This is the “trend-setting new ‘PIONEER’ by American Kitchen” – 1956 – “color styled by Beatrice West.” I find it so fascinating. It was right about this time that steel kitchen cabinets started to lose their battle against wood. But it was a slow death. And along the way they decided they’d rather switch than fight. That is, these cabinets have wooden doors…steel drawers – with a coppertone (or possibly real copper???) finish drawer cover… and all steel bodies. Kind of, the best of both worlds. Other makers, like St. Charles and Youngstown show an alternative approach — all wood on the base cabinets, all steel on the walls. I think that one of the main issues they may have been addressing was dented doors. Little Billy on his trike and all.
The ad above notes that there were antique copper appliances to match, if you wanted up buy up:
For more elaborate kitchens, additional cabinets and accessories can be added, as well as matching antique copper appliances such as the famous American Kitchens Roto-Tray Dishwasher, the new American Kitchens Set-In Countertop Range, and the new American Kitchens Set-In Waist-High Oven. Both range and oven available in gas or electric models.
I don’t really understand whether “antique copper” means REAL copper, or coppertone.
Great kitchen also in its streaky brown floors, cool roller shades, and simple breakfast bar. And I even love the chartreuse walls / reddish coppertone / light birch color scheme.
JP says
I bought a set of these from the forum, and another pink set (with a sink) from the same year. Both owners were sad to sell them but updated kitchens on the advice of real estate agents that said that was what needed to be done to sell in a tough market. My guess is that the copper is paint. It has not started to turn green as copper would. However, it peels off the steel in wear places differently than the paint in the other set. Is there an easy test for copper? If so I would be happy to do one.
(The cabinets are line two walls in my Victorian era apartment. They are full of dishes used for serving. Visitors always comment how nice my built ins look–just the bottoms the tops are in storage. The sink is in the office and has the closest spot to the wifi. My kids fill both sides up with pillows for iPad time…still looking for a home for them, but getting closer)
Grizzly Bear Mom says
I have early american maple cabinets, white counters, and parchment wallpaper with large blue bird graphics on it. Plus cooper backsplash. What color counters and or floor would unite this?
Sheralyn says
My kitchen was almost identical except for the counter bar as my kitchen is smaller. My house was built in 1957. By the time I bought my house in 1991, only 2 burners on the stove top worked, the oven did not work and the dishwasher did not work. I called around to appliance part stores but I was told that no parts were availableand hadn’t been for decades. The previous owners who built the house put a double oven in the basement kitchenette to compensate. Eventually I had the kitchen remodeled. I kept the double oven in the basement!
Elly says
Anyone have any of these they’re looking to sell? I have an original “Pioneer” kitchen (house built in 1956) that I would like to reconfigure and keep, but could use a few more cabinets.
pam kueber says
Keep an eye on our buy/sell Forum, we see these come up every once in a blue moon — https://retrorenovation.com/forums/
Joe says
Elly-
Let me know if you are still looking for these cabinets. I’m buying a house with a full set of these appliances and cabinets.
pam kueber says
All buying/selling needs to go on to our forum https://retrorenovation.com/forums/
Mike says
Yes, we just bought a 1958 ranch that has the Pioneer AVCO cabinets and cupboards. I’m remodeling the kitchen and was going to install these in the basement kitchen. I’m unsure how they’re anchored to the wall and I don’t want to harm the cabinetry by getting rough with them in removal….but I can’t see what’s holding them in after I’ve removed all the obvious screws.
If I get them removed without trauma, I’d consider selling them.
Patrice says
Do you have any information on how to refinish these American Kitchens coppertone cabinets? I have these exact cabinets in my house and the finish is worn off the drawers causing them to tarnish all the time. Other than the wear spots and some rust on the drawers they are in beautiful shape and i’d love to refinish them somehow. Thank you
pam kueber says
Hi Patrice, this is not a DIY site. That said, we have had several readers discuss ways they’ve restored their cabinets. You can research these stories in our Kitchens/Steel Kitchens category. Also, please be aware that there can be vintage nasties in old materials — such as lead in old paint, including on old kitchen cabinets. Be sure to consult with a licensed professional on this issue, so that you can make informed decisions about how to handle. Good luck.
Anne says
I have these exact cabinets in my kitchen!! The house was build in 1956.
Amy says
So do I! I bought a 1956 rambler foreclosure 3 years ago. I am trying to clean and refurb the metal drawer fronts. Been searching for what to use and no luck so far.
Anne says
Hi Amy, Let me know if you’ve managed to refinish the drawer fronts. Would love to see a pic!
sablemable says
I love the look of wood, brass and copper in the modern kitchen! Very smart looking. Love the floor, too.
Hooked on Houses says
This really looks very contemporary, as in something you could find in a home today, including those roller shades on the window.
Femme1 says
Interesting, my sewing room has these same chartreuse walls with terra cotta/rose trim.
SeattleJulie says
Wow! I just painted my kitchen a very similar chartreuse color. It looks great with the brown/rose accent tiles in the kitchen!
Mama Brook says
I LOVE the cabinet color!
As far as the pink bathroom pictures – go right ahead! I may even have a couple more in my books, I’ll check for ya!