‘Betty Crafter’ wrote me a happy email and sent me these happy photos, which reminded me that I need to start another microsite in the same vein as Save The Pink Bathrooms. Only the new blog will be called: Say Yes to the Knotty Pine. Don’t try to buy the url away from me. It’s mine all mine buwahahaha. Meanwhile, here is Betty’s “miracle” story and more photos of her gorgeous time capsule knotty pine kitchen…She writes:
We just bought the house less than a month ago so we have a long way to go, but here’s our short story so far!
My husband and I decided to move because although we lived in a pretty fab 50’s house in a great location, it didn’t have the original kitchen and bathrooms I’d always wanted. Just before our house hit the market, I saw this one online. I almost stopped breathing. I really didn’t think a house like this existed! Turquoise counters? Knotty pine paneling in half the house? A pink AND a green bathroom? Fireplace? Creek? Barn?
Crikey!
“It looks like the inside of a Spartan trailer!” I squealed.
I immediately called our realtor who refused to show it to me because: “I’m already showing that house to two clients who DON’T have homes to sell first.”
Well I was so insane for this house that the hubs and I drove there and convinced the seller to show it to us herself! Upon seeing it in person I was even more sure this was home. It’s a miracle we ended up here because we weren’t the only ones who loved this house. But luckily for us the other offers fell through just about the time we got offers on our home, and here we are!
We don’t want to change much because the house is pretty much perfect. We tore up the carpet to install green apple VCT in all the areas with the knotty pine paneling and hardwoods in the rest of the house. The turquoise stove and bar chairs came with the house – lucky us! Otherwise it’s all original.
Is it possible to be in love with a physical object? I could not love my new house any more. Also, I’ve started a blog — Betty Crafter — to chronicle our caretaker and preservation efforts if anyone’s interested… The pink bathroom has an unfortunate 80’s vanity, but I found a pink wall hung sink for $5 on the forums here that will be going in soon. Then some fresh paint inside and out and a Crestview Door and we’re done! My main concern is preserving what’s here. There are a few stains on the counters, and I’d like to find the best way to clean them and protect them from future stains. I also need to give my paneling the “Eartha Kitsch treatment” but they are in pretty decent condition as is.
Also, in one of the first shots I sent, that is a NuTone Intercom/Radio that even goes out to the barn! We even have the owner’s manual – when we moved in there was a file folder on the counter with every receipt for service and owner’s manual to everything in the house since the 70’s.
Thanks for thinking my dream kitchen is as awesome as I do!
Crikey! BC, you have some mighty fine happy going on there in your little piece of time capsule paradise. I love the way you used the fabric on the kitchen chair to choose your floor color and tie in with the skylark blue Formica countertops. I also LOVE the way the peninsula eating area curves out, from the bottom (eating counter) to top (prep counter) — what a great idea from the past. Send me pics of your other projects when they are ready for prime time. And: A barn and a creek? Those, too! Tip: for cleaning countertops, our reco is Countertop Magic…
Jennifer says
The turquoise everywhere is just wonderful! I don’t think I would ever get tired of that stove and I love how the counter becomes a little bar to sit at.
pam kueber says
Yes, isn’t that a great kitchen!
Britt R. says
It is nice to see these cabinets in their original form–very beautiful.
We just bought a 1956 split level, and ALL OF THE WOOD has been painted white by the former owner to “freshen it up” for the sale. Oak (not even pine) paneling in most rooms and family room, sliding closet doors, all room doors, original wood vanities in both original bathrooms (one pink/grey tile and the other pink with green sink!!!!) and the original wood kitchen cabinets. We just love this house, but are very sad about the painted everything.
Is there any hope to restore the wood look by removing the paint, or are these things ruined forever. . . . ?
Janet says
Sure, the paint can be removed with paint stripper. Some brands work better than others. It’s a messy job and requires ventilation. It will probably remove the original clear finish (varnish or polyurethane) along with the darned white paint.
Britt R. says
We did think of paint stripper, but wondered especially with the room and closet doors could we ever really get all paint out–that wood seems more porous. I have a painting contractor I will ask about it, but if you have any experience with actually doing this I’d love to hear about it.
Dan says
Grrrr . . . Should make the seller reduce the price for the cost of undoing their mess. Grumble.
Shannnon says
I stumbled upon both yours and this site yesterday too funny
http://www.younghouselove.com/2008/11/how-to-paint-your-kitchen-cabinets/
pam kueber says
ACK!
Betty Crafter says
By they way, the kitchen isn’t all the knotty pine in my house. The dining room and one of the living areas also have knotty pine paneling. In all, close to half the house is paneled in knotty pine!
gayka says
You must have bought out ebay! You already have everything to match and you have been in it a month. LOL You go girl. No one should ever buy a house unless they love it like you do yours. Blessings on your life there.
Betty Crafter says
gayka, believe it or not, I didn’t have to buy a thing. Part of the reason this house was perfect for me was that my kitchen colors have always been turquoise and avocado, so I already had a kitchen full of matching dishes and kitchenware!
Trip H says
Incredible lookin kitchen!
Tania Lynn Petry says
I am DROOLING here!
Amy Leone says
I loved this post….would love to have a house just like it, with all of the accessories. My parents were in their 20’s and 30’s in the 50’s and 60’s and honestly the houses, the styles, everything about that era, I feel comfortable in. My parents had their home built in the 60’s…some retroness, but not like yours!!! Your blog made my day!
Laura says
As much as I hated my knotty pine cabinet – you have made it look very appealing. I want mine back so I can do the turquoise with it! Fabulous!
Laura's Last Ditch--Vintage Kitchenwares says
Nothing warms my heart like seeing a great vintage house kept the way it’s meant to be. It breaks my heart to see people tear up or paint over such a thing of beauty. Congratulations on your great new digs!