Retro Renovation

These are new from Formica. Both look like they could swing either “warm” or “cool” - that is, work across the spectrum from reds (and pinks) to blues.
I really like the Linen - a very typical look for the 50s — Hey, Formica, can we have it in green, blue, pink and yellow?!:

And, the Brescia [...]

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I am updating this Retro Renovation “Classic” post for Tiel, her husband, and all readers looking for classic 50s and 60s countertop edging. Trust me - this is the real deal:
My husband hunted down the only place left — in Astoria, Queens — that still made the exact stainless steel edging on 50s and 60s [...]

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Seems like I’m starting the week off with the spotlight on RESOURCES! I was checking out Formica’s site recently - and saw these two new laminates. They both have a nice retro groove, underscored by their names, Atomic Orange and Atomic Turf. Back in the postwar era, there were a number of laminates that had [...]

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I felt blog ego come upon me (horrors, ego!) when Ronn challenged my assessment that the countertop in this kitchen was original. Maybe yes, maybe no, but if his belief is that it’s 90s because of the integral backsplash and edge (rather than the pattern) - I did respond that I’ve spotted integral design [...]

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How is this one, RetroRenovation Readers?
I recently scored a full box of est. 1960-65 era GE Textolite laminate samples, absolute mint condition unused. This is the first bunch — the others aren’t so over-the-top FABULOUS, but still are great gauges of what to look for. Stay tuned.
OMG. What else do I need to say. We [...]

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The website says that these are for “contract” jobs — that is, interior designers working on commercial projects. But hey, if you really like these retro laminate choices, go after Nevamar and get them!
Remember: The only way to do these…is to pair them with authentic steel countertop and backsplash edging available from the only company [...]

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This ad from 1953 spotlights the Elkay Lustertone sink/countertop/drainboard combo. You can still get these today - and they are an awesome choice if you can make it work with your cabinetry and layout.
Stainless steel is a great surface to work on and to be sure, when you’re moving dishes into and out of the [...]

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I’ve written before about mixing countertop surfaces in your 40s 50s or 60s kitchen. But I recently came across these great photos and thought they would be very helpful. The photos show:

How to lower cabinetry to create a place to roll out your pie dough (of course). Put a slab of marble here — it’s [...]

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I went looking last night for that old-fashioned salt-and-pepper countertop laminate. I couldn’t find it online (although I know it can be had; stay tuned).
Instead, I discovered that Wilsonart now makes four colors of retro style countertop materials for your 50s kitchen or bathroom. More Googies for us Googies. These are part of their Indie [...]

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Today: Modern day products to recreate yesterday’s flashback kitchen. My finds include:

Formica microdot laminate in yellow.
Wilsonart brushed yellow laminate.
Sherwin-Williams Pink Flamingo Paint from the Suburban Modern palette.
Armstrong’s Marmorette (true linoleum) sheet flooring in Green Parrot.

Pretty cool! If this kitchen wouldn’t make you happy - nothing would!

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