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Amazing transformation: Suzann’s bungalow kitchen remodel using Ikea kitchen cabinets

pam kueber - Updated: August 9, 2021

Retro Renovation stopped publishing in 2021; these stories remain for historical information, as potential continued resources, and for archival purposes.

1940s bungalow kitchen before:

1940s kitchen before remodel1940s bungalow kitchen after:

kitchen with subway tiles
Wow, Suzann’s 1940s bungalow style kitchen remodel is — fantastic. So bright and cheery, I know this transformation is going to excite a lot of readers. And, after five years of doing no stories at all about Ikea kitchen cabinets, here’s a second one in a row — using different cabinets than the Akurums that Jerry used. Read on for Suzann’s story and the list of resources she used to design and construct this happy space.
 
bungalow kitchenSuzann writes:
This is a kitchen in our detached 540 sq ft in-law suite, where my mother is moving in. We’ve revamped the whole place. We wanted to make a cutesy, cheery kitchen that would align with the era of the home- 40’s bungalow style.

apple green and gray vct floor tile

silestone countertopThe cabinets are Ikea. The floor is Armstrong VCT, special order from Home Depot (same price as the ones on the shelf, but takes 2 weeks) to match our apple green Caesarstone countertop (ordered at Ikea, subbed out to a local installer). I made all the curtains from gauzy linen with lace trim to soften up all the subway tile (American Olean 2×4″ in “biscuit”).
 
We drove 4 hours to pick up that GE fridge in the next state. It is late 30’s-early 40’s.
 
vintage refrigeratorThe previous single owner bought it during WW2 with cash rations and used it all her life. She kept in tip top condition for 80 years.
 
enamel deskNext to that is a little vintage metal enamel table that we found on the roadside while out walking one evening, same story on the Eames chair. Together, they make a little desk area. Any other questions, just let me know! Thanks again!
Suzann, this remodel is so sweet — thank you! Your mother surely will love it, but stop calling her surely. haha. Little joke there. Things I luv in particular:
  • 54o s.f. Yowza. I am telling you, there are many days now, that all I want to have to clean, heat and pay taxes on for is: 540 s.f.
  • Bisquit-colored subway tile. I think this is a great way to do it… Back in the day, the whites were not so white. I adore the aged look of the bisquit.
  • The door style you chose for a bungalow kitchen is the “right” one.
  • Love the basketweave floor. Lofe the apple green. Love the fridge.
  • But most of all, love the dumpster diving enamel table, and that you gave it a happy new home. 🙂

Resource list for Suzann’s bungalow kitchen remodel:

  • Ikea kitchen cabinets – Adel door style — now discontinued, but Ikea usually has a line with the same look
  • Countertops from are Apple Martini from Caesarstone — color no longer available butsee their catalog for lotsa options.
  • Kitchen sink: Ikea Domsjo — now discontinued, but Ikea usually has a line with the same look
  • Armstrong VCT, ordered from Home Depot in White Out, Kickin Kiwi, and Lunar Blue.
  • 30 patterns from 1955 for arranging vinyl floor tiles
  • American Olean Starting Line wall tile, bisquit gloss from Home Depot. Suzann notes: “It comes in a 12″x12″ sheet, but I still put a spacer in between each one to straighten them.” Update: Seems discontinued, but there are lots of tiles out there like this now.
  • Rebuilt windows: Woodwindowmakeover.com in Tampa, Florida. Suzann says: I’d like to credit our window craftsman (Woodwindowmakeover.com); their replica sashes for all three windows in the kitchen made all the difference in keeping with the period. They sell parts, etc for old wood windows, or can rebuild the whole window sash if the wood is too far gone (like they did here).
 

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  1. Kathy says

    Suzann-you rock! this kitchen rocks! A question: how did you finish the VCT…floor wax or commercial acrylic finish? I just installed Mannington Colorpoint VCT and can’t decide. Thanks for any advice…

    • Jolene says

      I use that tile all the time for my offices. We have the floors professionally waxed about once a year. I like a mat finish too but the wax really makes the colors pop and its easier to keep clean.

  2. suzann says

    Thanks! The window sashes were rebuilt because they were rotted after years of neglect. We also added 1×4 trim, which was not there before.

  3. natalie says

    yikes, the ‘before’ picture scared me a bit! but it looks awesome, you did a great job!!! love the floor and the subway tile. what all did they do to the windows?

  5. shawn H says

    wow… just amazing!
    But I’c like to know more about the countertops, lol, they look pricy

    i’d love to put something like that in my ’53 youngstown kitchen

    • suzann says

      Click the link and find a local supplier for a sq ft price. It’s comparable to the price of granite and marble.

  6. DeeBee says

    Suzann,

    This remodel is inspiring and gives me a bit of hope for my future tiny 1940’s home remodel project. Thanks so much for sharing!

    I’m really curious to see how the rest of your remodel turns out. Any chance you’ll share those photos?

    Cheers!

  7. Just another Pam says

    Exquisite!

    If I lived near you I’d bring you a beautiful red geranium instead of the usual blue ribbon!

  9. Ikea Denver says

    This is an inspiration. We recently completed a kitchen in Denver for a couple who had a 1960’s GE fridge. They replaced it with a new Samsung, which has a far less retro look, but I guess its a lot more efficient.

    Nice job.