Polka dot patterns are a favorite for retro dresses — so, how about for the blue countertop of a retro kitchen remodel? Bridget shows us how, with her recently completed new kitchen featuring a tropical blue countertop with a polka dot pattern from Wilsonart’s Virtual Design Library. Props for getting some real pattern on the floor, too! Let’s take a look at more of this personality-rich kitchen’s design features >>
Bridget wrote:
We bought our house two years ago as a “fixer upper”. The house was originally built in 1910, with its last renovation being a half finished DIY over 20 years ago.
I was OK with dealing with a janky kitchen for a couple years if it meant getting the kitchen of my dreams.
Blue polka dot kitchen countertops set the scene:
This year, I was finally able to go from Pinterest board to reality, and we demo’d the kitchen to its studs and built it back with the help of some brilliant contractors (REM Home Improvement located here in Lynden). The counter is Tropical Spot by Wilsonart, and the beautiful hardware on the cabinets and drawers are from the Lews Hardware Two Tone Collection in Robin’s Egg Blue.
I asked Bridget what friends and family thought of her polka dot countertops.
She said:
Family and friends were very apprehensive when I told them I was getting a robin’s egg blue polka dot countertop. But now that they’ve seen it, they absolutely love it! I have to admit that I was a little scared how it would turn out as well! Sometimes things don’t turn out how you envision them, like “would this read as mid-century or that I love clowns?”, but I’m relieved it’s better than I hoped.
Robin’s egg blue cabinet hardware repeats the key color scheme. Bridget’s resources:
Blue countertop: Wilsonart Tropical Spot laminate from their Virtual Design Library.- Metal countertop edging: Heffron’s retro banding
- Note, see my story: 6 places that make metal counter edge trim — stainless steel, aluminum, and faux
- Patterned flooring: Mannington Tapestry luxury vinyl tile sheet
- Backsplash tile: Bridget says these are off-the-big-box-shelf white glass subway tiles.
- Sink: Kohler Cape Dory Drop-in Cast Iron 33 in. 4-Hole Single Bowl Kitchen Sink in White
- Faucet: Kingston Brass
- Cabinetry: Sourced from a local hardware store/info on brand not available
- Blue cabinet knobs and pulls: Lews Hardware Metal Mushroom Knobs and Metal Bin Pulls in Robin’s Egg Blue
- Hanging pot rack: Elegant Designs Home Collection
- Yellow paint: Info on brand/color not available
- Curtains and hand towels: AVintageLook on Etsy
From “janky” to “whimsically wonderful” — that’s how I’d subtitle this wonderful kitchen transformation. Thank you, Bridget, for sharing your story, your photos, and your resources — and for setting a great example for taking a risk and choosing some real personality — blue polka dot countertops, hooray! — to one’s home.
Wendellyn Plummer says
I can’t wait to get our kitchen done, well, started. I want to keep everything original but need new countertops. I have the white with gold flecks and that is what I want to put back in.
I love seeing all the new rooms and the happiness these people have after their project is finished.
Pam Kueber says
Here’s where to get the glitter laminate: https://retrorenovation.com/2018/05/30/glitter-laminate-v2-with-more-sparkle/
linda h says
I love the way the dots on the flooring go so well with the dots on the counters! That is my favorite thing about this kitchen, but I really just love the whole thing!
Cindy L. says
Thank you for sharing!
Just love the blue countertop! I’m curious if it’s similar or the same color as Make It Mid-Century’s Aqua Blue laminate. Did you compare the two colors or was it the polka dots you were after?
That cabinet hardware is so cute and perfect match!! I’m browsing their catalog now.
Bridget says
It was the combination of dots and color. I really wanted a statement piece for the countertops, and I liked the simplicity and sweetness of polka dots over other patterns.
Allison says
I just got a sample of that gorgeous aqua polka dot from Wilsonart; how fabulous to see it on an actual counter top!
And polka dots are totally mid century, never fear. Fabrics and fashions were full of dots; if there had been counter tops material, you know the cheerful kitchens of the day would have included it!
Debbie in Portland says
What a fun, happy (and thankfully clown-free) kitchen! I love it.
Brenda says
I love it! So refreshing.
Eartha Kitsch says
It all looks so pretty! I had no idea that that laminate pattern existed (yay! it does) or that there is a lino in that pattern (yay! some more!) Great job!
Robin Cochran says
Oh my! I LOVE IT. Well done!
Nikki says
I love it! What a happy kitchen! Kudos on a well executed renovation. Have to admit the “before” made me shudder a bit but you’ve done a great job. My favorite has to be the counter-top and the knobs.
Tarquin says
“Would this read as mid century or that I love clowns?” – too funny ???. It’s so true that sometimes things don’t turn out as we envision them. Luckily for you, the countertop turned out to be the coolest part of the room. These days, using pattern & color is known as “taking a risk.” We see so much gray & beige that we forgot what color looks like & even how to use it.
GlenEllyn says
“We see so much gray & beige that we forgot what color looks like & even how to use it.”
This! I’m SO tired of monotone rooms and homes. Well said.
Bridget: Wonderful results! I love your kitchen. It has real personality and the cuteness factor is 10 out of 10. You have created a wonderful blend of eras to fit your home’s lifespan. Fabulous job!