THE ESTATE SALE ON FRIDAY was a jackpot — the 1964, single-owner split level house was in gorgeous condition. What I really liked about it was that it was a very middle class, unpretentious house – but it had features that were clearly chosen for their high quality and craftsmanship. It was timeless in the true sense that everything about the house can endure. Oh lordy, I hope that the new owners understand what they have in hand! Today, two slide shows: The first of an awesome midcentury mailbox, recessed into the roman marble brick of the exterior. I know lots of readers will be so envious of this feature, I’ve never seen anything like it yet. And second, a fabulous time capsule kitchen — it includes two-tone cabinetry, a great little breakfast counter with original stools, and yellow GE appliances with gorgeous design features. One of my new favorites ever — like this house. 27 photos in all.

To start: Here’s the mailbox. Fabulous! Click on the first image to enlarge, then proceed through the slide show.

 

 

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I constantly update the blog – and have now put all the pink kitchens into this little slide show. Have fun!

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Glamorlux Nancy in Fairfax, Virginia, is updating her 50s kitchen and has her inspiration photo all ready to go. The kitchen is already quite nice looking – the overall feel of the space is terrific, and the cabinets are well-made. Nancy’s chosen her countertop and has her hardware… but she still is pondering what color… or colors… to paint her original 50s cabinets…and the accent – or not – for her new Azrock Cortina floor tiles.

Nancy writes:

Hi Pam,

I’ve seen on your site where you and your readers provide ideas for “remodeling” vintage kitchens and baths… Well, here is our kitchen, pre-restoration.

As far as I can tell, a lot is original – cabinets, GE Textolite countertops (golden beige twilight), and plastic “copper” tile backsplash. However, it is very late 50’s, and we prefer a “prettier” early 50’s look. I want our new color scheme to include: aqua (turquoise), pale yellow, red and white.

The original Textolite counters are sort of beat up and lack the metal banding, so we are planning on replacing them. We’ve already purchased the aqua boomerang Formica laminate and stainless steel banding to make the new countertops. Since the copper tiles are only over the range, we are planning on removing them, and then making a taller backsplash on the countertops.

The flooring is obviously not original. I ordered some samples off of the Azrock website, and they came within a few days! My favorite is called Cirrus V-785… (and I want to use this) for the majority of the floor, with a diagonal or random pattern of Azrock’s “Spearmint”, “Honey” and “Coral Reef”…. But, my husband said that might be too much with the boomerang countertops. Our kitchen will have a Mexican theme, so we’re going for a festive look. …

As I mentioned in another email, we’ve been going back and forth on whether to paint our 1959 wood cabinets. I’m really not into the wood look, although I know it was very desirable in the 50’s. Do you think we’d regret painting them? They are worn and slightly water-damaged in areas, so if I kept the natural wood, I’d have to refinish them anyway (which I don’t particularly relish doing). We are now thinking about painting the cabinet “structure” white, but then having the doors and drawer fronts yellow and/or coral. I’ve seen this done in vintage magazines… Do you like that look? The original Amerock cabinet hardware is gold, so I found the same style in chrome on eBay. Oh well, one thing I’ve learned from pouring over vintage “Better Homes and Gardens” magazines is that really “anything goes” when it comes to decorating a 50’s kitchen!

And, thanks for the compliment about the kitchen. It is definitely not a “chef’s kitchen” and the counter space is practically nil. We’ll be adding some shelving on the wall where the Cosco cart and microwave are now. Ha, ha – I wonder how many potential buyers took one look at the kitchen (and the pink bathroom) and decided the house wasn’t for them! I’m including some “inspiration” pictures I’ve collected, to give you an idea of what feel we’re going for. Any ideas are welcome!

Thanks so much,
Nancy

First of all, Nancy, I am so impressed with all your hard, focused work. You are someone who Gets Things Done. You go, girl! My thoughts on your questions:

• Remember how Jerry Seinfeld used to joke that when you have a bad headache, you want to take just enough aspirin to kill you – but then back off a tad so that you don’t? That’s the way I tend to feel about decoration and color…. Lay it on, but then edit it back some and you will be happier. In that vein (if that makes sense): I vote with your husband. That Cirrus floor will look beautiful and has enough going on in its own right that you don’t need to add diagonals or other color punches. I also believe your eye needs somewhere to rest as it dances happily around your happy kitchen.
• Regarding the cabinets: Go ahead and paint ‘em and never look back! Another idea: Base cabinets one (darker) color, wall cabinets another (lighter) color.
• And Retro Renovation Peanut Gallery: Be sure to chime in with your ideas, too!

All that said — Nancy, you seem to have great instincts and have really thought a lot about this. So don’t get too stressed out and ultimately – trust your own heart. We can’t wait to see the finished job – thanks for sharing!

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This week I heard from Jeff, who uses vintage speckled laminate for his banjo finger boards. I just think that is so cool… you know I am part Kentuckian. P.S. Can someone tell me how to get the accent mark over the ‘e’, as in lame’ … as I am dying to write lame’ laminate?

Note to all readers…and I need to make the speckled laminate issue an FAQ because I constantly get the question: No one makes it anymore. Discontinued by the last maker just three years ago, alas. And I believe, but I need to verify, that the technology to make it is no longer even in use. Requires ’sandwiching,’ while now everyone ‘laser prints.’

Meanwhile — Jeff needs salvaged countertops. And I know with so many retro renovators out there prowling Restores and estate sales and dumpsters – we can help Jeff find more of this treasure and put it to good use. Read on – and contact Jeff via his website if you find a stash that can head his way! E.g.: Sumac Sue, what about that countertop salvaged from your neighbor’s demo that didn’t work out, despite Wayne’s heroic efforts?

Following are Jeff’s emails…kind of strung together. Tee hee. Strung together. Get it?

Hi there, I am searching for some gold fleck/white formica. Do you know of any? I use it in my instrument making. I have contacted Formica and found out that they are no longer making it. I have been collecting this Formica for years and find it from folks doing renos. I make banjos and use it for the fingerboard surface.

I live in Toronto…I have had over 10 counter tops shipped:) They can be cut into shipping sizes… I only need 20″ lengths..Yeah it feels good to recycle the material.. As long as it is not scratched up I can use it… I have a way of removing it from the counter board,

IF you EVER get any or know of any white with gold fleck counter material….salvaged…please let me know!

Thanks for the post!

Jeff Menzies
www.menziesinstruments.com
New, Used & Vintage Acoustic Instruments

Meanwhile, take a look at this 50s laminate countertop. It’s from a new reader, Anna, who shows more of her groovalicious ranch house on her blog, MoModerne.com. FYI, she had her vintage steel cabinets done at Maaco.

Conversation:

“Oh my gosh, I love it, who DID your kitchen?”

Answer:

“Maaco!”

Tee hee.

Anna’s blog is also now on my blogroll for anytime reading. I’ve been adding to the blogroll pretty religiously lately, with the goal of getting all retro house blogs catalogued in one easy-to-find place. If you have one and it’s missing – be sure to let me know.

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