Earlier this year, reader Carolyn asked for our help — how best to repair and decorate her 1947 kitchen. Since her original kitchen was in rough shape, we suggested that a complete remodel — in authentic vintage style, of course — and created a mood board to coordinate with her vintage Fiestaware collection. Now, Carolyn and her husband Dennis (both shown at right) are back with the results — yes, they built new cabinets and went for yellow tile. Wow, is it ever beautiful. So much so that it will be featured in the local newspaper soon — go, Retro Renovators, go — show the world how it’s done!!
Carolyn writes:
Thank you, Kate and Pam, for your encouragement and inspiration. This kitchen could never have become what it has become without your resources, reader opinions, philosophy and just plain old kindness.
I hate to think what this kitchen would have become (granite and MDF) without your advice, “Listen to your house.” My house is happy. We are thrilled. We’ve had some folks come to take pictures of our new kitchen to be published in our local paper.
The cabinets were built by a local cabinet maker — John Petterson of Chico Custom Cabinetry, Inc. He used top grade wood (Maple ply interiors…no MDF!) and came up with some wonderful design ideas…like not too many glass front cabinets as I had initially wanted. As a result, the overall he balance of our kitchen turned out better. I insisted on the same cut-outs we had in our old kitchen. He did a wonderful job.
Finally we can use this corner space with a new lazy Susan.
Our other corner is useful, too. Our cabinet maker really pulled off quite a coup with my oddball requests. European hinges are apparently hard to install but, I like the look.
My husband hand made all pulls and knobs using African Purple Heart wood.
The precious tile above the sink was found at a local gift shop. Also, we kept the old housing for our above the sink light, instead of putting in a new pendant or other light. Easy breezy.
The countertop and backsplash tile is yellow with maroon quarter rounds and “old school” box shaped edges from B&W Tile. The amazing vintage sizzle strips were found on Ebay.
[We adore your vintage liner tiles, Carolyn — way to match things up! Readers, see all our stories about liner tiles here.]
The faucet is a Grohe — which I love.
Our walls are painted Sherwin-Williams “Quartz White,” which is a sort of mauve. It really makes the yellow and maroon pop. I determined the color choice by the sizzle strip design and colors: maroon ribbons with a small diamond dot of mauve between. This really worked out well. I love the color contrast so much that I don’t want to fuss it up with shelving.
We were able to restore and use the old fan housing while installing a new Nutone ceiling fan. I looked for metal covers and eventually paid some guy named, Gary, who had a hardware store somewhere in the Midwest. Unfortunately, the metal cover he sent was aluminum and not much better looking than the white plastic cover that came with the new fan.
Refrigerator is an LG 10 cu. ft., which suits our needs and enabled us to enjoy more kitchen space. It is flanked by a skinny pull-out pantry that helps maximize our storage space.
You’ll also see a new glass door put in beside our stove.
I painted our old Dutch door to match the matte on the framed artwork.
Congrats on a remodel well done, Carolyn! Thanks so much for sharing the results with us — we are tickled that you were able to use our mood board to create the vintage kitchen of your dreams. Way to “Love the house you’re in!”
See all of our 1940s kitchen design boards here
Diane says
This is absolutely wonderful! Everything about it shows thoughtful planning and attention to detail. This tile combination is not something I would have dreamed up but it looks terrific. I like the way the tile extends up the stove wall. That’s an authentic touch that just looks right. Great work creating a beautiful kitchen that also looks to be very functional.
Carolyn says
Thanks Diane! This kitchen was the result of 8 months of hand-wringing and lots of research. Buying those sizzle strips cemented my commitment to tile.
lynda says
Very well done and just as pretty as can be! It all looks amazing.
Carolyn says
It is amazing. Looking at the “Before” picture reminds me!
cathie says
My dream kitchen, it is lovely. Butttt, those 4×4″ countertop tiles are a dealbreaker for me. I have them now and they have been a major pain, with mould and gunk that I cannot get rid of. We’re in the process of removing them (a big job), and replacing with laminate.
Carolyn says
I thought of that. Our “Before” kitchen’s grout became gross after 60 plus years. It was a leap of faith. I sponge the entire counter after each use and then use a cotton towel to polish up. It seems to be working. Also, there is a great tile and grout cleaner available which I use. We’ll see in 5 years time. But, for now, I couldn’t imagine a better look.
tammyCA says
Sweet! Love those unique sizzle strips..how great to have found enough for your kitchen. Also, special that your husband made the drawer pulls. Well done kitchen. 🙂
Carolyn says
Thank you!
Debbie says
Absolutely wonderful! As fellow Fiestaware collectors (read addicts) we really appreciate the incredible work you did! Enjoy your kitchen!
Carolyn says
Debbie,
As a fellow Fiestaware “addict” I’m certain that you will recognize a variety of California pottery in my new kitchen. Included in my collection are Bauer bowls, plates and butter dish, a green MCoy pitcher, a salt glazed cookie jar that belonged to my husband, Dennis’, Swedish Grandmother, Pfalizgraff items, Hall China Westinghouse and other vintage ceramic items which do not have a marking for identification. Each piece was grabbed up at an estate, garage or yard sale. I also went on Craigslist and found a family who had 3 little children and zero space for his Grandmother’s 106 piece collection of Fiesta ware which I paid $600 for. Another Craigslist listing was for over 200 pieces of vintage, carefully curated pottery left by the widow of a man who wanted some cash to buy a new motorcycle engine. I had SO MUCH pottery that I finally invited my friends over and let them take whichever pieces were of less important to me. I know I could probably have sold these pieces but, giving them to my friends felt so much better than selling. Now, I am down to a manageable amount of pottery in my home. I learned that there really can be too much of a good thing. And, my minimalist husband is grateful!
cellen says
So perfect!!!!
Jay says
Thanks for returning to RR to share the completed renovation. I think you were smart to heed Pam’s advice to replace the cabinets. You gained some useful inches of counter and cabinetry space adjacent to your stove. The kitchen is a nice modern throw-back to an earlier era; true to your house. No wonder it’s being photographed for the paper – there is life after granite; people need to see proof.
I hope that’s a diswaher concealed next to the sink. I wouldn’t want to return to the 40s and hand wash everything. Is that a Hall China for Westinghouse refrigerator ware? What’s that doing in amongst the Fiesta. Enjoy your kitchen!
Carolyn says
Jay, our old kitchen did not have a dishwasher. You are correct about the panel hiding an 18″ Bosch dishwasher! It is a joy to finally step into the 20th century with this new-fangled contraption.
I take it you don’t believe my Hall China belongs with my Fiestware. I like the blue color contrast. Let me know your thoughts.
Thanks,
Carolyn
Jennifer says
Stunning! I can see why your kitchen would be covered by the local paper. Congratulations.
Robin, NV says
I love the yellow countertops! Everything is just lovely. Well done. It’s so great when we get to see the After in a retro design dilemma.
Mary says
Beautiful! However, I can just see Carolyn pulling a “Mrs. Blandings” when trying to match the wall color to the dot in the liner tiles, lol!
Carolyn says
So true!