Subtitle this one: Fun with basic 4″ tiles! Josh Blanc, part of the team runs Clay Squared to Infinity in Minneapolis, contacted us to share the results of a recent kitchen project. Using colorful B&W Tiles, Josh collaborated with the homeowner Nancy to design the lively tile backsplash in this midcentury-style kitchen. The kitchen design also features vintage lighting, Formica charcoal boomerang countertops and loads of cheerful, coordinated color. Let’s take a look!
Josh writes:
Hi Pam,
I finally have some cool photos of a kitchen we worked on, which had to be completely redesigned from its 1980’s style back to its true mid-century roots.I worked with Nancy designing and laying out the tile backsplash, helping her choose the colors and turning the tiles on point for her backsplash design. Nancy designed the rest of the kitchen with the help of her contractor Casey Miller.
This snazzy backsplash pattern was made using B&W Tile in Yellow, Dark Green and Jade in a diamond pattern. It’s the show stopper of the kitchen!
Resources:
- Tiles — B&W Tile, sold through Clay Squared
- Contractor — Wm Casey Miller from Cut Nail LLC.
- Hardware — Rejuvenation, Boomerang drawer pull in brushed chrome and Cabinet knob round dish, also in brushed chrome.
- Pendant over the kitchen sink — Vintage 1950s fixture from MidModMen
- Multi-faceted orb pendant — Vintage, ebay, also from the 50’s.
- Laminate countertops — Formica Charcoal Boomerang, matte finish. I believe it is widely available at many places. It was cut and installed by Ray from Andover Counter Tops, LLC.
- Cabinets –The maple fronts and trim were custom made by Tim Gramlund of Prairie Woodworking. The insides and hardware are Ikea.
- Custom range hood — Designed by Jack Becker and fabricated by Charlie Parent and Hans Early-Nelson. Hans’s business is called Primitive Precision. Charlie works for Hans.
- Range hood powder coating — Powder Coating Technologies in Plymouth, MN.
- Flooring — Marmoleum Fresco in Red Copper purchased from Natural Built Home. The floor also featured yellow diamonds that emulated the tile backsplash, Josh said.
- Kitchen design — by homeowner Nancy with assistance from Wm Casey Miller.
Mega thanks to Josh for sending us this story, including the list of resources!
Photos taken by of Sarah Whiting Photographic used with permission from Clay Squared to Infinity.
AH says
The windows look appealing. What is the source?
Karin says
Love this sweet happy place. Made me smile. Thank you for the post.
tammyCA says
A cheerful, crisp, unique kitchen. Love the three color combo of the tiles & setting them in the dynamic diamond pattern. And, the rounded shelves..always love those.
Susie Q. says
At first I thought the pendant in the corner was a mini disco ball, lol. Love the ventilator hood. I wish there were a shot of the floor.
emma says
I love this, that back splash looks great! I love those lights, too— that one looks like it lets circles of light through to create spots of light on the ceiling (kind of disco ball-esque?)!
Allison says
I love the happy color palette, so reminiscent of mid century pottery glazes.
And the patterns of light from the pierced metal orb fixture- charming!
Kathy says
Looks like they used a favorite piece of pottery for color inspiration! How very fresh and open the new kitchen was. I would love to see a photo of the new floor too. Wonderful job!
Tisha says
Me too! I wanna see the floor!
Deborah Dockery says
I just did a Retro kitchen designed around my Grandmothers red Formica 50’s table. How do I get the pics to you?
Loving all you do to promote Retro!
Deb
pam kueber says
Hi Deborah, connect with me via my Contact form and I can take a look!!! https://retrorenovation.com/contact-retro-renovation/
Carolyn says
Oh! this is eye-popping when our eyes have been trained to unrelieved white on white on white (thank goodness for shadows to see some gray!)
I wondered why this looked so familiar – both the blue bathrooms and green have pictures/ads for this same color scheme.
Applause, applause to the homeowners, helpers, and design team.
I hear a song “Oh, How Happy You Have Made Me”!
Barbara says
What a happy kitchen!