I first *met* Jon when he wrote to ask me about removing tile from a laminate countertop. Heck if I knew, but before I could even get around to answering, he emailed me back saying he’d done it already. He and wife Trixi also were onto de-layering the floor. In reality, their renovation so far has meant: Peeling off a circa-2005 update. Oh, and did I mention that Jon is hilarious? And that the pair is admittedly “obsessed”? Read on for more about their wackadoodle adventure to uncover the true blue (avocado green) bones of their 1962 kitchen …
I’ve strung together Jon’s emails — which came to me over the course of about 6 weeks — into this amusing and informative timeline:
Hello, Pam! [Hello, Jon!]
We’re currently doing a Retro Renovation of our kitchen. We’re peeling up the crappy, mid-00s vinyl flooring and restoring the glorious 1962 linoleum, and getting everything back to period specs. We just started, and your site has been an inspiration, a godsend for those of us with midcentury-era homes.
The problem is that our gorgeous vintage Formica countertops have been covered with a layer of granite tile with a “sandwich layer” of drywall that has been GROUTED TO THE FORMICA. I’m wondering if any of your readers have a good method for removing grout from Formica — I’m about ready to start chiseling away the tile, but the grouted drywall scares me — I don’t want to damage the Formica, if possible.
I did a pretty thorough scouring of the site and I don’t see anybody else talking about the same problem, so this might be a “new thing” for your site, but I bet with the popularity of ugly “greige” granite tile, we’re not the first people to run into this problem with their renovations!!
Hopefully you or someone on your site can advise! I will pose the question on the comments section there, and in the meantime I’m going to check out that citrus stripper mentioned. Thank you!!
Precautionary Pam writes back and reminds: Be sure to consult with professionals — you’ll want to know if there is any nasty asbestos or lead or whatever in whatever stuff you disturb. Jon replies:
Oh yes — we did some asking and all of this tiling was done in 2005, along with the vinyl floor we ripped up and all the bathroom “modernizing.” The realtors did it to try to sell the house, which was a foreclosure. All asbestos-containing material was abated at that time as well (some old tiles in the basement and upstairs, etc). So anything hazardous is thankfully all gone!
Good, Jon. Again, dear readers, remember that there can be vintage nastiness in the materials, layers and products found in our old houses and anything old we put into them. Get with your own properly licensed professional to assess what you have/are dealing with! For more info, readers, see our Be Safe/Renovate Safe page.
So I ask, Jon and Trixi, what is “your Retro Renovation story.” Jon ponders and replies:
Well — the story is long and tangled, but to boil it down to essentials, I bought the house — a tiny 1962 ranch bungalow in Robbinsdale, MN — with my ex years ago as a fixer-upper in my old childhood neighborhood. The relationship didn’t last, but the house did — and when Trixi — is her name, is there a more retro name in the universe? — and I got married we kept saying “we’ve got to do SOMETHING with it.”
It’s a great little house in a neighborhood we both love, but we’ve always wished we had one of those mid-century flat-roof dream houses instead of our very modest mid-century modest. One weekend a couple months ago, we visited the home of our friend Jake Rudh. Jake is kind of our local mid-century expert, and he owns one of those gorgeous mid-century dream houses. He gave us the grand tour — it’s a time-capsule home in the best way. Original floors, original countertops, original everything.
The next day, my wife and I were lamenting about our own house, which had NOTHING original after a mid-00s “sell this house” remodel. I pointed out a little spot under the cabinets where the vinyl flooring was peeling. “Check this out,” I said. “Underneath this hideous vinyl flooring is the original laminate. Should I just yank this vinyl up a little?” And so I did, and so it began.
Once we started ripping up the floors, there was no stopping us. We stumbled across your website, and our little hobby became an obsession for both of us. Now we know everything there is to know about NuTone Food Centers and hudee rings and Dishmasters.
We’re about 1/3 into our remodel and we’re having a blast. We’ve gone from wishing we could move — to loving the house we’re in!! There’s a lotta work left — the cabinets need a total rehab, the walls need paper or paint, and we’re dying to find the rest of the avocado vintage appliances. But we’re determined!
Haha, this is my favorite line so far:
Should I just yank this vinyl up a little?” And so I did, and so it began.
Isn’t that ALWAYS how it begins? Before I get a report on the counters… I hear from Jon on the floors, too:
You can see the gorgeous linoleum, there, underneath the vinyl flooring. The ugly white vinyl was put in shortly before I moved there in 2005 by a realtor — he did a really shoddy job (didn’t even go all the way to the edge in places). He (thankfully) removed the previous layer of probably-asbestos-containing 70s vinyl flooring prior to laying this junk down — the linoleum, underneath a layer of flooring glue, is still clean and in great shape… You can see two layers of previous remodels. A horrible 70s remodel where they put in laminate cabinets and dark-orange tiles (there was a corner of one stuck to the formica) and then a newer “let’s sell this dog” remodel in 2005 that gave us those granite countertops and the new, white, plastic appliances. You can also see a roll of the original Formica I found in a closet in the basement — [Edited; Pam here: Jon talks about the potential for asbestos in old flooring like this and the research that he did as he made his decisions etc. Readers: Do your own research — get with your own properly licensed professional to assess the material safety issues of the old materials in your home so that you can make informed decisions how to handle.]
Hello, Pam! I sent you an email a month or so ago about our forthcoming kitchen retro-fication. We’re still proceeding apace — just wanted to shoot you an email showing you our FINALLY FINISHED floor! We stripped off all the ’05 vinyl flooring, and the old ’62 linoleum beneath looks magnificent.
Next step: countertops. We’ve been lucky that the realtor who sold us this (and did the remodel in ’05) did such a shoddy job — it’s been much easier to remove their work. The other interesting bit of news is that we noticed our tub was chipping a couple weeks ago. Being the person I am, I chipped away a bit more — and LO AND BEHOLD, underneath our white tub is a PINK TUB! I suspected we had a pink bathroom originally before the same ’05 remodel that got everything else, and I was right — I asked our next door neighbor, who’s been there since the late 60s, and she confirmed it, and was shocked to find all the pink had been removed!! So once we finish our kitchen, it’s onto the pink bathroom.
Yes, it’s coming back. We already found a pink sink at a salvage yard in the right shade, and noted (and you might want to note too somewhere!!) that Kohler *still has* a pink toilet in the correct shade of rose available! So we can get that retro look AND be environmentally conscious. And the paint on the tub from ’05 just comes off with paint stripper (we found a nice safe one with no fumes — no ventilation in there!) Anyway — once it’s all done (it’ll be a bit) we’ll send on photos, but I thought you’d get a kick outta those floors. What a pattern!
I finally started the daunting task of pulling up the ugly marble tile countertops. Everybody around me has been so overwhelmingly negative — I heard “Why would you want that ugly stuff?” about the Formica. I heard “there’s NO WAY you’re going to be able to pull that up yourself — you’ll need to call in the pros.” And most importantly and most often, I heard “there is no way you’re going to be able to save that old Formica.” But like lots of people on your site, I’m sure, I hate hearing “no you can’t” or “no you shouldn’t!” Enough people kept telling me it was an impossible task that last night, while waiting for my wife and daughter to get home, I started hacking away at it with the totally wrong tools — I don’t have a pry-bar (yet!!) so I just used a hammer and a Phillips screwdriver. And in ten minutes I managed to pull up half a tile and a bunch of the wonderboard. And apart from a few screw-holes (I’m already planning how to fill them and paint the pattern over the top — I can do it! I’m a designer by day) and a few minor nicks, the Formica underneath is STILL INTACT. And looking hot!
(OH — one last thing — if any of your Minneapolis readers are wanting a pink bathroom after the Pink Bathroom article in the Star Tribune a few weeks ago, point ’em here: City Salvage. We went there to get our pink sink — and they’ve got like seven more where that came from, AND a pink toilet. It’s all in the basement — which is open, weirdly, despite being kind of creepy and dark. We got our sink for super-cheap — the guy is dying to get rid of that stuff. He also has, somewhere (I couldn’t find it, but he swears its there) old pink enameled METAL TILE — a whole box full. So if anyone’s wondering, point ’em there!)
You get a good sense of what we still have to do — those laminate cupboards from the 70s were once blonde wood, like the kitchen you showed today. But we have a working vintage Frigidaire fridge — in Avocado!! Goal: all matching avocado appliances. We didn’t have our camera at the salvage yard! We haven’t bought it yet — waiting for this next pay period, but our plan is to head there on Saturday. The guy told me there wasn’t a lot of call for avocado sinks, so there wasn’t much risk of it selling before then. It had a hudee ring!! A little bent up on one corner but I have high hopes I can gently hammer it back.
Hey, Pam! So the first half of our countertop rehab went fine. Pic attached. Small screw holes — otherwise the laminate is in PERFECT condition.
The second half, though — there are TWO HOLES cut into the countertop. My wife and I spent half the day despairing — would we have to re-laminate? I cracked a hunk outta the laminate for one thing (it’s gonna take some gluing and patching), but these holes are daunting and we couldn’t figure out what went in ’em. The left hole — it was the size of one sink section, but there was no drain attachment under the counter, nor any electrical. I finally figured out it was probably one of these here — a recessed cutting board! [Yes, Jon’s tip led to my post – Pam] They make ’em in EXACTLY the size we need to fill the hole, so even if it wasn’t, I’m getting one. I love the steel edge! Will match the avocado sink with a gloriously intact huddee ring we found at a salvage yard this weekend. The OTHER HOLE though — we knew it was something electrical, ’cause there was a capped-off electric cable underneath it. We agonized and agonized and searched and talked to the neighbor who vaguely remembered something “weird” being there, and realized what it once was — a NUTONE FOOD CENTER! Of course, we’re going to find one and put one back in there. How could we not??
The laminate on the backsplash is covered with a pretty daunting layer of thinset under those tiles — I haven’t found a decent method for removing thinset on the interwebs yet (apart from heavy sanding or chunking it away millimeter by millimeter with a chisel or something), but if I can figure something out, we’re game. Our fallback position is to find some subway tile or 1″ tile in a nice green tone or pattern that matches the rest of the kitchen.
Thanks again so much for your awesome site. If we hadn’t found it, I don’t know if we’d be this determined to do this, and do it right!! My goal is to build a ’63 kitchen SO AWESOME (well, and then a pink bathroom SO AWESOME) that you’ll wanna feature it on your front page. It’s what’s driving us!!! We’ll keep you updated. I do have to say — this is the most fun ever!
Thank you, Jon & Trixi. Yes: It’s all some fun, isn’t it. Hey, I have one question, though: Are you sure the floor and appliances are original to 1962? Reader Patrick did some research, which he shared with me, that indicates that GE did not introduce Avocado as a color until 1966. I am not super expert on dating colors and such, but if I had to guess, I’d say the floor and appliances came in the same time as your 1970s cabinets – although the Formica reads 1960s to me… In any case, I would definitely not change that floor and I love the avocado appliances. Fantastic job all the way around! Keep us apprised of how the Retro Renovation continues — and thank you for all your tips — I’ve been able to milk your emails for, like, five stories (two more yet to come).
Tracie says
My grandmother’s house was built in 1963 and her original floor (which I saw every few years growing up when she’d replace the vinyl floors) was that exact same pattern. I think hers was pinky, though. She had all pink appliances when they moved in, and she hated them (what was wrong with her!). She replaced them with lovely coppertone appliances that survived into the eighties. I’m kind of digging coppertone stuff right now myself.
Thank you Jon and Pam! Considering the way other “updates” were done to our house I’m convinced the current nasty vinyl flooring in the kitchen is covering the original flooring. I’ve been trying to convince my husband to pull up the floor and find the treasure underneath, but he’s been hesitant. This post convinced him. Yay!
pam kueber says
Renovate safe – get stuff tested for vintage nasties like lead and asbestos before messing with it. I’ll stop now on this post.
Armstrong Flooring says
Hi Pam & Jon (and Trixi)! We loved the story and the pics of the kitchen renovation! The green linoleum floor is beautiful! And since it’s linoleum, you know it’s “green” in more than just the color. Thanks for sharing!
Kim with Armstrong Flooring
pam kueber says
But Kim, it’s vinyl, isn’t it????
Diana of Mt. Lebanon, PA says
I agree, that floor seems to be vinyl, and not linoleum. We have a floor like that underneath our current floor, but it is covered in awful glue. And, I’m certain it’s sheet vinyl, which isn’t really a green material. Except of course, it is “green” that you are keeping this floor and not replacing it with yet another floor.
pam kueber says
yes, keep what you have already = #1 rule of green (barring enviro or safety issues, of course)
Julie P says
Diana- Was that your kitchen that was featured previously with the fab table and new Marmoleum floor? I saw that you are in Mt Lebo and almost fell over. I am from Lebo too. I would love to chat more if you are interested! My e-mail is mjpuzausky@aol.com. I love what you did with your kitchen. I just started a kitchen un-do in my new house. How fun to have a kindred spirit close by!
Julie
Armstrong Flooring says
Hi Pam!
You are right! I double-checked with our Customer Service team and got a history lesson: originally the term “linoleum” was used to describe almost all sheet floors, regardless of the actual structure. Our team recognized Jon and Trixi’s floor was, in fact, a vinyl floor. Today, vinyl and linoleum are two different products – and genuine linoleum has more green benefits. Thanks for pointing out that the floor was, in fact, vinyl! 🙂
Kim with Armstrong Flooring
Jon says
Ah ha!! That does explain it. It does have to be that inlaid vinyl, though, cause the color goes all the way through the stuff!! It really came back to life, btw, with a coat of commercial wax. It looks amazing. Thanks, Armstrong!!
Armstrong Flooring says
Hi Jon!
You’re welcome – and my thanks to Pam for prompting me to dig deeper! Btw, our Customer Service team told me that your floor does appear to be inlaid sheet vinyl. This structure was very popular, and a durable form of residential sheet vinyl.
Kim with Armstrong Flooring
ShannonFlourish says
What a great homeowner! Jon and Trixi- You go for it! My 1948 house’s kitchen has been remodeled, quite horribly, in the mid ’00 too. But I still have the original Red and beige bathroom mosaic tile. I love it! When we finally get the scrilla to re-do the kitchen I plan on trying to bring it back to it 1940’s glory days.
TappanTrailerTami says
Thanks Jon & Trixi for giving the rest of us the “gee, my remodel isn’t nearly as complicated after all” feeling! Way to go! I’m feeling pretty inspired. Right now the only thing standing between me and a new “old” kitchen is moving all my living room furniture (and collectibles) out of the house since part of my living room will be the new kitchen. At some point, I think I could be found guilty of “over-collecting”. It sure is a pain when you have to pack it all up. On the other hand, once the remodeling is done, it will be like Christmas when I get to finally unpack everything again.
My parents had that Armstrong floor in our kitchen / breakfast nook / utility / rec room (lots and lots of it!), but in the brick red color way. It is sheet vinyl, but the particles that create the color is actually inlaid which gives it lots of depth. You can still buy inlaid vinyl (for a big price), but not in the wonderful patterns that it used to come in, such as this wonderful brick pattern. That stuff will wear like iron, and stay looking great even when it isn’t covered up by tile, LOL.
Congrats – you are well on your way to true authentic retro-ness!
Tami
Kristen says
This post makes me happy 🙂 LOVE that counter pattern!!
Sadly, that is exactly the floor we had in our kitchen until the floor cleaning company we had come in before we moved in ruined it by stripping ALL of the color off…we now have a paper-like beige floor with just a faint pattern and no color at all. It would have been so pretty, as I can see now in the photos above!
Linda Blackmore says
Just a brief note from a retro fan(age-wise). I inherited my childhood home in Memphis. We live here now. I stupidly let my husband redo the kitchen, but that’s a story for another time. When I saw the floor, I had mixed cry/scream and laugh hysterically. Underneath the new solid red commercial tile floor is that exact floor that was a Christmas present to my parents in about 1967. I can’t remember what was down before that. The house was built in 1948. Thank you for loving it still. If my husband wouldn’t leave, I’d see if he could take up the red and we could revert back to the green.
Linda Blackmore says
Oh, yes, and the formica we replaced with solid red was the white with gold glitter. I’m mixed on whether I’d like that back. Maybe some nice atomic.
kate mckinnon says
This story has finally given me the impetus to chisel up the awful Home Depot Cheap Beige ceramic squares laid down over the lovely old blue and white mosaic tile on our bathroom floor.
I have a question about the (AWESOME) kitchen floor. Jon calls it linoleum, but isn’t it synthetic? Like Armstrong Congoleum or something, from the 70s? I LOVE that stuff and dream of finding a roll for my own kitchen.
Great work has been done here. Long live avocado!
(I like a little hot pink with my avocado, how about you?)
pam kueber says
Notice also, that this is the first time I’ve ever used the word *ugly* in a headline. I only did it because the remodel was by a real estate agent trying to flip the house in the cheapest way possible. While that gets an *ugly*, I would never use that word if it were *real* homeowners.
LoquaciousLaura says
Pam, this is why we love you 🙂
pam kueber says
xoxo right back at ya
Leah says
Awesome job, I Love that floor!
Jon says
I’d love to know the name of that pattern too! I really like it. It’s far more “60s Country Kitchen” than space age atomic, but I find myself really liking it.
Honestly, green wasn’t the color I woulda picked to remodel this thing, but the deeper into it I get, the more I really love it. I think we’ve settled on a tomato red for an accent color. I know it sounds odd, but I think it’ll look fantastic!!
Annie B. says
The green is wonderful, Jon. Red will be a perfect accent, just wait and see. Many of my vintage decorating books from the mid-’50’s show red and green used together very effectively My personal first choice for an accent color would be orange. I adore orange and would pair it with any color scheme.
Can’t wait to see the photos from your finished job. (Not that anything ever really gets finished!)
Laura says
I love this article on your progress, and I can attest to the glory of that floor in person! It’s dreamy. I can’t wait for blonde wood on your cabinets and tomato red accents. I’m already searching for the perfect retro breadbox for a kitchen-warming present!