Pam’s Kitchen
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| From Pam’s kitchen at RetroRenovation.co |
Welcome to Retro Renovation — your daily dose of mid century renovation resources… design inspiration… fun finds… and a growing community of people all interested in cherishing their postwar 40s, 50s 60s and 70s homes.
Don’t ask me why, but I’m obsessed with modest, mid century, middle-class homes — ranches, Capes, Colonials, split-levels, contemporaries, bungalows. High-style modern ones are great, too, of course . So — this blog dives daily into the design aesthetic of retro interiors, exteriors, culture, people, steel kitchen cabinets, colors, pink kitchens, pink bathrooms, hudee rings, pecky cypress, illustrations with people playing accordians, wallpaper, pinch pleat curtains, mint-in-box items — and readers’ fabulous jewel box houses, too. You get the idea.
If you need ideas — or just love the era — be sure to check in for daily updates on new products to recreate that retro style…design tips…vintage finds…history…and more.
Meanwhile, if you want to read more about my kitchen saga:
- I find my cabinets - at a cooking school formerly run by nuns in NYC
- The kitchen reno starts — lots of pics of the old kitchen here
- The kitchen comes together #1
- The kitchen comes together #2
- I sell my leftover cabinets to a man from Milwaukee
- Bo Sullivan of Rejuvenation identifies my light
Important for anyone undertaking a renovation: We all care very much about managing environmental and safety issues properly, so when undertaking your restoration project, be sure to familiarize yourself with and use recommended best practices. For example, the EPA hosts a website on lead paint in the home and a website on asbestos in the home. Consult professionals regarding these materials, and also about the proper disposal of debris, etc.
Press Coverage
April 2009
March 2009
Dec. 3, 2008
February 2008
The kitchen in Old House Interiors magazine
© Kit Latham
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March 2008
Pam’s kitchen on Apartment Therapy
© Kit Latham
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April 2008
The blog on Shelterrific
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Fall 2007
Pam’s kitchen in Cranbrook Academy video about Eero Saarinen
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November 8, 2007 — News Release, PRWeb
More Homeowners Choosing ‘Retro Renovations’ — New Weblog Caters Exclusively to Increasing Number of Mid-century Remodels
Thanks for taking the time to check out my site!
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I am looking for base cabinets for a 1950s Republic Steel Kitchen. Do you have any suggested sources other than ebay?
Hi RetroKitch!
I sympathize, as it took me more than 5 years to find the set of 1963 Geneva’s that I ultimately was able to install in my kitchen. You’ve just got to keep at it, there’s not really one easy way - although I have one thought that might be the way to strike gold. Here are some ideas:
- Craig’s List. Watch, and List.
- Do you have a Re-Store in your area, run by the Center for Environmental Technology? We do, and I’ve seen a lot of steel cabinets come through over the years.
- If you’re watching on ebay, put your search terms in every conceivable way, I’ve seen some gorgeous sets ‘buried’
- Old House Journal has a couple of Forums you might post on. There are also For Sale items.
- And last but not least — my big idea: The subsidiary of Republic Steel that once built the cabinets still exists. It’s in Canton, Ohio, and makes lockers and such. How about this: Try an ad in the Canton newspaper - or Craigslist there. I bet there are TONS of Republic cabinets in that locality. People do tend to buy local. I bet there are basements and garages full of the cabinets! Canton is a nice place to visit, and it’s football season, a great time to visit.
Waxing on — I have a lot of material on Republic. I think they had the greatest ads of what I call the Big 4 of steel cabinet makers in the 50s: Republic, Youngstown, Geneva and St. Charles. I have an awesome Salesman’s Sample kit from Republic, too. It will be in the photo with me when my kitchen is featured in a magazine coming up… stay tuned.
Hope that helps! Let me know if I can help in any other way! Pam
I have some Republic Steel Kitchen pieces that look to be in pretty good shape. My Dad was
a handy-man in town and he got them from a lady. They have been stored in his shop for quite a few years. Leave me a contact e-mail if you are interested.
Pam, what a lovely job you did on your kitchen! I have a one full of , I’d say, late ’60s Geneva metal cabinets and I’m curious - did you have yours repainted before they were installed? I’m embracing fate and the fact that falling-apart counters mean that I’m going to have to do a kitchen renovation soon, but vacillating about what to do about the cabinets, which are in quite pristine condition. I’m inclined to hang onto them since they are in terrific shape and wear like, well, iron, but I could happily part ways with their current shade of chartreuse… but I’m not sure what one has to do to get good, durable coverage on the metal insides and the textured fronts.
Hi vintage_kitchen. I was very lucky in that my cabinets had their original finish, in great shape. They came from a cooking school that had been run by nuns (!) and had only been used for 8 years since they were installed in 1963. I cleaned them up with fine auto body compound, topped with turtle wax, used an electric buffer.
Regarding your cabinets - I’ve seen ones just like you’re talking about before. I actually kind of grew to like the chartreuse but I can understand your desire to change them, for some reason the color is not conducive to thoughts of food! I have read before of people repainting the cabinets. The best route appears to be an auto body shop, or professional paint shop. This will of course be pricey….There apparently also are now paints from companies like Sherwin-Williams that are supposed to be good for painting metal. So you might try that. Be sure to see the Sherwin-Williams Suburban Modern paint palette (featured in my Categories). Next week, I’ll scan some vintage brochures and show some additional paint colors that were used on steel cabinets.
Finally: Perhaps other readers have some experience repainting these cabinets? Let us know how your experience went! - 50sPam
Readers interested in steel kitchen cabinets:
Be sure to see the Postwar Steel Forum, all about this cabinetry from the 40s, 50s and 60s. Click here to go straight to the forum.
Pam my sister and I checked out your website. It is AWESOME! Your kitchen came out Beautifull. I know all the hard work you put into it, I’m impressed. Good luck with this site I’ll be visiting more. See you soon.
Cate
I’m late to the party, but love your website, and certainly am enthralled with your kitchen.
Thank you, Uncle Jack. I assure you, the party’s just started. Your blog looks awesome as well, I’ll spend more time with it. Along with CSI (my favorite) a voyeuristic view of vintage Vegas - what’s not to like?
Please Help!
Where can I get vinly or lineloum flooring (sheets preferred) that has the bommerang style motif? Or pick and tourquoise pattern?
Hi Pam - Love, love, love your kitchen. You have an obvious passion and talent for mid century decor. Keep up the great work.
and thanks for such an informative site!!
Leru
maplegroveguesthouse (dot) com
A retro place to stay
I hope this is ok but I have listed a Republic Steel kitchen set on ebay and wanted people to know about it. Here is the link.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270220869583&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:US:1123
Thanks, Kim
Hi Pam, I love your cabinets and the wallpaper pattern you chose (not to mention your clever, spare use of it). But what I’m most surprised to see is the light over your table. I first saw one of these in a friend’s family cabin. I have been looking for one ever since. Where did you find it? Does the pulley system still work?
Hi HaileeB - Thank you for all your nice comments. Be sure to see the kitchen light that I just posted today (March 28) on the main page. It’s a beauty, looks like it was made by the same company as mine, and is currently up for grabs ebay, which is where I found mine about 2 years ago - in like new condition. And yes, it retracts like a dream. If you send out your vibes - you’ll find one, for sure!
I just found this fantastic website!! Im hoping someone could steer me in the right direction for a paint brand for the right color of pink.
I built a farmhouse style home on my 5 acres and have tried to stay with a vintage look. I am a vintage enthusiast.
I want to repaint my walls. Here is my problem; I purchased beadboard style inset cabinets in maple finished in a classic winter white stain and then wiped with vandyke brown highlight for an antique look. I forgot on maple that a white stain can take on a pink hue. My ceiling is all tongue and groove and explosed 2×12 ceiling joists amber shellac as are all my double hung windows and pantry doors and floor boards. My counters are butcher block. I originally painted my walls antique white which looks sort of yellow next to the pink shade of the cabinets. After spending hours again at the paint store looking at Benjamin Moore historical and classic colors and not being able to come up with anything that takes the pink look away from the cabinets, it dawned on me that maybe I should be painting the walls ‘pink’!!. Not fight the pink hue of the cabinets but go with it.
So, the problem is what is the color pink I should be using. Benjamin Moore has a pink called ‘Queen Ann pink’ that reminds me of those soft pink tiles you used to see in bathrooms. Any ideas would be so much appreciated.
Thanking you all in advance.
Meryl
Hi Meryl. The color palette of choice for most retro renovators is the Sherwin-Williams Suburban Modern collection. It is available in both an interior and exterior series. Take a look at their interior card — and the “Appleblossom” pink. That is an iconic 50s pink and would be the first one I’d recommend that you try. Click here to go directly to that post. Send me some photos at pam@retrorenovation.com! Good luck!
Thank you Pam. I will email you photos of my cabinets.
Would you be willing to give me imput for my living room walls also?
Thanks in advance.
Meryl
Dear Pam,
The other day my husband a copy of “Old House Interiors” - I opened the magazine and saw the exact copy of my kitchen with Geneva cabinets- the same color cabinets, the same door knobs and the same layout. I thought someone had taken a picture of my kitchen.
When we bought the house many years ago the cabinets were pink - we tired of the color and had them painted in aqua.
I don’t know the exact year that the kitchen was renovated by the previous owner, but they left a 39″ Glenwood stove in the basement which I am interested in selling. I’d appreciate it if you could tell me how to go about selling it.
Many thanks
Helen
Cool, Helen. You do realize that the Old House Interiors kitchen - is mine? Are you based in Boston? You can post your stove right on the Postwar Steel Forum - on this site. It’s available from Pages or the Navigation bar at the top. Send me pic, too! Many thanks, Pam
Hi Pam,
I’m in need of tee mouldings. Do you have any left over from your kitchen reno?
I have a full set of 1950’s LYON kitchen cabinets, with original counter tops and sink, including three utility cabinets. Is there any interest or value in this set? if so please contact me ASAP, I’m not sure how long I can store these and would hate to see these go to waste. What a great set of retro cabinets!!!!
Linda & others — Cabinets for sale? Post them on the Postwar Steel Forum - on the navigation bar at the top. Be sure to include PHOTOS and your LOCATION. Good luck! Pam
Hi, Pam
Currently on ebay is a 40 inch frigidaire Flair which would look great in your kitchen! I’ve considered buying it myself, as I have one not quite as nice I’m cleaning up.
Beautiful!
Hi Pam,
I noticed in the photo of your kitchen that your fridge is the same depth as your cabinets. I am having trouble locating a fridge that works with the depth of my Geneva cabinets…what brand is your fridge and do you mind if I ask the depth?
Hi Alice. I have been meaning to do a post on fridges for a while and will try to get to it soon. My fridge is a Sub-Zero 42″ side-by-side with the “old fashioned” grille at the top, and white metal panels (from Sub-Zero) applied. It was the total splurge of the kitchen. It is counter-depth. I chose it because it was the only fridge I really found that had true retro styling, was counter-depth, and went 84″ tall - all the way to my soffit, which I needed as I did not have cabinetry for above the fridge. It’s the 642 side-by-side found here: http://www.subzero.com/BuiltInRefrigeration/642Refrigerator
Go to the second photo and that’s my fridge, although you cannot see the panels.
Thanks, Debbie I!
I saw my first Frigidaire Flair at an estate sale about 5 years ago, before I was truly in the market. They are fantastic! Send me a picture of yours and your project! As for a new/old stove going into my kitchen - my husband demands the next one be gas. Warning to all: Ensure that if you pick up an old gas stove, that it has “CP” - automatic safey pilot. You do not want to be match-lighting and many states outlaw non-CP stove. I learned the hard day. A story for another day.
Thanks for the quick response Pam! Hoping that you won’t regret turning around your answers so quickly, I have two more for you:
I’ve noticed in some 1950’s advertisements a wall-mounted dishwasher…which to me makes a lot more sense than our modern version that you have to bend over to empty. Are you aware of any modern wall-mounted versions?
Question two: I can’t tell from these photos what you main countertop surface is…did you use laminate and then put on the steel edgin?
Okay, three questions: Were copper accents ever used? (i.e. copper edging)
I apologize for the type-o’s!
Wow. Just… wow.
Alice - The Colbert Report (re-run on Comedy Central at 8 p.m.) is over so I’m back at the blog:
1. Re wall-mounted dishwashers: I don’t have the answer to this one. I do know someone who “raised” their dishwasher in their circa 2002 country kitchen - but I was under the impression that there was simply cabinetry, like a drawer, underneath. On the other hand, I have seen a number of vintage kitchens with ovens that were higher up (as in the link, below); never a dishwasher, though, although now I will keep my eyes out.
2. My countertop is laminate - Formica’s Skylark/boomerang laminate in aqua. The steel edging is mounted over it. See my post today on edging!
3. Regarding coppertone edging - I have never seen it. But, coppertone was very very popular throughout 50s kitchens. Even, on cabinetry. See this post for coppertone to the max: http://retrorenovation.com/2008/02/29/50s-kitchen-american-brand-coppertone-and-wood-combo/
To see a couple of other posts regarding coppertone - search “Copper” or “Coppertone” in the Search box. Finally, I will add that the are some ‘bronze’ stoves and fridges today - I kinda like them. They have a very retro feel to me.
Hi all,
That kitchen is great!
I’ve got a project of a teardrop trailer, with the same feel as that kitchen, and trying to find 50’s and 60’s furnishings for the kitchen and sleeping compartment.
What I need specifically is some aqua or turquoise fabric with boomerangs on it, to match or coordinate with the same turquoise with boomerang vinyl I have on the countertop. I don’t need much, just enough for the two tiny windows on the doors, and perhaps some for throw pillows. I’ve looked everywhere that I can think of, been through hundreds of sites from google searches, but can’t find what I want. There is ONE fabric that is aqua with boomerangs, but it doesn’t have the right “feel” to it. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
Hi sharper –
The atomic barkcloth in my kitchen valance comes from melinamade.com. It’s a great match to the aqua Formica boomerang laminate - which I also used. What do you think? Please make it into pinch pleats, sir!!! No rod pockets!
And, send me a pic of your trailer. We want to see! We all want vintage trailers, too — to go with our vintage houses! Pam
Sharper, please send along images of your trailer to Pam - she’s right, we ALL want vintage trailers! I’m tracking down a beautiful Airstream at the moment.
Hi - I’m brand new to this website & love it! I live in a new construction (5 years old) home in central Calif. Been working on the kitchen/dining/family room areas to be 1950s but never fully came together due to constant travel with work - just quit my job (yay!) and am back at it & having a great time. My project for today is to find retro cabinet pulls for my kitchen (too many to try to find enough vintage ones, I’d never find enough & just make myself crazy trying….)
Went to the Concourse d’ Elegance at Stanford U this last Sunday and saw gorgeous vintage travel trailers from 1940s-1960s. Would love to see more pics of some. Got to see the retro Boomerang fabric that Pam used on her valance in one of the trailers, but it was in pink, love it!
Great space here!
Anita
Hi Anita. See the Cabinet Hardware Category - and you’ll find every single recommendation that I and readers have made in this area.
Just purchased my first home built and it was built in 1949. Pam, those are my steel cabinets right down to the original glass inserts on each side of the kitchen windows. Cannot believe the glass is still in one piece after 58 years. Large white sink with slotted tops on each side for drying and the slotted piece beneath the sink labeled Geneva. Even have the tall floor to ceiling cabinet. Countertops are original too however they desperately need replacement. The white cabinets are in excellent condition however they need a little paint around some of the edges of the cabinets where they are worn. I am interested in restoring them. Bathroom cabinet is an original too. I read the post about powder coating the cabinets. I was able to look inside of the doors because the handle was removed and I could see something that looked like cardboard in the doors. Do you think these original steel cabinets could be painted like the ones on your pictures? I know the painting topic has already been covered in depth however a quick response with your advice on restoring these Geneva cabinets would be appreciated. What method of painting would you suggest? Should the cabinets be removed before painting? Any what not to do advice would be appreciated as well. Pam your kitchen looks terrific! I can supply some pictures if it would help.
OMG, this is just fantastic! Kudos on a spectacular kitchen!!
I happened on your sight looking for info about painting wooden kitchen cabinets. I love everything you have done. We lived in a tiny 50’s ranch from 1990-2004. When we wanted to renovate the kitchen I had the feeling that I should embrace the style and go with it. Unfortunately practicality and resale-ability won out, but here’s what I had…original white wood cabinets with chrome handles, deep glazed sink with original fixtures, dove gray counter tops with stainless banding, white plastic tile back splash, and my personal favorite…a stainless Thermador in-the-wall double oven and counter top range. We also had the progress pulldown light fixture in the breakfast nook.
S - I did not approve your comment. New readers, please be aware that we have only one rule (so far): Be respectful of everyone’s choices.
Thank you!
Your kitchen is so great, and such an inspiration! You have no idea how relieved I was to find this blog and all the information in it when we purchased our house two months ago. I had no idea that there were others like us, wanted to preserve rather than tear out. You should have a show on HGTV!
You’re so sweet, Ruth. Are you the same Ruth on flickr? If so - your kitchen is pretty rockin’ too!
Yup, that’s me! Finally brave enough to leave comments on posts….
Don’t know how I missed this! Great, wonderful, fantastic job on your kitchen, Pam! Love the turquoise! And I see you have a classic pull-down light. They are so beautiful and unique.
Recently contacted Pam, and now following up from a few months ago.
I found a 1959 GE turquoise range sitting in a garbage heap in San Francisco’s Mission District. Yes, this little gem was waiting for the dump truck, so I knocked on the door of the house, in front of which there was the stove. The elderly woman that answered the door allowed me to take the soiled oven, so I whipped into a clothing shop nearby and looked-up a hauler on Craigslist. I had the stove transported to my mid-century bungalow in the East Bay, and restored the stove.
After a little help from Johnny’s in Sonoma (he restores such stoves and has a fabulous showroom on S.R. 29, just outside of the City of Sonoma); mailing the stove clock to Stove Clock Repair in Grove, OK (www.stoveclockrepair.com - he’s excellent, in-expensive, and quick, and let me tell you, the stove clock runs suberbly after its repair); and a fair amount of elbow grease to rid the stove of years - a half century - of caked-on grease, the stove is a beauty. It is the envy of our little neighborhood.
And, I found the matching GE turqoise wall oven. A gentleman and his wife purchased an Eichler knock-off on the border of the cities of Mountain View and Palo Alto in the San Francisco Bay Area. They were in the process of ripping out the beautiful 1950s appliances and bathroom to replace it with today’s all-to-common Home Depot replacements - yuk! At least the couple had enough sense to list the appliances for sale on Craigslist. I drove over and purchased the wall oven for approx. $100 - beautiful turquoise color, and in absolute mint condition. The house had no children, and its former owners seldom cooked at home. That oven goes into my kitchen wall this month, surrounded by white=painted brick
Anyhow, if you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area and have some time, two noteworthy Eichler-home areas are located in: The City of Walnut Creek, at Ygnacio Valley Rd., at its intersection with San Carlos Ave., and in the City of Palo Alto, at its boarder with The City of Mountain View. The roads are named after Calfiornia Counties, and locals know what you mean if you tell them “The County-Named” avenues. They are: Lassen Avenue, and etc., north of the Central Expressway, east of San Antonio Avenue, west of Rengstorff Avenue, and south of Middlefield Road. You’ll have a nice time looking at these 1950s homes. They’re really spectacular, and some owners have preserved the original look/facade.
I am e-mailing Pam the photos of the restored stove. Just need her e-mail on where to forward the photos. The stove has really added life to my already mid-century home.
Take care!
Hi George. So sorry if I have not responded to your previous email. I am just generally overwhelmed - no better excuse than than. Send me the photos at: retrorenovation at gmail dot com. I look forward to getting them. And stay tuned - there will likely be a meetup when I am in San Francisco the week of April 20. We’re thinking: Tiki Bar.
Best way to stay in touch with the plans is to sign up for my newsletter: http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001YGdOlKiw_lVaSCuktfLLPhO_bMG4-EpI
I have a friend that’s looking to match this linoleum(below) for her kitchen. Does anyone know if it is still in existence.Thanks
‘armstrong embossed inlaid linoleum antique brick 5352 red’
Keith, that pattern is no longer made. See my Flooring page for current-day options with the retro feel. My personal fave, which I used in my kitchen, is Azrock Cortina Autumn Haze.
Oh my gosh how I love your kitchen.
Thank you, Tracy!