Angela’s 1956 kitchen is a charmer — and today she wants our help with paint, flooring and retro decorating ideas to make it the happiest family space possible. Yes: It’s Retro Design Dilemma time — let’s hear what you think she should do with this space.
Reader Angela’s 1956 home was in original condition when she and her family bought it from the original owners in 2005. Since then, the family of five has been working to retain the original details, while putting their personal stamp on the house one room at a time. Angela kept the original tiles in the bathrooms and also wants to keep the original yellow and brown tiles in the kitchen. But, she’s looking for our help with retro decorating ideas that will make sense given this color palette. She wrote:
Hi Pam and Kate,
My name is Angela and my husband, Jim and our three sons have lived in our 1956 ranch since 2005. We lived in our “starter” home for 17 years and when we outgrew that house, we found this one. We doubled our living space and got a great deal, it was an estate sale and the previous owners never had children and did not change a thing since the house was built. It was truly a “time capsule house”. We have updated every room in the house and saved the kitchen for last because I just don’t know what to do with it! We kept the original tiles in the bathrooms, so I would like to keep the tile in the kitchen, even though I really don’t like yellow tile and brown trim, but it is in very good condition, so I can’t see ripping it all out. We are also going to keep the plywood birch cabinets. I bought a wood cleaner and they cleaned up very nicely. I had to use a wood bleach on some of the cabinets to get rid of nasty black stains that I assume are from the metal handles and water over the years. I plan on rubbing on a stain to blend in with the rest of the cabinets and then putting a coat of poly on them to protect them. As far as the copper handles and hinges, going to take them off and spray paint them black and put them back on.
Where my table is in the corner, I was thinking of getting a L shaped bench with a square table and 2 chairs on the other sides. One other thing, I will not be putting the wooden dowels on the island back up, they also match the “valance” that is across the top of my window. I would like to have a shaped wood valance like I have seen in other mid-century homes. Maybe I can find a reader who will trace an outline of theirs so my hubby can make me one!
So, here is my question, what color should I paint the top half of my walls, and what kind and color of floor should I go with? I would like a floor that is low maintenance and kid friendly..(I have two teenage boys, soon to be three!) I wanted to go with a granite counter top in a dark color, but we may just go with Formica that looks like stone because of the cost and the low maintenance.
Any advice you could give me would be greatly appreciated!
Angela
Thank you, Angela — what a happy space!
Kate’s retro decorating ideas for Angela’s kitchen — Sunny and Sweet
Angela mentioned that she wasn’t a fan of the spindled valance over the sink — and I agree. Substituting the spindles for one of the scallop designs available from Randall Manufacturing — from Pam’s story — Scalloped wood molding — 6 ready made designs for retro cornices — would be a great solution. Angela mentioned changing out the countertops for a dark granite or laminate that looks like dark granite. I would not recommend doing this — adding dark countertops in the kitchen will make it feel darker — and I quite like the laminate counter tops that she currently has — which look to be a beige linen pattern. If those counter tops are in acceptable condition, I would not touch them. However — there will be an issue if Angela is removing the wooden spindles from the curved section of counter top — as this removal will leave square holes in the laminate. To solve this problem — Angela could either try to carefully patch the holes with something — wood, another laminate, cork — or have just the top of that counter redone in a laminate that coordinates with the original counters. If the laminate is in bad shape — I would choose a light colored laminate style — perhaps in the light beige, white or tan family.
When it comes to the walls, I would make the space cheery by painting the upper part of the walls a light aqua. To tie in this new color — a rectangular dining set with a light topped table and aqua chairs like the set above — submitted from a reader in our vintage dinette uploader — would add some cheery color to the room. One of the short ends of the table could be placed up against the wall, creating a booth-like set up that would still allow for 5 chairs to be placed around the table. For the floor, a medium colored cork tile — like this natural colored cork from Home Depot (link now gone) — would not show dirt and would stand up to all the foot traffic. Then it is just a matter of bringing in some cute vintage accessories in aqua and yellow to complete the look (update: links now gone):
- Vintage turquoise aluminum Kromex Canisters from Ebay seller cat01150
- A cheery retro yellow clock like this one from Ebay seller amazingstuffllc
- A vintage 1960s Floral print apron from Ebay seller jezebeltree
- Using vintage tea towels or a table cloth, such as this vintage teal and gold patterned table cloth from Ebay seller stored_treasures would work great to make custom cafe curtains for the area around the window.
Pam’s retro decorating ideas for Angela’s kitchen — Atomic Doodle Diner
You know me, when it comes to adding color and pattern to a vintage kitchen, I am a ginormous fan of using wallpaper. And happily today, due to the dramatically increased popularity of mid century modern and modest decor, you can find an abundance retro wallpaper patterns both vintage and new — see all our stories in the Wallpaper Category.
In my first mood board, above, I immediately thought of Bradbury & Bradbury’s Atomic Doodle wallpaper in Taupe. You’ll need to order a sample to check in the real environment of the kitchen, but I think the color ways and design of this wallpaper pattern would be nifty in this kitchen. The Doodle is a googie pattern – so it would inject some space age into this traditional space, which I think is just fine. Also, that looks like a really nice stove — you lucked out there. For wallpaper, I would try to find a pattern that picked up on the strong graphic of the black in the room. For the floor, I thought of 6′ wide sheet — the Corlon pattern (alas, now seemingly discontinued) that reader Nancy recommended in this story. Mind you, I have not seen this terrazzo-mimic flooring live, but it looks like an excellent possibility for our retro houses. I liked the light look of the Limestone colorway with your kitchen, at least online. Finally, you will see in this first mood board, I thought to paint the fridge black — or buying a counter top depth fridge in black — or a Big Chill fridge, even — to coordinate with the stove. And, I like the idea of painting the coppertone hardware black. Again — going “graphic” usually appeals to me.
Like Kate, I would not spend money to change the counter tops. In “humble” mid century kitchens like this, I think “humble” materials like laminate just seem so much more appropriate that luxe granite (or faux luxe granite). I recently created a new page all about retro kitchen design, in which I talk more about this issue. In addition, your laminate counter tops sound like they are in excellent shape. And, while I do not have data to prove it, I really think the “old” laminate was stronger and more durable that today’s laminate. Also, the beige color is so perfectly neutral — so easy to decorate with.
Sources for Pam’s first mood board above:
- Bradbury & Bradbury Atomic Doodle wallpaper in Taupe
- Armstrong Corlon flooring in Limestone (link now gone)
- Counter depth French door refrigerator in black
- Diner chairs from Heffron’s in black
Above: I love your idea of a booth — or even a small round diner-style table. I might go for black and white — you could even pipe in some yellow! One thing, though, I would not choose a unit that seemed too “big” or else it might looked jammed into the space. Getting the right scale will be important to making this work, aesthetically. You can see, I chose smallish chairs to spotlight. However, depending on the size of your three teenage boys, you might choose to go bigger — for comfort. Make it comfortable space where everyone wants to hang out — first and foremost!
Disclosure reminder from Pam: My recommendations include some products from current advertisers (Bradbury & Bradbury, Hannah’s Treasures, Heffron’s and Big Chill.) While I am grateful for our advertisers, my including their products in mood boards like this are not included as part of their advertising deal. They did not and do not pay for me to write about them or include their products in these stories; there is no quid pro quo for editorial coverage. Read here about how we make money on the blog..
Pam’s second mood board of retro decorating ideas for Angela’s kitchen — Yankee Doodle Dandy
Same idea as above, except this time, I found a kitschy 1950s vintage wallpaper from Hannah’s Treasures. It looks like it has all the right colors (interestingly — including the same blue that Kate chose for her paint color… blue and yellow work well together, it’s clear)… appropriate graphic punch… the scale looks right… and it’s a homey hoot.
Readers — what are your paint, flooring and retro decorating ideas for Angela’s kitchen?
Mary says
Lovely kitchen! I’ve had similar design dilemmas in my 50s house – living the idea and design of original fixtures but wishing I could just change the color. I love the wallpaper idea that others are suggesting, but wanted to weigh in with an alternative if you’re wary of undertaking a papering project or the commitment to having to remove down the line if you tire of it. I saw a feature in this site about a reader who painted starburst pattern on her walls and, I believe it even included a printable template. It just seemed like it had the punch of wallpaper without the commitment. Good luck with the project and please post an update when you’re finished – I can’t wait to see what you do!
pam kueber says
Ah, two stories about stencil project:
Starbursts — https://retrorenovation.com/2012/01/23/two-starburst-stencil-projects-for-your-bathroom-including-a-free-pattern/
And Franciscan starbursts — https://retrorenovation.com/2012/10/29/make-painted-wallpaper-vintage-franciscan-starburst-style-googies/
Thanks, Mary, for the reminder!
lynda says
If you had the patience, the Franciscan starburst idea would look nice. I think that would look nice with a boomerang laminate. How about the butterscotch shown in Pam’s round up of boomerang formicas? https://retrorenovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Boomerang-formica-laminate1.jpg You could alter the colors for your color scheme. Paper is nice, but changing it out is a pain. I did see some paper recently that is temporary. Do a search for temporary wallpaper and several options will come up. You could jazz it up a bit with some of the contemporary patterns available and not go with a retro print.
pam kueber says
Woah. I agree: That butterscotch boomerang from Wilsonart might look pretty spectacular! Good one, Lynda!
Jay says
Nice color selection for the formica, picks up the colors of the wall tile.
Angela says
I like the idea of painting the starburst pattern on the walls! I am going to think about that one! I also was thinking of a spuknik type light above the table!
Annie B. says
Oh, crud. I had half a page of ideas that just blew away into the void.
To summarize quickly: Use the colors of one of Vernon Kilns pottery patterns (Organdie, Gingham, etc.) as inspiration for your colors; paint the wall above the tile a creamy color, lighter that the yellow of the tile (you can change color schemes if the background is more neutral); L-shaped nook; keep copper fixture and pulls; light colored Formica pattern on the counters; light colored resilient floor; remove spindles from counter, extend it and use it as a bar.
Thank you, Angela, for sharing your wonderful kitchen with us to play “What if”. Pam and Kate, you know we love this part of the blog.
Thanks to everyone.
Lynne says
I think wallpaper is the way to go. The room needs pattern. Vintage would be great, but it wouldn’t have to be. With a diligent search, I think you could find something in yellow, brown, and as an accent color my choice would be a burnt or spicy orange brown.
I see why you want to spindles over the sink and by the counter gone. But, to me, I think you will need to have some sort of spindle or pole, on the short side at the front and back corners. I don’t know about it just ‘floating’ in mid air.
Kay D says
Wallpaper could be a good choice, but with today’s technology, you could take samples or match up your two tile colors and and create your own “wallpaper.” Find a retro design/print you like and enlarge it. This would give you an opportunity to add a third color of your choice.
Linoleum or today’s Congoleum would be great on the floor. A speckled or terrazzo look would be great for traffic.
I’d go with formica. I have had granite. It is OK but I am hoping my next house does not.
No matter what, have fun and MAKE IT YOURS!
Janet in CT says
I forgot to mention in my previous post that I think the L dinette with bench is a great idea! I have been thinking about painting the handles and have some concerns. You would have to clean them exceptionally well to paint them – no grease or dirt. The paint might chip off and the movement of the hinges might cause flaking. I thought if you removed them, just cleaning them might make them look really nice again. I would worry about the copper showing through the flaking paint as time passes. I know repainting an old car or rechroming the bumpers never lasts like original coatings. Also, is the hood brown paint or copper? If copper, I would bet it will look great polished up. You have a wealth of possibilities and I truly think staying with the copper is a good way to go.
LoquaciousLaura says
I would consider picking a complementary color — as others have said, it could be almost anything! — and putting that color on the countertop and the floor. Like maybe a medium aqua on the counter, and a deeper teal / black checkerboard floor. I agree with others that a faux stone look wouldn’t work as well as a Formica material that says, “hey, I’m Formica, and PROUD!” Regarding spray-painting hardware, I agree wait to the last to see what looks best, and you can also spray-paint your hanging light 🙂
I have a potentially controversial thought regarding the tile. I am 90% through a retro-renovation of my 1954 canary yellow / black bathroom, and unfortunately I had to take down all the tile in the shower surround (it had been ruined by some not-very-kind bath fitter folks, covered in paint and Liquid Nails, and much of it was also cut up. Thanks Bath Fitters!). In the course of taking down the tile, I realized that the bullnose comes off very easily, and maybe the covebase would also, for you. I wonder if you might leave the yellow tile, but pull out the brown bullnose and covebase (if it’s as easy to take off as it was for me), and put on a complementary color.
B&W tile (covered here pretty extensively) carries bullnose, covebase, and corner and special pieces for both in all their midcentury colors. If you were only doing the trim tile, you could probably do this without spending a billion dollars.
In summary: aqua countertops, teal and black checkerboard floor, replace brown tile with something in the turquoise/aqua family, maybe white paint or a cheery wallpaper for walls and soffits.
And I love the tile in the kitchen — very distinctive 🙂
Chad D says
I would be very hesitant to do this. I’ve taken down old tile, too, and I think you’ll still get some chips in the field tile. A better option to change the trim color would be ceramic tile paint. And it wouldn’t hold up well, so so I would try very hard to work with the brown. That said, if you do go with black granite, black and yellow tile might make it look more pulled together.
Jay says
I agree. Probably not worth chancing a risk on damaging otherwise sound tile walls in what appear to be excellent condition. Unless a pro ($$) was called in but who needs the angst of worrying that a tile might be chipped. Paint will look like paint. it’s something I would consider only for tile in poor condition and not for the sake of changing out a color.
Ruthless Bunny says
I think Wallpaper might be a way to go to make you like the tile, here’s an elegant wallpaper:
http://www.grahambrown.com/us/product/18143/Grace+%3A+Yellow+%26+Gold+Wallpaper
This one is just kitchy as hell:
http://www.grahambrown.com/us/product/20-285/Housewives+-+Cream-Blue-Green
I agree, removing the spindles won’t hurt anything.
I think a cork floor would look pretty in your kitchen. I’m thinking a darker color so as not to blend in too much with the cabinetry.
As for appliances, check out the Sears Outlet for deals. Their website is awesome because you can see exactly what they have. You’ll pay about 25% of standard prices there, and everything comes with a warantee.
Love your kitchen!
lynda says
I have to say it is pretty darn cute as is. The kitchen is in wonderful shape and I even like the spindles. It just adds to the overall look. I think copper accents would nice. If you feel like spending some money, kitchenaid makes a copper mixer. Copper canisters would be nice too. Counter looks good now. To me granite would muddle the look. I would go with new laminate. I would get a magnetic strip and put the knives inside a cupboard or in a drawer. I think the block looks a little modern. A retro print for a valance would be nice. Not sure what color the walls should be. Maybe a wallpaper would look cute. I think a banquette would look nice as you suggested. Marmoleum floors would probably look the best in the retro kitchen. However, the easiest to lay and to keep up are probably the new wood look luxury vinyl tiles. Some click together to be waterproof. Wood floors were still be used in the 50’s. Perhaps a birch or a maple look would compliment the cabinets. Might be pretty to just take off the doors of the upper cabinets above the spindles. you could paint the inside of the cabinets and display some nice dishes for more color in the room.
lynda says
Just adding a note. I do love the idea of taking the spindles down and adding a wider counter to accommodate bar stools. You do have enough room and that does add a little more seating in your kitchen. Since your tile extends on the other side of the cabinet, it would look like it was always there. Your contractor would probably have to support the overhang of the counter.
Genevieve says
Granite would not be bad asthetically, even though it isn’t a period fit, and the right brown could fit and be pretty in this case and not stick out like a sore thumb, as it would in most other instances, but granite isn’t the most practcal for anyone who enjoys good home cooking. It is strictly a surface to display takeout food on nicely.
Consider laminate, but not faux- granite or faux- stone. Laminate is it’s own material, and those faux looks aren’t convincing enough in on the scale of an older kitchen. Some styles have the potential to be classic after they have seen thier day, while others will be quirky or quaint or at least ineresting, but some styles will not be flattered by time, and my bet would be thar fake granite is not going to hold up well.
I would strongly consider marmoleum on both the floors and the countertop. A streaky brown, possibly with alternating tiles of yellow.
Vintage wallpaper, or vintage look, in brown and yellow is easy to find and the space begs for pattern. If you can find matching prints, I would do a small scale pattern on the soffits and a larger pattern on the walls. At the very least I would paint the walls a different tone of the yellow on the tiles, and ad a vintage border.
Of course vintage bright brown and yellow kitchenware is easy to find.
If you can salvage the copper hardware without painting over them I would, but I would be afraid of painting part or all of the cabinets.
Genevieve says
I meant I would not be afraid to paint the cabinets. Also, I didn’t tell you that the kitchen is cute!
Paul says
I totally agree with linoleum on the floors and counter! I did a dark green floor with yellow feature strips in a design I made up and used the same yellow on the counters and tall backsplashes. All the counters are edged in brushed chrome. It’s been in place for about eight years now and is wearing beautifully. I used Armstrong.
chrisH says
I can’t help with all the questions, but I’d urge you not to go faux-stone with the counter tops. You’re on the right track with Formica, it’s budget friendly, and period correct. It’s not a natural product and IMO it looks best when not trying to imitate a natural product. You can go darker, which is what your instinct tells you to do, or you have an opportunity to add some color to your kitchen. The final decision will have to be made in the context of the wall/floor colors.