It isn’t every day that you find a set of raspberry pink St. Charles steel kitchen cabinets like this set for sale in Washington, D.C.. The color of this cabinetry — found printed right on the back of one of the cabinets: Raspberry. We love it — AND, we have an historical reference to demonstrate this is likely from around 1956 — not the flower power 1960s. Thanks to reader Debbie, who alerted us to this fantastic find, and to craigslist seller Kathe for allowing us to feature her photos.
Early in the blog’s life, Pam wrote about this color, which she identified as “rose red”. The color also seems to be a ringer for Sherwin-Williams’ Flamingo Pink, part of their Suburban Modern collection.
See this story about what looks to be this very St. Charles kitchen color on an actual — in 1956. Yes, a raspberry kitchen, all decorated out.
From the Craigslist post:
$100 per cabinet EACH (CL doesn’t let me post EACH in price field). Both upper and lower metal St. Charles cabinets with stainless steel handles from an upper crust DC home in the 60s. Very mid century modern. In good condition, just need cleaning and installing in your place. Original Raspberry Pink paint has some slight nicks and scratches consistent with 50+ years of use, but still quite a lot of character and usuable as is for an authentic look, or you could paint. You move from my split level basement, half flight of stairs. I was going to use them in a kitchen remodel but ended up using something else and need to find these a new home because we are moving. Email for pics and measurements.
Also have some white metal cabinets, Geneva brand. $50 EACH, chrome handles. These have been painted once.
These are great for retro, vintage kitchen remodel or even a dry garage.
I don’t have the countertop or sink for either set. The pink St Charles ones were in an L shaped kitchen before. Here are measurements:
Pink Base cabinets: 30.5″ high, no footing
33wide x 26 deep (2 doors, 1 drawer)
9w x 26 deep
15w x 26d
Sink facing forsingle stainless sink (do not have sink)
Pink Upper cabinets: 13″ deep
45w x 3 high (3 doors)
21w x 36 high
30w x 24.5 high (2 doors over stove)
21w x 36 high
21w x 36 high
15w x 36 high
33.5w x 18 high (2 doors over fridge)White Base cabinets (from a different kitchen): 35″ high with footing
48 w x 25 deep (4 drawers)
18 w x 25 deep (3 drawers)
24 wide x 25 deep x 7″ high (over stove cabinet?)
Sink facing for single stainless sink (do not have sink)White Upper cabinets: 13″ deep
30w x 18 high (2 doors)
two corner cabinets: 24 wide x 30 high
Mega thanks to Craigslist seller Kathe for allowing us to feature her photos of these fabulous vintage steel cabinets.
See all our stories about steel kitchen cabinets here.
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K. Schuetz says
We need a metal/steel kitchen sink base cabinet or a Youngstown full sink and drainboard unit. Can you help?
pam kueber says
See the lead story in our Kitchen Help / Steel Kitchens subcategory — first feature box
Trent Jones says
We have a full kitchen of circa 1953 St. Charles metal cabinets. I am looking for parts (door fasteners, etc) but am willing to purchase a complete cabinet or two to get the parts. Availability & price would be appreciated.
pam kueber says
head over to our forum, trent: https://retrorenovation.com/forums
Elmont White says
I am looking for a 20 inch base cabinet with drawers?
pam kueber says
head to our buy/sell forum for vintage steel cabinets: https://retrorenovation.com/forums/
Ninaclock says
These have the same handles as my 1965 cabinets. Love the color!
Stephanie says
I love this pink. Such a timeless color.
Also, check out the color used in the tile and sink in this bathroom. Fabulous.
http://www.midcenturyhomestyle.com/inside/bathrooms/1950s/gallery/page15.htm
Robin, NV says
These are lovely. I was in the hardware store the other day and overheard a woman saying how her kitchen was watermelon. How nice!
We archaeologists tend to describe the different colors of chert (a type of stone) by the foods we’re reminded of – especially around lunch time or near the end of the day when we’re tired and hungry. “Root beer” and “mustard” are two common colors. I actually found an artifact that I described as “raspberry and cream.” Maybe not terribly scientific sounding but a very useful description nevertheless.
Andi says
These are so cool! I love flamingo pink.
For once, something fabulous on Craigslist is only an hour’s drive away, but I can’t use them. My turquoise kitchen has its original 1952 cabinets (though the white painted wood is pretty boring compared with these!)
Hope they find an appreciative new owner!
gsciencechick says
Love ’em, though pink in the kitchen is not for everyone.
Marc says
Architect Alden Dow (a well-known follower of Frank Lloyd Wright) used the raspberry cabinets in a number of his late 1950s/early 1960s designs.
pam kueber says
Great to know. I am reading a big book about his work right now!
Jay says
Oh good! Another design person to learn up on. Lately I have been looking into the work of Edward D. Stone.
Kkmk says
More on Alden Dow here http://www.trianglemodernisthouses.com/dow.htm
Annie B. says
Interesting to read about the Ethyl Dow plant in Kure Beach, NC. Never knew it existed.