Retro Renovation readers had terrific ideas for paint colors for Veronica’s original 1976 kitchen. I agree with a great many of their suggestions, and also noodled the question on my own. First up, though, I gotta agree with lots of readers on this piece of advice: DON’T DO ANYTHING RASH, Veronica. Don’t move in and right away start ripping out or painting over original stuff – unless there are documented environmental, safety or serious quality issues to address.
.For example, you say that black-and-white kitchen feels stark and cold to you. But, we longtime Retro Renovators are not chilled by the look at all. We are accustomed to the graphic high contrast and can imagine how wall color, window treatments and accessories will warm up the whole room quickly and to great effect.. And assuming that the cabinets are sturdy and the laminate, in good shape — we’d call that kitchen: Stunning! So — don’t paint the cabinets. At least not yet! Honestly, it’s all a matter of understanding the look and getting accustomed to it — this takes time, because you have not been educated by mainstream lifestyle media to understand or appreciate this 1970s look.
.
With that little introduction, I’ll give you three ideas for the approach I might take if this kitchen were my own. First — I love the cabinets. Clean the heck out of them and leave them as is. I would not fuss with the appliances either – unless there are serious performance issues. (At some point, though, you will want to assess the energy efficiency of the fridge.) That kitchen is cohesive. For the walls, though, I would head straight for color — big, bold, saturated, SEXY 1970s color… How to choose? I know you are already on the way after scouring etsy for some artwork that speaks to you. That is the right method. Yes, continue to keep studying and putting your hands on pieces of art, fabric, rugs or other accessories that may provide the color inspiration you need for your walls.
Idea #1 — The first inspiration piece that came to my mind was the famous Picasso drawing — Hands with Bouquet. The drawing appears to be dated 1958. But, I went off to college in the fall of 1977 and when I did, I took twin “Hands with Bouquet” comforters with me — so there must have been a resurgence. Today, you could buy this poster, then start playing with the different colors of the flowers, with samples applied to your walls. Oh, and be sure to torture your husband excessively throughout your color-selection process. Put 37 closely related colors on the wall and make him stand there with you and discuss them. At different times of day, in all lights. When he indicates he likes a color, immediately reject it; this is a good way to do process of elimination and is a crucial rite of passage in every marriage. Of course, since you are newlyweds, he might actually think it is fun. Repeat it 10 years later and see how it goes then. Or maybe, don’t repeat it 10 years later. If you want to stay married.
.
Idea #2 — Going through my ebay Saved Searches the other day, I spotted a fabulous, bold, colorful and graphic 1976 bargello pillow kit. The retro decorating gods sent it to me the DAY I started thinking about your kitchen. This kind of signal gets me really excited. I would build the interior decoration of my entire 1976 house around this pillow. But, I know you are not me, I have been mainlining retro for quite a while now.
.
Idea #3 — You could also turn to someplace like Marimekko and search their fabrics for inspiration. Their Siirtolapuutarha fabric has strong colors play well with the strength of the black and white. You could find the same kind of inspiration in wallpaper. Wallpaper is more expensive than paint, and you indicated you wanted to put off big money investments. But if you spend some time immersing yourself in wallpapers, you may find one that you want to add in the future — and meanwhile, use its colors to guide your paint choice today. In a large space like your relatively open living room/dining room, you could also use use your wallpaper on only one “focus wall”, with adjacent walls featuring one of the colors of in the wallpaper.
.
Tips:
- I’m totally agreeing with readers who said to live in your house a while — a year, even — before doing anything major. Okay – paint the walls, yes. But paint cabinets? I don’t recommend it.
- Be sure to work with a professional to get a good environmental and safety inspection. Lead and asbestos are issues we often mention, but there are others. Start smart going in. Also, if at some point you want to rip anything out, consult with environmental/safety pro’s again — you will want to know what is in adhesives and underlayments etc. etc. before you start disturbing them. Stay smart as you gear up for new projects.
- Energy conservation is a big issue today. If you are going to make energy-related improvements, it’s a whole lot easier when the house is relatively empty. Many states are currently running free programs to assess energy efficiency of homes, and offering huge incentives for weatherization. Take advantage of this — quick. Your best new investment may be a high-efficiency furnace, air sealing, and insulation. These are the big 1-2-3 punches of energy conservation of the Northeast.
- I’m also agreeing with one reader who said take a look at the floor. My concern: If you are sitting on a slab down in that walk-out-basement-kitchen, that floor seems to me like it will be cold. And, that inset dining room wood or laminate does not appear to be a well-integrated design. New flooring that is warmer underfoot and which is consistent throughout may also be a preferred long-term investment, for comfort’s sale, and for aesthetics, too.
Veronica — thanks for letting us play with your kitchen! Ultimately, it is you and DH who will live in the space, and you will want to make it your own happy nest. This post made me remember setting up house with my husband in our first home… it was a wonderful, bonding experience… a great memory in our marriage story. Let us know what you decide, and enjoy!
Resource Links:
Maryanna says
I wholeheartedly concur with the Marimekko suggestion! Even if you don’t like the Siirtolapuutarha pattern, they have tons of other bold colorful graphic designs that would work great in this kitchen. And it probably wouldn’t take but 1-2 yards of fabric to make a pair of cafe curtains for that fabulous big window.
I also agree that the floor and the wood trim could use updating, rather than the cabinetry. Perhaps a black/white checkerboard floor? Admittedly, that’s a lot of black and white, but that never stopped me. Black & white is as neutral as it gets, and you can repaint the walls as many times as you want without having to change anything else! 🙂
troysf says
Wow Pam, great post! Your Marimekko fabric inspiration is sheer brilliance. A quick google images search for Marimekko pulls up TONS of great ideas for injecting bold color within the black/white framework. Now I wish that were my kitchen… 😉
pam kueber says
Thank you, Troy. Marimekko is making it easy – they market well.
Veronica says
I agree… The marimekko fabric is great. I think it would be fabulous as curtains for the big window. Thanks for ALL the great suggestion Pam!!!!!
Tami says
Excellent advice as always – and even better dorm room style. My stuff was plastered with the Kliban cat motif . . . .
pam kueber says
I had Kliban stuff too!
katkins says
That Marimekko fabric is perfect. I’d get a yard or two of that, stretch it over a wooden frame, and hang it on the wall opposite the range (assuming that there is such a wall). Add a groovy teapot and dishtowels in those strong colors, and leave the white walls for contrast.
Selena says
I think Bradbury & Bradbury’s papers would be nice to accent. Maybe this one? http://www.bradbury.com/boi_710_gray.html
Or this, http://www.bradbury.com/gee_710_gray.html.
It keeps in with the style, but makes it less austere. I agree, the black/white makes things a bit harsh. Maybe instead of black trim do a gray.
(Keep in mind, I am a bright color type of gal. I live in a small cottage, and my kitchen is Robin’s Egg, my dining room is 2 shades of perky blue, and my living room is like warm creamed butter. For me to like monochromatic rooms, well, that’s a rarity!)
You know, the wood trim and the floor is a bit off. What she could do is use those browns as a jumping point and still have a 70’s kitchen. I’d think the black/white was more 80s, right? So perhaps going more earth-based colors would be nice. Think of all the Burnt Orange, Avocado Green, and Golden Harvest items… Not only were they big then, they’re making a come back now.
Gavin Hastings says
Two more points that have played on my mind for the past 2 days-
I remember that on “Trading Spaces” they used to paint laminate all the time…it would be very interesting to go back and see how well it held up. I would have strong reservations.
Does you tile flooring extend into another room?
Which then has a cut out of another floor?
Do you really want to add another flooring an separate the space so much?
We could all discuss this kitchen forever, because it has a fabulous layout, :good bones” and what seems to be plenty of light. Best wishes for years of happiness.
Andrea says
I’m with BungalowBill and Kersten on your post about choosing colors. I am glad I wasn’t drinking coffee at the moment I read the torturing part….AND I immediately read it out loud to my husband. His comment, “Oh no, there are MORE of you out there?”
Going now to check out that fabulous Marimekko fabric as a possible shower curtain for my turquoise and black tiled bathroom—love that print.
And while I do look at all the pictures, I also compulsively read every word, Pam!
Sidney says
Wait. Then orange if you want to blend with the floors, or avocado to make the floor pop. But.do.wait. I’d change the floors first, as Pam hinted at.
Suzie Que says
Never got a chance to comment before but wow, I agree wholeheartedly with DO NOT PAINT THOSE CABINETS (unless there’s ground-in-dirt/chippage, etc, issues that we’re not seeing on the pic)….but go bold/warm with the walls. LOVE that Marimekko print….
BungalowBILL says
“Put 37 closely related colors on the wall and make him stand there with you and discuss them.” nearly made me spit out my coffee lol’ing.
pam kueber says
tee hee. i am never quite sure if anyone is reading. default assumption is that you just look at the pictures.
Kersten says
I immediately read this outloud to my DH!!!!! (Here’s the best part though– he is WAY better at color choice than I am!)
pam kueber says
My DH is actually very very good at colors, too. That does not stop me one millisecond from torturing him endlessly with my second guessing.
Jeanne says
I always ask for my DH’s opinion, but he’ll say “does my opinion matter” and I say “no, but I thought I’d be nice and ask” LOL.
Maryanna says
Same here! Glad to know I’m not the only one who does this. 🙂