can find them. the lights? leave them the look great just as they are! the counter tops? do they need replacement they seem to look good but if they are needing a new look then most def boomerang! in formica! did i mention formica? LOL i have lived with formica all my life and with a counter top cutting board (that you can wash in the sink) you do not need granite! re the counter, i would get different sugar coffee flour set something more 1905s like the copper bottom with the black tops ( look ebay, craigs list etc) agree with others about the knife set being in the drawer but some people feel the need to leave it out on the counter, i dont get it ( i put my knives in the drawer and just reach in the drawer from the entrance instead of the middle) the seating? square table with a fabric tablecloth, again the 1950s patterns, not too keean on the bankette style when going into ahem older age (hey i can say that, i am there ok amost there) too hard to get into and out of the bankette and moving the whole table to clean too much work, easlier to move chairs! hope this helps you may feel free to contact me for places to get fabrics or free ideas, i hope this helps! love love your kitchen! Audrey in Sunset Beach Ca
Doug Camin @ House on Rynkus Hill says
Our kitchen (1960 split level) has a built-in bench and we really like it, as well as yellow tiles (though no brown border.)
We also have a lot of black metal details around the house (railings, etc) – I found that while it takes a little more time, you get a more durable (and more lustrous) finish if you use brush-on oil-based black paint. Durability of the finish will be important for something that is continually touched like that.
I don’t think that you need to keep even the dowel on the end of the island – it won’t be needed for support of the upper cabinets – unless you were doing it for aesthetics.
You may want to consider some additional accent lighting. Old tile like that takes really well to under cabinet lights and can create a more dramatic look in the space without compromising the mid-century aesthetic because they would remain hidden.
I agree with other comments that a checkerboard VCT tile pattern may work in there too. Armstrong’s Excelon tiles come in a wide variety of colors allowing you to inexpensively create a border or other pattern. In our kitchen we used a new product called Striations – it has a unique pattern and comes in 12×24 tile size instead so you can do a lot more with it. It is modern, but mid-century compatible. ( http://www.armstrong.com/commflooringna/products/biobased-tile/striations/_/N-70fZ1z141rp ) It also installs just like regular VCT tile.
pam kueber says
Hi Doug, Thanks for all your comments and great additions to the blog – you’re a regular now! Thanks also for the tip on Striations – it’s cool, and like you said, a mix of old (streakies) and new (12×24 scale). Well worth considering, we’ll do a spotlight story. Many thanks!
Doug Camin @ House on Rynkus Hill says
Thanks Pam! I really love the Striations tile. I have some pictures of our kitchen floor I can send over too. We don’t have original cabinets but the other details are original – it came out looking great and flows effortlessly with the other original finishes in the house.
orangey says
You are sooooo lucky to have this original kitchen. I think it looks great just way it is. And it looks to be in terrific shape. Thanks for not ripping it out! I believe one day in the not too distant future there will be retail stores dedicated to pink bathrooms, knotty pine, starbursts on anything and the color aqua.
The copper hardware is fantastic. Do you know how much new copper hardware costs but you already have it! I believe copper is the new brushed nickel. And the spindles are magnificent and the fact that they match the valance is perfect. You don’t need to get something that looks like other mid-century houses – you already have it.
I’m not a fan of granite. Granite will look goofy sitting on top of these cabinets. The mix of eras will be too extreme. I see flip houses where granite has been plopped down on older cabinets and it just doesn’t look right to me. Stick with Formica in a solid color – no faux stone, no faux anything.
As for the floor, linoluem or sheet vinyl. In an earlier kitchen post, someone suggested Armstrong Corlon so I sent for samples. I like it a lot. Looks like terrazzo. I think I’m going to use it in my kitchen and adjoining den.
A new dinette in perhaps a smaller scale will probably make a huge difference. Wallpaper is a great idea but paint is easier. Maybe a pale blue or green that will complement all the brown tones. And if you don’t like it, you can paint right over it. On the wall next to those fabulous spindles, place a period appropriate clock or maybe cover a plain bulletin board in a bright geometric fabric. Again, easy to change out.
Good luck and please keep us posted!
Angela says
Love the clock idea!
April says
I glanced at all the suggestions and there are some great ones. Not sure if this has be mentioned yet…looking at the counter area in the 2nd pic with the spindles, could the top cabinets be moved to the back wall with the door on it? The ceiling soffit seems to continue there. That would open up the area tremendously and widening the counter to overhang making room for stools would give a great eating/ work space
Angela says
Yes, we have thought about that. I don’t know why they were placed the way they are, it is almost like the previous owners added the door at the last minute…because of the soffits running on that back wall..the cabinets are all one piece so they would have to be cut up to move them…if I just placed them on the back wall between the doors I would have to have the hallway door moved and I really don’t want to get into that much of a remodel…
Adrian says
Vintage Wallpaper.