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    Pam’s Kitchen

    blue kitchen

    Escape from NY: I found this set of 1963 Geneva aquamarine kitchen cabinets at a cooking school once run by nuns in New York City. We removed the cabinets and brought them back to my house in Lenox, Mass. The contractor and DH thought I was nuts -- but it turned out great.

    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.

    aqua kitchen

    We have fun here. Photo credit: Erica Berger

    I’m Pam Kueber. This is my kitchen — and my blog. Doing all the research to renovate my 1951 colonial-ranch house in Lenox, Mass., is what got me into this online escapade. In the course of my endless hunt to find products and design ideas sympathetic to my house’s undeniable mid-century bones, I got…. obsessed… I learned a lot… and I figured, why not share all my finds with other folks undertaking the same journey. And now – you have arrived!

    This blog has lots about *modest, mid-century, middle-class* homes — ranches, Capes, Colonials, split-levels, contemporaries, bungalows. I also write about sleek *mid-century modern homes*… I love them all, but admit that I tend to worry more about the modest homes (themselves full of charm) being at more serious risk of being gutted, with regrets to follow later. Interestingly, both mid-century modern and mid-century modest homes shared many of the same technological features and design cues (like pink bathrooms) inside. For further info see my Mid-Century Modest Manifesto and my micro-site SaveThePinkBathrooms.com.

    What do we gab about here? Well: 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. Get ready to be sucked into the retro vortex.

    More info:

    As featured in the New York Times — yup, read all about our escapades in this 2,200-word feature story that appeared on p.1 of the Home & Garden section on Aug. 18, 2011.

    Restoring the Retro House in the New York Times Aug. 18 2011

    Hey, see me talkin’ about it all on this cool etsy.com video:

    And here I am on TV at the Southern Spring Home & Garden Show in Charlotte:

    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. To email me, click here.

    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

    2012

    Summer 2011

    Feb 2011

    Jan 2011

    December 2010

    October 2010

    • AP interviews Pam for story, Used Building Materials a Hit Among Home Owners, that runs in news outlets nationwide.

    August 2010

    April 2010

    March 2010

    February 2010

    January 2010

    June 2009

    April 2009

    March 2009

    • Our tour of the St. Louis 1995 time capsule home covered by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch
    • Desert Living Magazine

    Dec. 3, 2008

    • Pam talks with the National Kitchen & Bath Association about retro kitchen design popularity

    Sept. 29, 2008

    March 2008

    Winter 2008

    Fall 2007

    November 8, 2007 — News Release, PRWeb

    Thanks and Credits: Many thanks to the many folks who have helped, and continue to help, make this blog possible. Including:

     

     

     

    Comments

    1. pamela esters says:
      May 13, 2011 at 12:33 am

      Hi Pam. I am looking to do my kitchen diner style and I have many ideas but not quite sure how to pull them off. I have a lot of coca cola stuff but i am not necssarily married to the coke theme. I really like the colors of your kitchen in the photo. i like colors that pop. you did an awesome job. If you can please help!!!

      Reply
    2. gail ott says:
      June 1, 2011 at 4:08 pm

      not to savvy at this but i am wondering where are the shops and are they online that i can find this great light fixtures

      Reply
      • pam kueber says:
        June 1, 2011 at 4:43 pm

        ebay. please know, though, that the old pulldown lights are apparently not to code. consult with a professional before installing them in your home….

        Reply
        • David says:
          June 1, 2011 at 4:53 pm

          Pam, what’s not to code about them? I’ve got one up in my dining room, but since the wiring is from the 20′s I’m not worried too much…

          Reply
          • pam kueber says:
            June 1, 2011 at 5:04 pm

            I have been told that thos pull-up/pull-down spools are no longer to code…. Consult with a pro….

            Reply
    3. Liz says:
      June 12, 2011 at 8:55 pm

      Hi Pam,

      We have a 1950′s Beauty Queen kitchen in on e of our rentals !
      Original formica counters! How should I clean and shine them up?

      Thanks! Liz

      Reply
    4. George Loera says:
      June 18, 2011 at 9:14 am

      Hi there. Being a contractor in the residential (Houston,TX) remodeling business I run across many pink and other pastel color bathrooms and kitchens. My clients want them out but mostly because they are nearly impossible to decorate. My method in remodeling is to salvage as much as I can for resale or donation whatever the case may be. I have a contract signed on a 1962 pink bathroom with pink tub, lavatory, and toilet. All the holders are pink as well. I am going to attempt to remove the lavatory with the tile countertop intact as well as the backsplash. The tiles from this era are incredibly brittle and razor sharp so it will be a challenge. The tub is cast iron so it is staying but will be refinished in white. So that someone who is looking to retromod their house, how can I best let someone know of these items for sale? I have pictures.
      I really enjoy looking over your site. Thanks!!

      Reply
      • pam kueber says:
        June 18, 2011 at 9:23 am

        Hi George. Here on this blog we challenge the notion that “they are nearly impossible to decorate.” See my other little blog: Save The Pink Bathrooms. As far as selling: Craigslist is the best way to go; the market is local for anything really heavy. Thanks for salvaging.

        Reply
        • George Loera says:
          June 18, 2011 at 11:33 am

          Thanks for quick response. I have already sent your site over to my most recent client for ideas.

          Reply
    5. Courtney K says:
      June 28, 2011 at 10:42 am

      Hello, I have a powder pink, 1961Frigidare electric stove!! I “rescued” it from a friends apartment & works GREAT , burners(4) & oven!! It is apartment size 20″ wide!! The only negative is 2 tiny chips on enamel on front left corner, otherwise, GREAT!! It was hard wired into original place. My husband is a electrician & is installing a certified stove cord & plug.

      I had to buy it, plus the new cord. If anyone is interested, I would like to get $200.00 for it. A friend said it would be great in a “Airstream” trailer or cabin!! If there is any interest, I will post pictures!!

      Reply
    6. Cole says:
      July 3, 2011 at 4:48 pm

      Pam,
      This is the best website ever! I have always loved the 1950′s-60′s. I always thought it would be cool to restore a 1950′s house back to its original glory. I honestly did not think it was possible! But with all the accurate and authentic examles you have on this website, I know that it is quite possible and maybe not as difficult as I once thought. Through your website I also found out that my house had a 1950s kitchen. Now Im trying to get my parents to agree to restore it instead of change it. We even had a pull down light. Your website will also get people involved. Im only 18 and I plan to have a lifetime of saving retro houses.

      Reply
    7. Rebecca says:
      July 13, 2011 at 2:37 am

      I am in love and heartbroken; in love with this website and heart broken that I found it after we renovoted our kitchen and only bathroom. Both looked like the images from this blog.

      What’s done is done! How can I redeem myself? How do I retro new renovations? Please forgive me.

      We left our pink bathroom (even the mounted soapdish) and relocated to our story and a half cottage five years ago (amoungst a sea of McMansions). We are the second owner. I love this little 1944, 1700 sq ft house.

      Reply
    8. Meridith says:
      July 14, 2011 at 6:32 pm

      Pam,
      Your site is fab and very timely for me, as we are wrapping up our love affair with our first home (a sweet 1950 cottage in what used to be the suburbs of Dallas) and embarking on another ( a 1963 built home just a few blocks from our first house).

      Unfortunately, neither home survived the 1980s intact, but we have done and will do our best to restore them to their original charm and glory (complete with matching the sea-foam tile in the kitchen in our first cottage).
      Thanks for all the inspiration!

      Reply
      • pam kueber says:
        July 15, 2011 at 9:38 am

        yay, Meridith, and welcome! be sure to take lots of before and after photos — there’s nothing we love more than reader stories!

        Reply
    9. Danno says:
      July 24, 2011 at 11:28 pm

      Pam,

      So, can we get the Formica in “linen” in white & green ? Even something with specs would be fine and vintage.

      Thanks for the Blog…I was looking for retro formica….

      Reply
    10. Laura Brodax says:
      August 19, 2011 at 3:50 pm

      I have 95 SF of beautiful Original ribbed aqua green 6 x 6 Pomona ceramic tile-never-been-used. I’d like to sell it-buyer takes all 95 SF. I have images to post.
      Is this something I can add to your bathroom forum?
      I’ve had them posted on Craigs list-Seattle/Tacoma for a few weeks under materials and antiques.

      Thank you!

      Laura

      Reply
    11. Gordon Nugent says:
      August 21, 2011 at 5:03 pm

      In 1953 I bought a top-of-the line GE double-oven electric stove (white) from the company store as a GE employee. Used it one year; in storage since. Beautiful condition. Offered first for $100, now for $25 with 3 photos on Craig’s list, which seems to restrict audience by region, in this case New Haven, CT. I’ll have to scrap it unless it sells soon. Would like to find someone who’s looking for it.

      Reply
    12. Linda grotenstein says:
      August 23, 2011 at 5:15 pm

      Hi Pam,
      I loved reading the article in the NYTimes! I’m a Realtor in Montclair NJ and have a house listed that is the most amazing home that I have seen in 25 years of real estate. Built by the owners in 1962 and decorated by Wiliam Pahlmann, a Manhattan decorator w/a newspaper column in the ’60′s. The house is exactly as decorated when new. My clients will be selling most of their furniture and I was wondering if you could recommend a source for sale of the furniture that would appreciate the value and impeccible condition and be fair to them too. If you would like to see the interior photos, go to http://www.seetheproperty.com/r/83168.

      Reply
      • ray adamik says:
        November 19, 2011 at 6:36 pm

        Hi Linda,
        Great house and decor – I especially love the posts that separate the living room from the foyer, the sunburst over the fireplace, and…..did I note rosewood paneling and a built-in bar made of “pecky” cypress? Reminds me of homes where I live (Elkins Park, Pa, and nearby communities like Jenkintown and Rydal) where estate sales from people who built or bought in the 60′s often have great stuff of fine qualilty and design – this, however, is exceptional! Familiar with the work of Pahlmann, among other things he decorated the two ultra-luxury suites at the top of the New York Hilton hotel in 1963 (probably long since gone, as is that hotel’s reputation as “luxury,” though in ’63 it was much publicized). I believe also he once was associated with Lord & Taylor back in the day (WAY long ago) when they sold furniture and decorative accessories that were incredible.
        Just curious: do the current owners realize the number of people today who can appreciate and admire this (the exterior architecture, too) and think – as I do – that it FAR surpasses newer homes that cost 3 times as much!! Thank you for the link to the site – it made my day!!
        PS – I’m getting design ideas from this house!

        Reply
    13. Leah Bonebrake says:
      September 1, 2011 at 11:47 pm

      Hi Pam, I have inherited my grandparents post war bedroom set.I believe it is a maple veneer, but it is not quite as light as some pieces I have seen. There is a nice tall chest of drawers, a beautiful vanity with a big round mirror, and of course, two twin beds. I am looking for inspiration to decorate a bedroom around this furniture, but don’t find any pictures of bedroom sets from that period. Also, my husband and I don’t want to sleep in twin beds. I would appreciate any suggestions, or resources.
      Thanks,
      Leah

      Reply
    14. Cathy says:
      September 5, 2011 at 8:00 pm

      I have a mid-century medicine cabinet with working lights
      and 3 original glass shelves (perfect condition).
      Chrome is REAL metal unlike today’s cheap plastic fake chrome.
      Metal case has some rust, needs some TLC.
      I have photos, let me know!

      Reply
    15. Catherine says:
      September 5, 2011 at 11:02 pm

      Dear Pam,
      I have been a fan of your site for quite a while, but never more than now that I live in my dream mid-century house. It came with a lot of original furniture, original kitchen including the real-deal boomerang formica countertops, pink bathroom, etc. The house is in almost brand-new condition… no 80s massacre happened here!
      I just acquired a set of Heywood Wakefield Ashcraft furniture and have found resources on your site for “refinishing supplies”, but… the whole set has rattan-style ligatures around all the legs that need replacing. Seen from a distance, it is rattan, but seen upclose it is… Paper! varnished to look like rattan and it held for about 50 years so they were right about their material choices. Anyone has any idea what to use to replace that?
      Keep up the good work!
      Catherine

      Reply
    16. Cynthia Bell says:
      October 11, 2011 at 12:13 pm

      Hi Pam – I love your site and came across this time capsule house the other day and thought I’d send the link. Enjoy!

      http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/438-Robin-Hill-Rd_Wayne_PA_19087_M41609-11062

      Reply
    17. Onyx says:
      October 23, 2011 at 3:08 pm

      Hi Pam!
      I’m just beginning renovations on my grandparents 1954 ranch house in California and I found your blog via google while researching. Can’t wait to read EVERYTHING!

      Reply
    18. Chris says:
      November 7, 2011 at 12:12 pm

      Pam,

      Roman brick (the long horizontal brick about 2″ by 11″ – sizes very) was all the rage in the 50s-60s. Fifty years on we’re starting to reach the point where some bricks need replacing (especially on chimneys). I’ve tried searching your site and while I find tons and tons of pictures of roman brick on interiors and exteriors, it doesn’t seem like you’ve ran a specific article on what brick manufacturers still make the profile. I’m well aware that it’s not likely a stock profile and no doubt a ‘special cast” and therefore probably has minimum order quantities as well which may be additionally problematic. You’d surely think some manufacture out there is making these.

      Do you have any information that you perhaps just haven’t posted on the matter?

      Reply
    19. Joann Leonard says:
      November 11, 2011 at 8:45 pm

      Just found your site! My home is a post and beam mid-century in the Hollywood Hills. We made some updates, mostly turned out very well. Over 20 years ago I sold my pink kitchen! I got almost $1000 for it even then, but sometimes I miss it! Finally doing some redecorating as the era of hideous ‘fat’ furniture appears to be ebbing. I’ve just had 3 teak chairs professionally restored. Cushions on the best one disappeared long ago. (I think it was rats!) It was purchased new, 40 years ago (It was expensive!) and I’m searching for the provenance. I have photos, but can’t see where to post them.

      Appreciate help.

      Reply
    20. ray adamik says:
      November 19, 2011 at 4:19 pm

      Live in Elkins Park, Pa – suburb just north of Phila. (Frank Lloyd Wright’s Beth Sholom Synagogue is about 500 feet from my house). 1950′s 2 story house, kind of colonial but with mid-century detail – LUV my wrought iron and brass stairway railing and metallic bronze ceramic tiled walls in the powder room. Lots of great houses here, Victorian, tudor, colonial, and of course 50′s and 60′s mod houses with great detail (one presently for sale has a stair railing of walnut that looks like bamboo, another had a white vinyl foyer with an abstract fleur di lis in the center inlaid in brass! (not a realtor, by the way, just hoping people don’t buy these houses and “update” them to death with all the boring mainstream stuff)). Love your kitchen: would love to see what the original kitchen in my house looked like. SO many cool details in these homes and actually, since the houses in this area were fairly upscale produts when built, much of the original stuff does remain unless worn out (who would replace solid teak built in cabinets – hopefully no one, though some people have tried to do country colonial in mid century homes (what ARE they thinking!). I’ve always loved all design from the 50′s forward. One of my eccentricities: did you ever see how the ocean liners (not cruise ships) of the French and Italian lines were decorated? The ill fated liner Andrea Doria that sank in 1956 – interior was GORGEOUS! Another great one was the SS France of 1962: some cabins had something I’d love to put in my house – modern bureaus of lacquered aluminum that looked like tortoise shell – unbelievable!! . Anyway, new to your site, so let me explore it further…so glad I found it.

      Reply
    21. Curt says:
      November 27, 2011 at 8:28 pm

      we have a vintage 1950s GE kitchen unit with stainless steel seamless countertop sink, dishwasher, oven, stove, push-buttons, etc. great condition. Is there a market place for this?

      Reply
    22. Jay says:
      December 8, 2011 at 12:40 pm

      Pam, check out today’s NYT – on line; they have a B & W video of Ice Cube extolling the virtues of the Eames house. I played it without sound – there are some neat shots of other bldgs. Have a nice day!

      Reply
      • pam kueber says:
        December 8, 2011 at 1:54 pm

        I saw the newspaper… will go online when I get a chance. It’s a mid mod mad world and getting mid mod madder every day. I predict a solid 10 more years of it…

        Reply
    23. Laura says:
      December 15, 2011 at 11:25 pm

      Hello Pam ~ my husband and I just bought a 1966 time capsule in Cape Coral Florida. Do you know if there is a market for blue toilet, pink toilet, yellow, pink, and blue cast iron sinks in Florida. What would be the best way to promote them? We have specifically asked the contractor not to destroy them, perhaps there is some way these beauties can be in another home.
      P.S. I am new to your site, and really find it quite interesting and informational.

      Thanks from a new mid-century home owner novice,

      Reply
    24. Joe Knaeble says:
      December 20, 2011 at 5:53 pm

      Hi Pam, I collect reusable building materials in the Minneapolis, St Paul area and every once in a while come across some really unique items that I don’t know how to market very well. For example I currently have a set of St. Charles cabinets, probably from the 70′s or 80′s that are in very good shap with all kinds of pull outs and extra features. Color is terra cota. I also have a Fridgidaire Custom Imperial stovetop/double oven also in very good condition. I would think these items would be interesting to your crowd. Any ideas on how to market them? Joe

      Reply
      • pam kueber says:
        December 20, 2011 at 6:19 pm

        I have a detailed story on this in the FAQ, Joe. It’s also featured prominently on the Contact page – since the question is so common. Good luck.

        Reply
    25. robert cleaves says:
      January 26, 2012 at 5:40 pm

      Can you recommend someone to repair 1960 decorative block walls in Hollywood FL. Thank you.

      Reply
    26. Carla2 says:
      February 10, 2012 at 7:41 pm

      Hi! I have a 1956 suburban modern ranch, with cathedral ceiling, exposed beams and I need lighting fixtures, other than floor lamps. Where can I look for ideas?

      Reply
    27. Margot says:
      February 12, 2012 at 11:28 am

      Hello, We are remodeling our kitchen in our 1960′s ranch in Atlanta. We plan to take out the original appliances: aqua colored GE stove, hood, oven and matching sink. They all work great and are in good physical condition. I was wondering if there was a market for these vintage appliances. Can you suggest any where to post these for sale? Any idea what they might be worth? Thanks!

      Reply
    28. Cherie Fitz-Gerald says:
      February 14, 2012 at 2:37 pm

      Hi Pam,
      I am just starting to restore a cabin that was my husband’s parents. Built in 1959. I will going on a trip to Albuquerque, New Mexico and wonder if anyone knows of any great antique or vintage stores in that area. Also wondered what years the bakelite and chrome kitchen handles were in style

      Reply
    29. onanomad says:
      February 19, 2012 at 10:44 pm

      I am looking for “real” linoleum tiles in black and white. Not vinyl. Any ideas? Marmoleum’s white marble has too much blue………….
      Thanks

      Reply
    30. Dawn Nelson says:
      February 23, 2012 at 12:30 am

      Hi Pam,

      I’m giving away (free) my 1952 vintage peach bisque bathroom fixtures… tub, sink & toilet along with the original vanity cabinet. All in good condition. I posted them on Craiglist here in Seattle, but I wondered if you have a forum to post items for others who might be interested? Thanks! –dawn

      Reply
    31. George Thompson says:
      March 16, 2012 at 3:49 pm

      Pam,
      I recently acquired a cast iron American Standard aquamarine double kitchen sink. It has never been out of the crate. Does anyone out there have interest in it? I can send photos.
      George

      Reply
    32. Kimberly Conlin says:
      March 27, 2012 at 5:56 am

      I love your kitchen. I am restoring a 1956 home now. Its a lot of work, but looking at your photos makes it more exciting!

      Reply
    33. Colleen says:
      April 18, 2012 at 12:10 am

      I would like to know how other people take the pledge, if they contract out any additional work on their house. I would LOVE to pledge to save our pink (peachy-pink anyway) bathroom (1954 Cape Cod), but while redoing the kitchen we have been discovering all sorts of other problems because of not being “up to code.” That includes our gorgeous American Standard toilet – don’t know HOW many gallons that baby flushes, but I know it is more than 1.6! Our inspector is not going to let us keep it. (I AM keeping it in our new basement, though! My husband thinks this is totally off the deep end.)

      Reply
    34. kimberly says:
      April 18, 2012 at 1:54 pm

      hi pam, im looking for the exact kitchen countertop its palermo cielo i found it on your website i was wondering where i can order that particular design and color at?

      Reply
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