More photos for context:

Interesting space with good changes already made. It looks like it never had a backsplash. Why do you want one now? Are there particular areas that really need more protection than a topcoat of polyurethane over the redwood will provide?

Marmoleum in one of its less busy patterns, or a sheet vinyl look-alike, would both be period-appropriate flooring choices. Flip through some Sunset and Good Housekeeping (etc) magazines from 1950-1952 to see what homeowners were being sold. Exuberant color was a lot more popular then than now.

New lighting to replace the old fluorescents and other fixtures would help. Take a look at the roof and ceiling to see if a skylight would be a really good idea or a really bad idea. There are LED panels that mimic skylights, too. They are especially useful in cases where trees have grown high over houses since they were built. Judicious pruning can also bring in more light.

Marmoleum in one of its less busy patterns, or a sheet vinyl look-alike, would both be period-appropriate flooring choices.

I was just going to suggest Marmoleum, esp after just seeing this reveal : ) ,

https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/5823091/kitchen-reveal-ikea-scherrs-marmoleum#n=34

Period appropriate and comfortable underfoot.

And +1 to apple pie's other comments, including the need for a backsplash.

Third one to ask same questions..)) It's a little bit unclear..why the need? if it is there-do you seek to cover all of the surfaces, or only some, or...?

all that will matter when choosing what to go with. Especially if you're not completely exchanging one for another, top to bottom

I like both Terrazzo and Marmoleum suggestions. Terrazzo especially makes me nostalgic..

But. what the adjacent flooring is going to be? Or are you looking into something continious?

Cool house, and there are plenty of folks here who will be like " oh that's exciting please share your progress with us,"

You are doing a great job. I would also skip the backsplash. This house never had one before, and it really doesnt need one now. If you are replacing the kitchen floor, I would look at some good quality sheet vinyl, or some marmoleum, which it most likely had originally. Whats under all the carpeting?

First, thanks so much everyone for all the great suggestions, we really appreciate it!

To answer the question about the need for a backsplash, there are some areas of the kitchen where there was a very small formica backsplash, and it's removal has left some damage to the finish of the redwood. (See the black smudges on the wall in this photo, near the black outlets, and also behind the coffee maker in one of the original photos).

Thanks again!

Can someone restore the wood? If not maybe do the same as countertop material. Not seein* the need for another material being used with everything else going on.

Try sanding the redwood in a small area such as under an outlet cover to see if the black spots can be sanded off. Consulting a local paint company about a waterproof matte finish would be good. If the coffee pot area and sink are particularly problematic, you could use more of the black granite behind them. Simple repetition of existing elements is better. I agree there's a lot going on already.

You need a proper backsplash to protect your cabinets against errant spills. You can do this with a 2” bs of counter material or with tile. I like LWOs idea of glazed thin brick. This is Sierra Nevada from Fireclay Tile.

SO happy you are keeping the cabinets. Skip the back splash tiling, look how well everything has held up over 67! years. Marmoleum would be very appropriate for the floor. Please keep us posted.

Cork? Or cork looking linoleum might be an appropriate option.

For the floors, I would go with wood look porcelain tile -- that way you keep maintenance simple and easy and you get the natural look at the same time. Visually, a backsplash is not necessary, but on the practical side... you may need it. Perhaps some natural pattern like pebbles https://homearttile.com/product/white-pebbles/ or a combination of whites, grays and subtle gold tones like in this Calacatta Gold marble tile. By the way, I love the kitchen and your decision to appreciate its original style. Good luck with your project!

By far the best plan is to know what's under the carpet. Basic Hardwood floor throughout the 2 spaces shown is in keeping of the era. The interest was not at floor level particularly , except as a backdrop : spaces started to open up w furnishings defining conversation area, peninsulas situated between kitchen and social areas etc: get hardwood down . Realistically at some point the range will get moved to get better venting so w hardwood and some planks reserved , the gaps can be pieced : you do not desire that much rearranging of the kitchen layout, but it will happen at some point.

I disagree with doing a wood floor. There seems to be enough wood already. keeping the mid century vibe there is other choices.

Thanks everyone. We are leaning toward no backsplash, if we can restore the wood that is damaged. Another possibility that has come up is a stainless steel backsplash, which would go with the new appliances (when they arrive).

We are still working on floors... so many good ideas here. There is no hardwood under the carpet, unfortunately. We love the idea of Terrazzo floors, but they may be out of our budget. We will post updates in the future. Thanks again!