I’ve been offline for a while, involved in all the details of my kitchen renovation. Here’s the first set of photos: The “befores.” My circa 1975 kitchen. Mary Jane Gable put it in – it was really well done but, well, a ’70s kitchen in a 50s house.
Some of the defining features of the ‘inherited’ kitchen: Dark wood-melamine cabinets. Falling apart after years of hard use. 24″ soffits that, while very functional with their included recessed can lights, made the kitchen feel smaller. A long wall of pantry cabinets, again, while useful, made the room feel smaller. And a small window. The original kitchen was smaller, and in ’75 the Gables expanded it to enclose an adjacent mudroom.
JustanotherPam says
I’ve been watching endless reno shows of late and saw someone take a sledge hammer to metal kitchen cabinets, it was awful. It’s such a pity that all these reno people know so little about the history of homes from the middle of the century.
PJ Chartrand says
I’ve been watching endless reno shows of late and saw someone take a sledge hammer to metal kitchen cabinets, it was awful. It’s such a pity that all these reno people know so little about the history of homes from the middle of the century.
Monique says
Hi Pam,
I’ve just bought my first home: 1954 ranch style! I’m looking for counter top tile patterns of that era. My colors are Tart Orange and Summer Wave ( a lovely shade of soft turquoise!) Can you point me to a site that has counter top patterns? I’ve been on pinterest and most of what they have are old ad pics. The detail is just not visible. I’d be very grateful for any direction you can give and will gladly share pics of before, during and afters!!
Another MCM fan,
Monique
Kate says
Monique, check out our Countertops category : https://retrorenovation.com/category/kitchen/countertops/
pam kueber says
Yes Kate pointed you to the right subcategory you might like Wilsonart Betty it just have the colors you’re looking for
Pam from Nashville says
Just realized the post date! Ok, reality restored : )
pam kueber says
Sorry if that was confusing! Sometimes I put “vintage RR” stories on facebook!
Pam from Nashville says
did you move Pam? What did you do with the most awesome metal aqua cabinet kitchen ever? I think I’ve missed something along the way, LOL!
Kim @ This Belle Rocks says
Can’t wait to see the rest! I love love LOVE your table; hope you plan on keeping that 🙂