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Fast, fun & 40's 50's makeover

13 years ago

Hi!

I'm thinking about a quick cosmetic kitchen job to pair up with the major structural work we're planning - DIY gut the kitchen and neighboring space to double the kitchen to 13x22. Since we pay as we go, this stage will be mostly structural, and we'll reuse the current 1940s metal cabinets (possibly with a new paint job) and the appliances, just with a new arrangement.

Since this is only an intermediary stage towards the final classic white kitchen, but may hang around for a few years, I'm thinking about a fun 40s/50s cosmetic makeover.

Any one know of any links to classic kitchens of that era? I'm thinking black & white checkerboard floor (need this), the current metal cabinets and my adored white enameled double sink with the double drain boards, and new counters - ideas? Are there any laminates out there that mimic carrera marble? I thought that would look good with a black & white kitchen.

Think budget, fun, and 40s/50s classic. I know ya'll have fun ideas!

I'd appreciate your help!

Always ;-)

Hunzi

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Comments (6)

kathec
13 years ago
Check out http://retrorenovation.com/
This blogger has a cool 50's kitchen complete with refurbished metal cabinets. She also has lots of period hardware suggestions.

Consider checking out craigslist or a local vintage/antique shop in your area for a vintage range. If you get one unrefurbished, you can find them between $400 and $800. Most require a really good degreasing and some spit and polish and will work just fine. I recently bought a Chambers and am soooo in love with it's 50's era porcelain and chrome. Mine is yellow, but it came in several other colors too. I'm having new porcelain done on the burners, grates, drip pans and oven bottom and having the rusted chrome re-done. Even with these things done, it's less than a new gas or dual fuel range.

Check out chamberstoves.net or
vintagechambers.com for a band of Chambers enthusiasts.

DH and I are also doing a DIY cash remodel with some structural changes. Although I bought a 50's range, our craigslist cabinets are dictating a more classic style. I love the eclected collected look and will take it over 1990 builder basic oak and laminate anyday.

Good luck and have fun!
Kathe
gsciencechick
13 years ago
I concur on retrorenovation! There was a story a couple of weeks ago about someone who found metal cabinets and what she went through to get them restored. Everything came out awesome, though!
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Circus Peanut
13 years ago
For curtains etc, find great authentic late 40's/early 50's fabric reproductions for a pretty affordable $10/yard at Hart's Fabric online. Plus they have fabu tablecloths for $25 a pop! And oilcloth!

Here is a link that might be useful: Hart's Retro Prints
pinch_me
13 years ago
Yes! Without a doubt, retrorenovtion.
And now I'm filling my shopping cart with those old fabrics!! And as luck would have it, a fabric I bought 2 years ago is appropriate after all! Saw something similar to it on that fabric site!
hunzi
Original Author
13 years ago
Love the retro reno site! And the fabrics! Thanks!!!

Ok now on to the flooring - any sources for cheap checkerboard? I don't want to go ceramic, because the final floor is antique heart pine (in the endgame classic white kitchen), but I know how renos work in this household....the last "temporary" cosmetic update on the kitchen was only supposed to last 5 yrs max - that was 16yrs ago!.

Always lighting candles to Our Lady of Perpetual Renovation
Hunzi
pinch_me
13 years ago
I just saw a really nice black and white checkerboard vinyl remenant yesterday! Too small for me so I didn't look to see the brand. It felt really nice though. The squares must have been 4x4. Made me second guess the wood look vinyl I was looking for and didn't find.

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