by pam kueber on June 19, 2008
Zeinab found this really cool off-the-floor dishwasher about Sleeping Bee Alice’s retro dream. From looking at the Fagor website, I think the d/w also can be installed as part of this neat $1,199 cooking center.
And there’s a cool cooktop center, too. Not sure whether it really fits my retro rubric, but I like the concept.
Zeinab writes:
Dear Pam,
First of all let me thank you on your wonderful blog. Second ,I saw your post from couple of weeks about the wall-mounted dishwasher , I found this and I though that your reader can be interested. Please keep it up.
Zeinab
Thanks, Zeinab! This company actually has some cool stuff, including a 24″ fridge that can be turned into a nice big side by side as well.
by pam kueber on June 5, 2008
Speaking of Sleeping Bee Alice, she sent along this comment and photo recently:
“I wanted to pass along this graphic that is the bane of my kitchen decorating planning… I love this dishwasher and want one!!”
Heck yeah there is more…
by Pam Kueber on May 12, 2008
This is so cool, what showpiece for your retro renovation kitchen! …Another kitchen fixture that has the look of a car dashboard, like vintage stoves.
Note, one virtually identical to this, sold for over $100 within the last two weeks. Sounds expensive, perhaps – but have you checked the price of NEW kitchen sink faucets lately?
by pam kueber on April 10, 2008
Sleeping Bee Alice writes:
Hello, I am a novice retrorenovator…and am loving your website.
My husband and I are leaving our modern, brand-spanking new customized kitchen for a charming 1950’s yellow Geneva kitchen in a home that we have fallen in love with. I’m having trouble thinking through the “enhancement” of the kitchen…the cabinets are in great shape and we really like the look…we have to replace the outdated wallpaper, bad flooring and yellow countertops. The fridge was gone.
I really enjoyed all the pink kitchens pictures…any such resources for yellow kitchens? (Pale, maize yellow.)
For future thought, we are also inheriting three fabulous tiled bathrooms…one pink, one blue, one aqua…will be looking here for complimentary design ideas for those as well…no gutting going on here!
Thanks!
No — thank you, Alice! For all the wonderful photos — and for letting us know, another sweetheart of a middle class mid-century home is being saved. Hallelujah!
Since this is already a long post, what with all the photos, you’ll get some suggestions tomorrow!
by Pam Kueber on March 27, 2008
OMG gorgeous – look at all these pink Beauty Queen metal kitchen cabinets! In Missouri, now on the Postwar Steel Forum – top nav bar. Also see the great Hoffman’s – new brand! – from Toronto.
by pam kueber on March 25, 2008
In working with one reader to solve some kitchen issues, I came across this company — Summit, out of New York metro – that makes several appliances that have a real retro feel, at prices that are not so horrific as most “specialty” items like this.
For example, their 36″ range has that second storage drawer to the left that mimics the 40″ stove so common during the 50s and 60s. The wall ovens are pretty simple, too, not all stainless steel commercial. Maybe they’d even give you chrome handles from the wall oven – to put onto the range, much better than those white plastic ones.
This company seems to specialize in smallish appliances. Take a look at their narrow refrigerators, and dishwashers. And, they have those cool all-in-one kitchen units like Dwyer, too. Sorry, I can’t vouch for the quality. When I’m next down near the city I will try to go visit. summitappliances.com 
by Pam Kueber on March 22, 2008
Hot item! You know how much I love these!
by Pam Kueber on March 21, 2008
I am SO obsessed with steel kitchen cabinets. Where in the world did I get that, it is so weird. I also am fascinated with anything vintage from Sears & Roebuck and these cabinets in Minnesota are very snappy indeed.
by pam kueber on March 20, 2008
Maggie writes,
Pam..thanks for your great photos. I’m moving back to my childhood home and restoring the 1959 kitchen. I’m looking for the silver color trim ring that seals in the TURQUOISE porcelain sink! That matches the turquoise wall oven and stove-top and the white, black and turquoise design in the floor! Thank for any help or direction!
maggie
NP, Maggie. Mac the Antique Plumber to the rescue again — well, maybe. They seem to have these metal mounting rings (sold separately from the vintage style sinks, which are also a great find!) in number of sizes.
However, one big potential issue/problem I can see – is if you have an integral faucet. These are not for that style. I’m concerned, I’m afraid that’s what you have – because that’s what I have – my metal ring is about 42 x 21. My reco, if none of these listed sizes are right, to start: Ask the Mac folks, my experience is that they are great. Let me know how what they say. If it doesn’t work out, we’ll search some more — and maybe other readers have some ideas.
AND IMPORTANTLY, what is this torturing us with a juicy description of your kitchen and NO PHOTOS? What do the cabinets look like? Send ‘em to me, sister! Thanks for writing, Maggie!
by pam kueber on March 20, 2008
Magbot writes:
Pam, I’ve been following your saga since you first found your kitchen cabinets (can’t recall how I found out, probably mentioned in some other design blog), and swooning over your gorgeous reno. I fervently hope to someday redo a mid-C ranch as impeccably as you have.
My question: I’ve owned several of the 1950s dinette sets with chrome/formica tables and chrome/vinyl chairs, but recently I found (and snatched up!) a dinette unlike any I’ve seen, neither in person nor in vintage ads. The entire set, table and 4 chairs, is ENTIRELY formica, every surface completely covered with light grey woodgrain formica. I love its curvy legs, the spacers on the chair backs, and its original retro-tweed green vinyl seats, plus it’s in superb condition. Two pix are attached.
It has no maker marks of any kind. Would you know anything about its possible age or background?
Much thanks for your wonderful, inspiring blog,
…Maggie
Thanks, Magbot/Maggie #2! I have never seen a dinette like this. Incredible! Maybe another reader has?
