Amy was at an estate sale searching for vintage goodies to stock her shop Vintage Déjà Vu, when she spotted this 1957 Harrison pink steel kitchen — perfect to use as a display in her store. She expressed her interest in purchasing the kitchen and to her surprise, a day later she received a call from the homeowners agreeing to sell it to her — yet another story showing that it always pays to ask.
Amy writes:
I own a small vintage store that I just opened in February. Just this week we installed a 1957 Harrison Pink metal kitchen as a display piece. I was told by a few people that I should contact Retro Renovation to see if you were interested in posting the story. I also hope that more people would see my story and learn to ask if these things are for sale at estate sales or leave notes to save the few that are left!
The story….
I was at an estate sale and noticed the pink kitchen, and it was love at first site! I took a chance and asked the people at the sale if it was for sale. They said they didnt think so, but they would pass along my number to the owners. A few days after the sale I got a call from the owners saying, YES, it was for sale just make us an offer! I made them an offer and picked up the kitchen. Sadly, I found out the house is more than likely going to be torn down, so it made me love this piece even more knowing that I saved it! It’s far from good condition, but perfect for a display piece to hold all my kitchen items. I would have put it in my condo if I didn’t live in a studio, but now I get to enjoy it every day at work!
You can see more of the goodies from Amy’s store and photos of the installation process of her 1957 Harrison pink metal kitchen on her Facebook page:
Mega thanks to Amy for sharing her story and photos with us — and thanks, too, to the readers who told her to contact us — woot!
Read all our stories about vintage steel kitchens
Karen says
#1 Yeaaaa!
#2 Envy – I love pink
#3 Several times now, I’ve been at estate sales where the toilet and sink are our kind of vintage. I already have a pink set, but always ask if the items are for sale. The estate sale person is always surprised that there is value in the bathroom. I give them the RetroRenovation and Save the Pink Bathroom websites in hope of saving things some of us are eager to acquire.
Anything to save these beautiful, colorful, well made items!
pam kueber says
🙂
Reminds me of how I keep trying to buy the heavy duty vintage marbleized Church toilet seats right off the toilet. I need to start leaving notes for the next owners – I will bet that 9 times out of ten, they throw them out. Break my heart.
Mary Elizabeth says
I remember those beautiful marbleized Church seats! When I was a little girl, I lifted up the seat in Grandma’s house and found the “Church” name on it. I told her, “We should call them Pee-ews! Get it, Grandma? Church seats are ‘pews.'”
Andi says
What a great re-use of those great pink cabinets! Uniquely appropriate for your display, and saved from the wrecking ball. If you weren’t halfway across the country I’d come browsing in your shop…I spy several items that would go in my kitchen!
Vintage déjà Vu says
You can always browse our Facebook page for items. We can ship and if your ever looking for anything I love helping people find things within their budget!
ange says
Wonderful save Amy!
Vintage déjà Vu says
Thanks.
Gearhead1960 says
TammyCA, the kitchen did include an electric stove. I sold that for $200! See it here…. http://goldberg60.blogspot.com/2012_12_01_archive.html
tammyCA says
Nifty! Another reason to go to estate sales. More than likely the vintage appliances/kitchens will be ripped out by new owners so it’s a great idea to ask to buy or cart away.
Gearhead1960 says
I also share a similar story. I was at an Estate Sale where there were circa 1955 GE Turquoise Steel Cabinets outfitting the entire kitchen. I asked if the cabinets were for sale and was told no. A week later, the Estate Sale Company sent out an email stating that the heirs decided to sell the cabinets for $500. Too much for my blood, but made an offer of $300 which was accepted! I now have these cabinets installed in my garage and laundry room for storage! It also included a section of Butcher Block for counter top which I sanded down and oiled. http://goldberg60.blogspot.com/2013/02/new-home-for-butcher-block.html.
pam kueber says
Very cool!
Vintage déjà Vu says
🙂 I love when kitchens are saved after the pink one I saved a yellow GE one and have a possible white St Charles one in the process. I told my family I will stop hoarding when I get a turquoise one! They seem harder to find these days.
Robin, NV says
What a great find and I love that it’s being used as a display piece, what a clever idea!
Shambie says
You give me hope! One day it’s going to be ME reporting my cool find… One day..l
pam kueber says
🙂
Jennifer says
What a terrific save! And a great lesson–ask, for your own sake, and ask for the owners’ sake! (Frankly, I would never have thought to ask!)
MCM is Grand says
Fun article! but the link to Deja Vu vintage is not working. 🙁
pam kueber says
Oopsy! Fixed! Thank you for letting us know!
Carol Hale says
Just purchased some pink vintage metal cabinets at auction. Using in workshop and garage. Need a little rust removal but interiors are fine. Love the pink! Your are beautiful! Love the retro look from 1950’s even though I’m fond of Victorian decor. Will check out your site. Carol