In this week’s Retro Design Dilemma, reader Melissa wants our help with ideas to lightly update her 1954 kitchen. She and her husband have just purchased a 1954 mid century modest ranch — which they love. However — the kitchen is in need of some TLC. Although Melissa and her husband don’t mind the current flooring, she says that it is in poor shape and must be replaced. Struggling to decide on a floor replacement — as well as what to do with the walls and counter tops — Melissa contacted us for ideas.
Continue for Melissa’s story –>
Hi Pam & Kate,
We just purchased a MCModest home. A ranch built in 1954. We fell in love with the house immediately, mostly for the flat roof, the large kitchen,and the huge basement (with a built-in “love couch nook”!) I’m looking for some help with the kitchen! (I don’t have to stay in the ’50s era, I just want it to be kind of retro.)
We will be keeping the cabinets white with the black hinges and pulls. Our appliances are black (I’m saving for the black Big Chill fridge). We have a stainless steel topped kitchen table (wooden legs) with white chairs.
1. The floor is in horrible shape and must be replaced. My husband likes the black and white checkered look, but for me its a bit too harsh. Even if we did that we would be better off without a solid color tile because we have 3 big dogs (2 black and 1 white that shed like crazy.) We also would like ceramic tile so the floor won’t be ruined by their combined 275lbs running through the house. Ideas on floor?
2. The countertops are black with gold flecks. Since we have the stainless steel Nutone range hood, and a stainless steel table — I don’t think the gold flecks really go all that well. I was thinking of replacing with stainless steel counter tops. Good idea? or keep the black and gold?
3. What the heck do I do with the walls? My husband says a bright dark blue. I have no idea.
4. Do you have any idea what those things are above the kitchen window? Built in speakers? They have been painted over, so we can’t tell until we get in there to paint and unscrew them from the wall.
If you and your readers have any ideas: I’m all ears. Also I know I sent more pics than suggested, the kitchen is so large and interesting with its different level counter tops, I wanted to show you the whole thing.
I also couldn’t pass up showing you the built in love couch nook!
Thanks sooo much!
-Melissa
After Melissa’s initial email, further research of her own — and moving into the house to live alongside the laminate — Melissa began to rethink replacing the counter tops.
In a subsequent email, Melissa wrote:
Hi Pam and Kate,
I wanted to update you on the fact that now that we have moved in, I have fallen in love with the black laminate with gold flecks and don’t want to change to stainless steel counter tops (#2 on my list). I wish they still made the flecked laminate — as the section next to the sink is very faded (probably from the previous owners leaving a wet towel there when drying dishes). I have searched a bit on the laminate and all everyone talks about is white with gold flecks — is my black with gold flecks rare? Or maybe not from the original owner and put in in the 70’s or 80’s?
Pam confirmed that she believes Melissa’s black laminate with gold flecks is indeed rare — even more so than the coveted white laminate with gold flecks. We also applaud Melissa’s choice to live with the laminate for a while before just ripping it out to avoid any remodeling regrets.
This leaves us to solve the following dilemmas in Melissa’s vintage black and white kitchen.
Let’s help Melissa… Readers, what are your ideas for:
- What material/color to use on the floor which will stand up to large dogs and hide footprints and fur?
- What should be done with the walls?
- What are the things in the soffit above the sink?
Pam’s design and decorating ideas for Melissa’s 1950s kitchen:
Melissa, I love the Azrock Cortina Autumn Haze VCT floor in my kitchen. Several other readers have used it as well – see their kitchens here. Good news, in 2012 Azrock introduced an additional 15 colors. This expanded line is called TexTile — and from looking at the website, I though the “Raw Silk” color would work well in your kitchen. It looks like it has dark charcoal streakies — good to coordinate with your counter tops. Of course, you’ll want to get a sample first. I find this streaky floor great at hiding dirt. But, it does require maintenance — regular stripping and re-polishing, which I pay to have someone else do. My little dog — Astro, 20 pounds — slips and slides a bit, on occasion. I’m guessing bigger dogs wouldn’t slip and slide as much due to their weight — but I am NO expert on this question. Isn’t ANY kind of floor — except carpet — going to be slip and slide, to some degree, for a dog?
I am also a wallpaper lover. In my three mood boards (fun!) I found both reproduction and vintage wallpapers that had enough “value” — strength of color — to hold their own in our kitchen, considering the graphic boldness of your striking black counter tops — which I LOVE.
Finally, I went to the uploader full of readers’ dinettes to find dinettes that pull the entire look together.
Mixing and matching these ideas — one versatile flooring with an infinite possibility of wallpaper and dinettes — you can achieve quite a wide variety of retro looks.
Above: Mood Board #1 Atomic Doodle:
- Wallpaper — turquoise Atomic Doodle from Bradbury & Bradbury
- Flooring — Azrock TexTile in Raw Silk
- Vintage dinette — readers Tim and Stephanie’s dinette from uploader — 217 vintage dinette sets in reader kitchens
Above: Mood Board #2, Oh So Charming Red:
- Wallpaper — 1940’s vintage wallpaper from Hannah’s Treasures
- Flooring — Azrock TexTile in Raw Silk
- Vintage dinette — reader dinette from uploader — 217 vintage dinette sets in reader kitchens
Above: Mood Board #3, Inviting Blue and Brown:
- Wallpaper — vintage wallpaper from Hannah’s Treasures
- Flooring — Azrock TexTile in Raw Silk
- Vintage dinette — reader dinette from uploader — 217 vintage dinette sets in reader kitchens
Kate’s design and decorating ideas for Melissa’s 1950s kitchen:
The vintage Sears kitchen catalog that we featured had one illustration that instantly reminded me of Melissa’s great vintage kitchen — which is what inspired me to create my mood board.
Above: Mood Board #4, Cheery Cherry Red, Brilliant Blue and Sunny Yellow:
Melissa’s husband had suggested using bright blue on the walls — which Melissa wasn’t sure about. Instead of putting the blue on the walls — this blue Armstrong linoleum flooring (Update: Armstrong no longer carries —see this list for other possible suppliers) would be durable for the dogs as well as hide fur and footprints. Instead of painting the kitchen deep red like the inspiration kitchen — a light buttery yellow lightens the space — while working nicely with the blue floors. To add more color to the room — Melissa could paint some small areas of deep red as shown. Since Melissa’s kitchen has a large window and eat in area similar to the inspiration — these vintage yellow 1950s curtains from ebay seller 954kathys (link now gone) or something similar would work well in that area — as well as pick up some of the other colors in the room. To finish it off a retro dinette set — like reader Jamie_abe’s new, vintage looking red dinette which was featured in our story 23 red dinette sets — vintage kitchen treasures would look retro-tastic and would be easy to track down if Melissa can’t locate a vintage dinette set.
Mary Elizabeth says
You pretty much have a blank slate, and congratulations for finding such a cute house and for preserving the cabinets. I agree with the comment that you should find some mid-century accessories and/or dishes that you love and take you cue for wall colors from there.
Consumer Reports recently had a report on everything that goes in a kitchen renovation, including flooring, and you should look that issue up and read it. With dogs, I would suggest Congoleum tiles for the floor, which we just put in the laundry and bath of the new addition to our 1950s ranch. We are so pleased we are going to put them in the kitchen, too. (The sheet vinyl, which was new when we moved in, is already damaged from pets and my clumsiness, dropping knives and so on!) The Congoleum tiles are sturdy (will hold up to dogs, unlike the wood floor our dog-owner friends put in their kitchen) and a damaged tile can be replaced easily. They come in a variety of colors and patterns. Our visitors have mistaken ours for quarry tiles. You can get the checkerboard affect your husband likes.by picking the same pattern in contrasting background colors, like a black swirl and a light gray swirl.
As for the counter, I would not worry about the gold flecks clashing with stainless. Your dinette area is large and separated. If the counter is worn, however, cover it over with another laminate (Formica, etc.) in a color that really pops. Then choose the paint colors based on that. I wouldn’t put in stainless steel counter-tops, because even though I cook like crazy I think it looks too institutional. You could go with a steel sink with a little steel on each side, which a friend of mine did and looks great.
Curtains: When I look at the cute window with the wooden valance, I imagine a simple valance or swag valance in bright yellow with red and black roosters or colored fruits. Or you could do a blue and white delft print, which would also be period, then pick up these colors in your accessories and walls. These would all go with your chrome/steel dinette set as well. What do you imagine in there, if you can make the walls any color that goes with it? If you sew or have a friend who does, find some vintage-reproduction fabric and make your own curtains. Because it is a kitchen, make sure whatever you pick is washable, and wash the fabric before cutting into it. I think the long drapes the owners left you are too formal for the kitchen dining area, and I would go with matching valances there, with shades to pull down when needed. Those windows will let in a lot of light, no matter which direction they are oriented.
Whatever you do, remember that paint and fabric colors are easily changed, whereas floors and counter treatments are kind of a commitment. It sounds like the floor needs replacing right away, so look for something that can go in a lot of directions color wise, and live with the counter-tops for a few months while you hunt down your perfect curtains and paint colors. Then you can see how the rest of the decorating is shaping up and can make a decision on the counters later.
I can’t be there for the live chat, but have a good time and keep an open mind. I know you probably want to hurry up and redo your kitchen before you move in, but take it slow and enjoy every single step.
brad says
nothing is going hide footprints and fur, especially not a black and white checker pattern.
the current floor is being mistaken for terrazo, and it actually looks kind of good. i would do a modern laminate flooring in some type of lighter wood, maybe bamboo?
barring that, vinyl has come a long way. what about some vinyl that looks like terrazo? almost similar to what’s there, only new?
otherwise that kitchen looks pretty good in the pix.
those openings above the sink are probably ventilation of some sort. is there a mystery switch somewhere in the kitchen?
Dulcie says
Whew, I’m so relieved you decided to keep the counter tops!
For the black and white checker board, it was suggested to us (and a suggestion I was very grateful for later) that instead of going with the solid black and white tiles, get the ones with, what I call, the smears instead. The white tiles have the black smears and vice versa. It hides the dirt so much better, though, I have to admit, hardwood does an even better job. We had 4 kids, a collie dog and a cat, and I was always amazed at how filthy the hardwood floor was when I washed it, it never looked dirty.
As for painting the walls, you’ve got a blank slate with the black and white, how fortunate. Pick your very favorite color and go for it. Why not pick a color that will make you happy? Though I’m a bit of a color slut, so you might not want to listen to me. I just bought purple and green vct for a checkerboard pattern in my entryway, I’m thinking orange trim and yellow walls – so yeah,not everyone is as wild and crazy with their color choices as I am.
Nicole says
I was thinking mint green and red accents too. I lie the floor why don’t you look for a large red rug or something. Or hey have the floors you where they are put together like a puzzle and they float I top of the floor. I forget te name but you could do some I it that way and still save the existing floor. The speakers are pretty neat they sell ornate door chime covers I wonder if you could just find some beat chrome ones and put them their over them until you decide what to do with them
Karin McGaughey says
If the floor is tiles that you would replace, how about not being so contrast-y. Instead of black and white, how about gray and black? Your husband would be happy and your eyeballs wouldn’t vibrate so much…
susan says
Hi Melissa! I think your kitchen does need a punch. Let’s start with the floor, if it really needs to go. You can do a vintage look without doing black and white checkered. VCT in a vintage pattern is an excellent choice for the look, durability, and with the dogs. Take a look at the floor in my little in-law kitchen:
https://retrorenovation.com/2012/02/01/bungalow-kitchen-remodel-using-ikea-kitchen-cabinets/
Choose a vintage pattern you like (search “vintage VCT patterns” here on RR) Pick a color you want to bring in, say blue. Choose three shades of blue for your floor, OR 2 shades of blue plus white, OR 1 shade of blue with gray & white.
Go to Home Depot and they can give you a box of VCT color samples to check out. Bring them home and look at little groups of color with your counter top. Try out all your accent colors and see what feels good.
NEXT, it will be easy to coordinate a paint color for the walls by picking a color out from the floor. You can also paint your cabinets to go further from the black/white look.
How about…take white completely out…choose navy blue, turquoise, and coral for the floor, paint the cabinets darker coral on the bottom, keep the counters, get black appliances, paint the top cabinets light turquoise, paint the walls a hint lighter.
Melissa says
Susan- I’ve been eyeing your in-law kitchen floor for a few weeks now. I love the pattern!
Heather says
Ditto on the VCT. Though it can feel a bit institutional, it is crazy durable and gives you lots of color options. My parents put VCT in their basement and several large dogs later (lab, hound dog and Newfoundland!) it was still in great shape. Because it took some abuse, every 5 years or so they would strip and re-wax it just to freshen it up a bit – probably not necessary in a kitchen. I will say a solid white or mostly white tile can be problematic. We live in the red clay south, so a white floor can look pretty nasty fast with dogs tracking in and out. I think if you went with a white tile with specks that would help. Or use bold colors like Susan did to hide a multitude of sins and bring a bit of cheerfulness to the floor. Good luck!
Laura's Last Ditch--Vintage Kitchenwares says
I would like a pale yellow VCT tile with flecks in this kitchen. The flecks might help hide dirt from the dogs, and I think that stuff is pretty durable–they use it in institutions, after all. And how about a pale turquoise for the walls? Though I do really like the suggestion of getting some neat accessories and coloring to coordinate with them.
Kate H says
You are so lucky to be able to start with something basic, like b/w. Maybe pick a theme? Cherries, and do cherry wallpaper and red/black floor? Starbursts, and use the template that’s on this site to do silver and gold starbursts on aqua painted walls and deep turquoise/black floor? Chickens, with darling chicken drapes and wallpaper, and yellow and orange floor?
Glad you are keeping the countertops, they are FAB. As for ceremic flooring, if you are planning on spending any time in the kitchen, this is HARD on your feet and back and every dish that slips out of your hand shatters in a million pieces. I just hate mine. It’s also not as easy to keep clean as one would think — the grout is rough and sometimes the tiles are a bit uneven, so stuff gets caught. Trim the dog’s toenails and go with something easier on you. The only good thing I can say about my floor is, it naturally exfoliates my bare feet. But that’s sort of gross, too, IMO.
Susan says
I have a similar kitchen (black counters/white cabinets) in my 1952 ranch. While I love, love, love, black and white checkerboard, I too feared it being overpowering in a small space. My solution was to go with gray and white, laid on the diagonal, instead of squared. It’s a retro look that elongates the room a bit, but is subtler than black and white. Armstrong makes 12×12 vinyl tiles that work great. And if one gets damaged, you can take it up and replace it.
I also went with a medium/dark blue paint with red accent pieces (retro clock, coffee maker, etc.), with a black/white/gray mosaic backsplash. The overall look is modern-retro, updated, but speaks to the 1950s.
Melissa says
Susan,
Do you have a link to pics of your kitchen? I’d love to see the floor and walls!
Susan says
Here’s a link to photos: http://flic.kr/ps/2pYvpA
The best part is that I updated the whole kitchen myself (a 40-something, handy gal) for approximately $600 (not including appliances, which ran about $1100 for fridge and stove–the dishwasher came with the house).
pam kueber says
Wow, you did a fantastic job, Susan! What a great way to makeover those ubiquitous 80s cabinets! Were the side laminate or wood? Reason I ask is that I think I recall you use the Rustoleum differently, depending.
Melissa says
That came out great! and I really like the floor with the gray. That backsplash looks great too!
Melissa says
Hi All,
This is Melissa- the floor is a vinyl sheet that is torn in a few places and has a big hole in the eat in area.
As Pam mentioned, after we moved in we decided we love the black and gold counters so they are definitely staying. As for the fading on the side of the sink, I think we are going to go with a stainless steel sink with a built in drainboard on that side!
Can’t wait to hear all your ideas! Thanks everyone!