THE ESTATE SALE ON FRIDAY was a jackpot — the 1964, single-owner split level house was in gorgeous condition. What I really liked about it was that it was a very middle class, unpretentious house – but it had features that were clearly chosen for their high quality and craftsmanship. It was timeless in the true sense that everything about the house can endure. Oh lordy, I hope that the new owners understand what they have in hand! Today, two slide shows: The first of an awesome midcentury mailbox, recessed into the roman marble brick of the exterior. I know lots of readers will be so envious of this feature, I’ve never seen anything like it yet. And second, a fabulous time capsule kitchen — it includes two-tone cabinetry, a great little breakfast counter with original stools, and yellow GE appliances with gorgeous design features. One of my new favorites ever — like this house. 27 photos in all.
To start: Here’s the mailbox. Fabulous! Click on the first image to enlarge, then proceed through the slide show.
Mike says
Last post from 2009- this too is becoming a time capsule 🙂
Pam Kueber says
I don’t know what you’re talking about, Mike. See the homepage, I continue to write every day M-F: https://retrorenovation.com/
E. Benbrook says
Hello,
Pam do you know what kind of floor this is? I know it’s an old article but I stumbled across it looking for a hood for a stove. I’m absolutely butt crazy in love with this kitchen and the breakfast area. I’m having such a hard time deciding what to do to my kitchen without spending so much money. We’ll see how it goes!
Thank you!
pam kueber says
Hi E., I can’t see the floor very well in these photos. But surely it is some sort of vinyl sheet. Finding vinyl sheet in great designs for our retro houses can be tough today, but designs that feature this sort of rocky terrazzo look are around. I recommend you start by digging into our flooring category — it is nested in Kitchen Help/Flooring. ALSO go to the biggest local flooring store you can find — look at not only their residential flooring products, but ALSO their commercial flooring options. Residential options are severely limited; but there are many many more Commercial options.
Finally, here’s another company I’ve yet to write about that has some nice stuff to consider http://www.ivcfloors.com/flooring/sheet-vinyl-flooring/flexitec-commercial-flooring
Jamie says
I bought a very similar stove at a yardsale for $25 this summer! Same range and hood, only turquoise! My oven is turquoise, and a slightly different model. I haven’t seen to many of these around, even on the internet!
hannah says
I’m all vaklempt! What a thing of utter BEAUTY! I’d give my eye teeth…..
Sarah says
Hi Pam,
With the green tile backsplash in this kitchen I would guess the grout size to be 1/8th. Do you agree? Was 1/8 the standard grout size you see in the old kitchens and bathrooms of yesteryear?
Sarah says
I love the backsplash of this kitchen. I am doing a remodel and wanted to include a backsplash like this in jadite. Does anyone know where I can find a tile company with jadite tile or a company that will customize a tile color based on a sample (ie of paint)?
Please help – I will have to make my tile choices soon!!
pam kueber says
Sarah, have you checked with all the tile sources I’ve identified. Jadeite = popular color right now.
Sarah says
thanks Pam,
I researched the tile companys further and found a glazed ceramic tile that matches the color of Fire-King Jadite that I hoping to find. It is “40 W green” made by the B&W tile company. Your website has been invaluable to planning the retro design of various rooms included in my remodel. Even though the remodel has just begun I have been doing research and planning for months. I will definitely share photos and details when it is complete.
Sarah
John Korolow says
This kitchen is really beautiful. If the new owners of the house don’t appreciate the original 1960s appliances then someone should go and save them – they can probably bought for a song of the new owners change this place into a 2009 kitchen (of course, I hope they don’t). I think the GE range with the overhead heat controls really unique and really attractive, nothing like it is made anymore. The colors of the apliances may not be an exact match but they are all still very representative of the 1960s (the harvest gold refrigerator may even be from the 1970s as harvest gold could still be purchased into the 1977 season of major appliances even though nasty almond and plain white began to take over by 1977/78). I also like the use of the dark walnut laminate for the breakfast counter as that woodtone color breaks up the lighter colors used elsewhere in the whole scheme.