Do you love vintage steel kitchen cabinets, but want to use them in a more contemporary way? Well, consider this brilliant idea from my brother and sister-in-law, who recently completed a major gut-remodel renovation and restoration of a gorgeous mid-century modern house. The home has an attached guest room with its own entrance. For the kitchenette area, they used vintage GE steel kitchen cabinets original to the main house — and wrapped them in a “waterfall” of solid surface of countertop to bring them in line with the retro-contemporary design of the entire project. They even were able to tuck in a little refrigerator-freezer. I love it!
Above: The countertop is Zodiaq Course Carrara.
My brother asked me for an aqua color to repaint the cabinets. I pointed him the Sherwin-Williams Suburban Modern collection Holiday Turquoise. But, I see they lightened it up a bit. I didn’t get the full story on how they repainted the cabinets — I was there one day when I saw some of the painting going on — I think they went a cheap and cheerful route and just had their contractors prime and paint the selected cabinets one day when there was downtime between throwing boatloads of money at all the other gazillion issues. They had to gut remodel, because of so many structural issues that needed to be dealt with. The house is absolutely gorgeous. Professional photos to come, and my brother says I can show them on the blog!
Meanwhile, this little happy-happy from other family members who’ve been bit by the mid mod mad bug. 🙂
I bought my house in 1978. The kitchen had metal cabinets in a bronze tone (a GE kitchen.)
I just loved the cabinets for all their characteristics. After a few years I had them sprayed white.
After all these years, I still love them. I’m convinced that no new cabinets can hold a candle to these. The paperwork left by the original owners was 1964!!!!
Oh, did I mention, the dishwasher that is still working, and does a fantastic job.!!!!!!
It’s a true mid century kitchen (including the mint green counter tops) and it’s a shame that someone will tear the whole thing out someday.
Excellent idea! I like the waterfall counters a lot.