Updating 1960's kitchen to stay true to house style
We have a California ranch-style house built in 1961 and need to update the kitchen. The photos show it as it was updated in 2005. I want to choose a style that would still fit with the era; not too modern but more functional i.e. under-mount sink. We plan to keep the cabinets but repaint, probably white. The classic seems to be white countertop and white subway tile, but I would like more color. Not interested in flashy granite. I'm looking into concrete overlay or possibly quartz. Should it be glossy or honed? I'm also thinking of painting the island a contrasting color. Any ideas are appreciated.
Comments (7)
PROPatricia Colwell Consulting
6 years ago- PRO
User
6 years agoI love concrete countertops, but I understand they're a lot of work. If you're just going over the current counters with feather finish, I won't argue with you. If you're replacing the counters, I would recommend a concrete-look solid surface. There are some really gorgeous ones that look like concrete but function much better in a kitchen.
An undermount sink is a good idea, or you could have one formed into your countertop so there's no seam. Again, if you're going with a concrete-looking solid surface, this will provide a very clean, modern look with your white cabinets. I recommend getting your cabinets painted professionally if you can. Doing it yourself is a major pain. Trust me.
Backsplashes are so personal, you could really do anything you like. I recommend looking up "white kitchen" and seeing what backsplashes there are. Make sure you're choosing all your colors IN YOUR KITCHEN instead of at the store. The colors will look different.
If you're replacing your cook top, you can purchase one with an in-counter venting system to keep the line of sight open into the other room. Some states don't require venting if the stove isn't against a wall.
Here's some inspiration to get you started:
(I know this is a bathroom, but it's a good example of the counters I meant:)
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Comments (17)I think you could paint SOME of the cherry, using creamy white. I like to mix different cabinet finishes in a kitchen. Perhaps the drawer cabinet under the peninsula could be painted, with some bun feet or legs added to make it seem like a period piece that was integrated into the kitchen. That way, you could fix the drawers, get rid of the faux brick end, and then cover the whole thing with nice fresh paint. And the cabinet to the left of the fridge could also be painted cream, both the top and the bottom as if it were a small vintage hutch. I agree that the cherry is beautiful (especially that side piece by the fridge) but it is rather monolithic and brown....See More1800 sq ft 1960s fixer upper needs inspecting and updating
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Comments (37)Looks great! I really like the wall tiles. We also have a smaller 1960's kitchen, so it's nice to see what others have done....See More1960s Kit House in the Woods- New Windows: Wood or Vinyl?
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6 years ago
acm
6 years agoConcrete counters get a lot of marks and changes in color. People tend to think they'll wear like, um, sidewalks, but they need a lot of maintenance.
I'd add pulls to your cabinets -- something with a midcentury flare could be cute.
If your color scheme ends up being white and gray, feel free to add a little color to the backsplash, too -- there's nothing magical about white subway, especially when you could have some fabulous sunny color, sparkle, or pattern instead!
PROSANOMA Kitchen & Bath
6 years agoIf you are interested in the concrete look, I would take a look at Caesarstone collection, a quartz and nice alternative to the concrete. I always love the idea of a white and grey kitchen but I would also consider your flooring which I can't see well from the image. Perhaps choose a different surface for the island that could tie everything together. I would also find some interesting knobs and handles and amp up the lighting. I am sure it will be beautiful.
http://www.caesarstoneus.com/gallery/User
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agoThere is NOTHING 1960 MCM California Ranch about that kitchen. Gut it and start over. It could be fabulous MCM, but it’s tired 2000. Tweaks ain’t where it’s at. You’ll still have a sadly out of place 2000 room, just with fresh paint and way too much money wasted on poorly livable counters. Go look at your stained and cracked garage floor. That’s concrete.
Gutting and starting fresh is what it needs. Slab front cabinets, marmoleum or terrazzo floors, plain white counters and a chicklet tile splash with some color. That’s 1960, and it’s FAB.
Hite an actual KD who knows and likes MCM not some cabinet salesperson.
Diana Bier Interiors, LLC