I built a new vanity for my guest bathroom about about three months ago, but we held the story, because lookie: I was able to use one of our seven new Retro Renovation® by Wilsonart® boomerang laminates — the delicious “Retro Renovation® Delightful Jade” design. By the time I got going with this project, the colorway was locked in, so Wilsonart printed a sheet for me [disclosure: they provided it no charge as part of our collaboration]. I love all the colors in our boomerang laminate collection, but ‘Delightful Jade’ is one of my favorites, so I’m super excited that I found a place to use it in my home.
The color coordinates nicely with my circa-1962 original American Standard green bathtub and similar green wall tile accents.
Pam and I think this color also will look great in kitchens and baths stretching back to the 1940s.
The verdict — I absolutely love it. Every guest I have had over to the house since I finished renovating the bathroom has remarked about how much they like the countertop — whether they are into retro decor or not. Plus, how many people can say they not only fabricated their bathroom countertop, but also helped to create the colorway?!
More info on all the work I did in this bathroom yet to come. In the wake of yesterday’s big huzzah, we wanted to show this new laminate off right away!
Disclosure: I want readers to know: I do not make money if you buy this laminate; “the deal” that I have with Wilsonart includes other elements of consideration. For example, on Feb. 1 they will launch an advertisement on the blog, for which Retro Renovation is compensated. So, I do not have any incremental financial reason to promote the laminates in this collection over other options — see all our research on countertop options to find the product that’s right for you! – Publisher Pam.
boocat says
I hate you. I want boomerangs in my boring bathroom — I am sooo jealous! Fabulous stuff.
Alan says
If there is a big box store near you (Lowes or Home Depot) would be your best bet for buying Wilsonart laminate. I bought 3 sheets that came rolled up in a box that fit easily in my car. Just lower the back rest of the passenger seat all the way down.
pam kueber says
Yes, you should be able to get these via Big Box stores — trick may be: Do the associates know what you are talking about, or will they research it, if you don’t. I’ve heard stories.
Alan says
Yes you are correct. The workers (associates) in the flooring departments in these stores really do not seem to be very knowledgeable about these laminates. Wilsonart is very good with sending a small sample to you if you wish. I annoyed them with sending me 4 different ones at 4 different times before I settled on Retro Mint. Very good company. Go to their web-site to order samples.
Joe Felice says
You got that right! I had to explain what backplates were, and why they were used. And then was told to go online. I’m so tired of being told that.
Jackie says
I have a vintage kitchen set that’s kind of greenish, minty, crushed ice. Table is in very good condition, but the chairs, while not torn, the color has worn away. Do you think the jade boomerang countertops would fight with the crushed ice? Also do you know where I might find “crushed ice” vinyl to redo the chairs?
pam kueber says
I just found this site for cracked ice vinyl yesterday – they do not have green – but their gray might look good with our jadeite boomerang on the tabletop edged with a steel/aluminum/chrome apron. Our Delightful Jade boomerang design has a touch of gray in the rounded squares on the bottom layer. But I will say: I would probably get lots of anxiety trying to figure out whether crackle ice chairs with boomie-topped table would be too much pattern; and the shades might be a big factor, I’d have to see. For dinette sets, I was just imagining pairing any of our laminates with chairs in two tones of colors piped by maybe a third. E.G. Jadeite table top, jade and white pleather chairs, piped in white — see the photos from AnMarcos in this story for the idea – https://retrorenovation.com/2016/01/18/acme-chrome-dinettes-vintage-style-buy-today/
Karen in Philly says
To 50’s girl. I would give my right arm for a yellow Big Chill fridge! It would look totally fantastic with the jadite colored formica. I have some experience with these colorways as I scored a hoosier cabinet on CL in these two colors. The original color of jadite green was accented with a little bit deeper green on the original glass “stencil”. And the yellow color of the cabinet was a couple of different shades of yellow due to wear. But the overall effect is fabulous. I agree you need to get samples. One thing you may also want to check out is the vintage pyrex bowl in the Shenandoah pattern (on ebay) I don’t think things have to match perfectly, since the colors in any room change during the course of a day based on the light. You just want to make sure it pleases your eye. And if you giggle with excitement every time you see buttercup yellow and jadite together, you know it is for you. I love the jadite green boomerang formica. I loathe tv shows, realtors ect. who cringe at the idea of anything other than granite and stainless steel appliances.
Kate, your bathroom vanity with the boomerang formica, white tiles and pops of jade, and the color of the wood cabinet are TO DIE FOR. !! Congrats on your collaboration with Wilsonart and now get some much deserved rest!!
Enid says
Love it!!!—-But where is the chrome edge?
pam kueber says
haha – But… chrome edging not commonly used in bathrooms as far as I know. A self-edge, like Kate used, likely more common.
Joe Felice says
You know, Pam, I never really thought about it, but I think you’re right. Chrome edging was a touch brought into our homes from diners, and therefore, used only in kitchens and dining rooms. These rooms tend to be more “blingy” than bathrooms.
G S says
It really looks fabulous. We will eventually need to redo our hall bath and plan to use colored 4 x 4″ tile to restore it to its original glory. we had to re-do the floor tile a couple of years ago and already have the B&W pinwheel. We have cultured marble on our vanity top, but I’d love to use the boomerang laminate in the re-do.
Deanne says
Cathie – If you can find a place to purchase it I would ask them if there is a local installer they would recommend. I recently wanted boomerang Formica in my kitchen with the metal edge. I had a hard time getting the big installers to even call me back. When they did I was told $3k with an 8 week lead time. But when I found a store that carried both the Formica and the metal edge in stock their guy came the next day and installed for $400 bucks. He probably wasn’t licensed or bonded and I know he doesn’t have a website or a crew of helpers, but he was fabulous!
cathie says
Beautiful product by in my research on laminate I discovered that a) finding someone to install it is nearly impossible; b) these special order products are often not available in Canada; and c) unless you can install it yourself, the labour cost is ridiculous and you might as well go for a natural material. Its just not that easy.
Alan says
Putting on new laminate is so easy. Even someone who just a little handy can do it. There are plenty of how to videos on the internet to show how it’s done. Best way to remove old laminate is with a hot clothes iron and a paint scrapper to peel it up. Use mineral spirits to remove the old adhesive that’s left on the counter.
Joe Felice says
Labor costs are indeed outrageous, and you can always count on overruns. Renovation projects are not for the light-of-pocketbook.
Carolyn says
Beautiful! Kate I need your help with my bathroom. I have a sink and my grandma’s vintage hall mac built in vanity all just waiting for the perfect cabinet. I know we are both Milwaukee girls. Help! Also, did you know Home Depot discontinued the mosaic tile you used in your new pink bathroom?
Kate says
Hi Carolyn,
I just checked Home Depot’s website and the pink tile I used in my pink bathroom — Merola University Pink — is still available. It has always been online only through the Home Depot. Hope that helps!
50sgirl says
Looking for suggestions- I have the yellow Big Chill Fridge. I will get samples, but would jade make the fridge look green, or would the very light yellow be better? The new retro yellow countertop looks more gold to me… Tiles and floor white. Cabinets and walls can be painted any color..anyone with suggestions, I would so appreciate it!
pam kueber says
Both Kate and I are on the road today. We can look at our samples and comment early next week. Yes, the Creme Caramel is amber-y, not sunshiney yellow.
I think the best thing is always to: Get samples. Put ’em in your space… then decide…
Amy in Sacramento says
Yes, get samples. You really can’t judge colors accurately on your computer screen. (And I’d LOVE a Big Chill fridge! Lucky you!) 😉
Joe Felice says
Get the samples. But in general, greens and yellows go well together, so long as thee shades of each are not intense.
Tasha says
That looks seriously fantastic! I’m really excited about the new boomerang collaboration. We’re a long way off from re-doing anything in our kitchen (as in, not even on the radar), but it does make me wonder if a small-term investment in a laminate countertop would be worth it, even if we have to re-do the counters completely in the future. Hmmm… you’ve definitely got me wondering. Because of that Aqua Ripple…!
June says
I share your point of view. I’m having a difficult time in getting contractors to see my point of view in keeping but updating my vintage 60’s kitchen. Of course they’re all pointing to new granite/quartz, new cabinets, move this, buy that, and so on. This morning I finally said, “Let’s re-wrap those counters and move on”. I like my kitchen, and I’m going to keep it. I may not use one of the beautiful new colorways, but in reviewing them on the WilsonArt site I got some great ideas using the Recover product line. It’s a win-win all around. Congrats on developing the new retro line.
steve says
Girfriend, I love the laminate but I WANT THAT HUDEE SINK!
Your fan,
Steve
pam kueber says
Bootz! https://retrorenovation.com/2014/05/07/affordable-retro-bathroom-sinks/
Joe Felice says
It is difficult to get designers and contractors to share our vision. We just have to be firm in conveying what we want. And then hope they get it.
Cathy says
Just keep going until you find a contractor that listens! I finally found a contractor that understood that a laminate countertop would be a better fit for my knotty-pine vintage kitchen….and not try to sell me a trendy granite counter top.