Countercultural - 1940's-ish Kitchen Restore Before and After

last year

last modified: last year

After the bathroom redo and swearing off more restoration projects for our old house for a while, I found a sink. That's it, a hundred and one year old sink that happened to be the right size to fit our small original 40's counters. So, I rebroke out the box of hammers, pull started the old drawing board, and just went unscripted pistachio on the whole thing as the kids say.

If it ain't broke...

I don't need updates. I can't afford updates. When we bought the house, the owners actually apologized to us for not having had the time to redo the kitchen. I was happy with the Non-kea hard close plywood cabinets and what was left over from the old color scheme on the countertops. I did despise the saltio floor tile, but I'm not originally from Beige-Burbington so southwest "style" does not raise my southern wiles in any northern direction.

Let's get on to the photos. I really do love reshooting the MLS photos.

Upper cabinets: Cut in 4 pieces, dowled back together, added glass found in neighbor's trash can. Used leaded glass strips and liquid lead for illusion

Toaster oven: Disassembled and painted with engine paint

Shelf over sink: Corbels found on offer up. Found barnwood to match.

Floor: hold on, I'll get to it.

The fridge was the first thing to go when we moved in as it really didn't fit the space or stile. I sold it for the cash for the old O'Keefe & Merritt and ran gas to it.

Medical cart: hides the microwave

Added "dunno if it works" Sears Homart ebay fan vented up to roof to deal with oven heat.

Green shelf: part of Mom's elementary school cloakroam shelf

Fridge: free

Added paint to counter trim to thicken tile edge.

Cut vent lines and added feet to center counter.

Light: pieces from used building supply store

Yep. Painted the dishwasher. Easy sand and same cabinet paint. No issues.

Made a flip up counter extension for the old mixer and other food prep since the above counter cabinets make the counter space so short.

Curtains: Etsy 1940's flour sack cloth with goodwill sheet for fringe. Thanks to Mom for the sewing.

Stained glass transom added.

Ceiling: Graham and Brown Beadboard wallpaper (2nd hardest part next to floor) + free water damaged baseboard cut down for reuse above.

Faucet: Watermark Fixtures

1931 fridge in mudroom/studio - cheap couldn't turn down find for wife's paints

False board and batten on studio walls (concrete bender board on smoothed plaster)

Floors: Marmoleum MCT Black and Polar. Hardest part, most expensive, biggest investment.

Should have found a 3rd person, but Gentleman Steve and I with a borrowed roller made the end result look professional. Who can remember now about all the cuss words, chagrin, and the #@>% +!&*^~! ^&*%$ing cleanup?

I'll add some messy during-photos here in a bit.

Featured Answer

Jilly

last year

last modified: last year

OH COME ON. Are you for real? Why do you not have your own show to counteract The Cult of Gaines?

I cannot take your updates. They make me so jealous. I want to trade my tract for your awesome house. It’s not fair. I’m obsessed with sinks like that.

You are the master renovator. The ideas you come up with! You took an updated kitchen back to the original but made it better than the original. Just like your bathroom!

I do want Smeg to see this and gift you a fridge.

Seriously, once again I read about another of your projects with my mouth hanging open. Bravo. It couldn’t be more perfect and charming and right. I’ve been eagerly awaiting this thread, it exceeded my expectations. :)

ETA: I found a cool old sink last year, too, c. 1948. But instead of getting a new/old kitchen, it’s an herb garden. We found antique cast iron stove legs for it.

I’d rather have a new kitchen.

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Comments (93)

teeda
last year
Oh my! You have done an amazing job. Please share more photos of your home at some point!
Farley McDougal thanked teeda
Farley McDougal
Original Author
last year
last modified: last year
Thanks again peeps.

@KW PNW Z8 Thanks so much, that really means a lot. No final yet on the bookcase. I took on some other stuff in the interim.

@baldwilm Thanks muchly! It was an over the cabinet one we used for a bit but I couldn't bring myself to cover the cabinet now. I drilled a couple holes in it and put it under that spot: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00932UU4M

Thanks again. The questions are fun for me to revisit the process too.

*I'm thinking of finding some chrome take-offs from an older fridge (maybe truck doors?) to bolt onto our nondescript fridge (until @Jilly comes through with her cold clout contact contribution). We had played with painting it since the dishwasher was so easy, but it would've just been too much. It plays well as a sleeper, and the subtle rounded edges already help some.
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C G
last year
Gorgeous!
Farley McDougal thanked C G
Jilly
last year
Do we all want green or white?
Farley McDougal thanked Jilly
KW PNW Z8
last year
last modified: last year
@Jilly I’m liking the green - there’s something yummy about that shade! I did look at SMEG’s & see they come in the same red @Farley McDougal used for trash can & toaster oven. I like that color too but decided it’s too ”big” for the space. White is ok, red too much, minty green is just right!
Farley McDougal thanked KW PNW Z8
Farley McDougal
Original Author
last year
Whelp @Jilly, I reckon if you're going to go for the old you have to go green too or else what's the point. No halfways.

Found some chrome handles. I'm about to drill into my fridge now...
Farley McDougal
Original Author
last year
last modified: last year
Seems to have worked.
Jilly
last year
last modified: last year
That’s awesome. 🙌

Food will taste better now, too.

I like how you’re demonstrating opening it. 😄
Farley McDougal thanked Jilly
Jilly
last year
Oh, and what’s the next room? I’m addicted to this show now.
Farley McDougal thanked Jilly
amystoller
last year
This is the single best kitchen renovation I have seen on Houzz since I've been a subscriber. Outstanding design with genuine sensitivity to the original kitchen, plus creative flair. Bravo! Bravissimo!
Farley McDougal thanked amystoller
partim
last year
They've said it all above. Love love love it.

You have an eye for colour and proportion, and exquisite taste. It's been a long time since I enjoyed a thread as much as this.

The refrigerator has the same handles the one in the basement apartment we rented in Toronto in my university days. It gave us a shock whenever we touched it, so to open it we kept a dish towel close by to pull the handle. To close it we kicked it shut, with shoes on. Great memories.
Farley McDougal thanked partim
KW PNW Z8
last year
@Farley McDougal Those handles are fantastic! I can’t see any marks or traces of old holes for original handles - great job! I’d be afraid to drill into an appliance as you’ve done but with all of the innovative ideas you’ve implemented I guess this is no big deal! I just noticed the mixer on top of fridge in origianl picture - I’m sure my mom had that exact mixer….
Farley McDougal
Original Author
last year
@Jilly Small house. I'm running out of rooms.

Also, the wife had to tell me who the Gaines were.

The only remodel show I've seen was the couple of seasons of Grand Designs that were on Netflix. I liked it for the undertakings and because it's mostly drama-less.

Thanks a lot @amystoller and @partim. It's a bunch of to each their own for sure; I have plenty of friends (well, however many the normal human amount is) that either don't get it or can't think past resale instead of what our home is to us. One of my favorite things is when someone new comes over and gets the nickel tour, and while others may just quickly see the whole picture, certain people pick up on a couple little details personal to their brain wrinkles (plus then I can charge the full dollar tour price and just about never shut-up about the whole process).

Funny story about the handles, partim!

@KW PNW Z8 It's as easy as drilling wood screws into a Honda Civic to keep the bumper from falling off. It's a freeing experience and once you start, you won't be able to stop. Top coats are an illusion, open something up, accidentally have some parts left over, and make things your own!
ptreckel
last year
I wish there was a LOVE IT button on Houzz!!!!!!
Jilly
last year
last modified: last year
Tell Mrs Farley hello!

Is it ok that I’m picturing this is your house and car?

I know it’s a decade later, but still! The McDougal’s cruising in their pink CaddyLac, looking for vintage decor.
KW PNW Z8
last year
@Farley McDougal Running out of rooms…..okay - guess that’s inevitable. Sad for us but maybe good for you. I’m circling back to your first project that got all of us hooked and following your restoring mission - that secret staircase! Yes, I know I’ve already asked about the bookcase door that will hide it, but I am known for being persistent. 😊 I also remember you mentioned summer heat where you live so no work or play in the attic until late fall. I wondered though about your dining room ceiling restore which seemed the primary reason for creating the staircase. Is that still on your to do list? Repair of any kind of ceiling is not for the faint of heart! I noted the ornately detailed arch in your dining room as well as the kitchen - had to look that element up as haven’t seen before. I think it’s called a ”Draped Arch”? Very pretty!
ellaphant
last year
Love it, love it, love it!!! And yes to Grand Designs! I especially love how Kevin probes them on their financials. I think he would approve of your choices.
Farley McDougal thanked ellaphant
Kendrah
last year
Holy smokes. You need to have a full feature story on Houzz. I get what a PITA the marmoleum install was. I personally would like to thank you for doing it. What a difference. This kitchen is such a winner. I have range envy and miss my old rental apartment O'Kefe and Merrit's.
Farley McDougal thanked Kendrah
ptreckel
last year
OK, so how do we get people to notice this guy? And his work? And his quirky way of expressing himself? I am serious, you Houzz gurus out there. In a world of vanilla he is rocky road with sprinkles on top. In a hand made cone. Not one of these TV personality wanna-be’s with not an ounce of taste. This has been a fun, amazingly instructive, inventive, period sensitive, aesthetically spot-on, thread. Bravo!
Farley McDougal thanked ptreckel
Farley McDougal
Original Author
last year
@KW PNW Z8 Draped Arch? That sounds cool. New people at the house always ask me (taller dude), if I hit my head walking through the decorative passthroughs into the kitchen. I reply by asking them "as a habit, do you walk through the center of a doorway or along the edge?" Then they nod in understanding and assume I haven't.

As far as the ceiling, isn't it just some thicker drywall to match the plaster depth and then just a bucket or two of caulk? ;) I'll make Steve texture it.

@Jilly I'm more of a lifted mud covered, tie wire'd together truck with no headliner kinda guy.

@Kendrah Thanks for the Marmo comment. Yeah, if anyone runs into Q's about that, I won't cover over the calamities that that job tolled.

@ptreckel Melty blush
Deanna
last year
You had me at “unscripted pistachio on the whole thing” brilliant, creative and innovative
Farley McDougal thanked Deanna
KW PNW Z8
last year
So nice to hear from you @Farley McDougal ! You make that ceiling repair sound like a piece of cake. Don’t think so. What have you been doing in the rebuilding /remodel arena since we last heard from you? Have you started a new business venture in vintage remodel consulting?
Farley McDougal thanked KW PNW Z8
Mrs. S
last year
I think he had me where he just knew that setting the tiles on the diagonal would embiggen the room. Bwahahahaha

Please, Farley. Will you PLEASE do yourself a favor and start a blog?? My goodness. What a huge talent you are. You would get sponsors and you could have giveaways, and we could all comment over there on your blog. Then you would get people who pay you to consult for them, and then HGTV offers you your own show, and with these Gardenweb/Houzz folks as your built-in audience, it would be a success from the start. It would embiggen your career and your bank account!
Farley McDougal thanked Mrs. S
Nina Handojo
last year
What’s the mint paint color for your cabinets? Looking to paint mine a mint color too!
cpartist
last year
OMG! I'm so in love with your kitchen! Fabulous job!
Farley McDougal thanked cpartist
Farley McDougal
Original Author
last year
Thanks, CP.

Nina:

Cabinet color: Behr Prem Cabinet & Trim Enamel - Mother Nature / DE5625

Darker accent: Behr Urethane Alkyd Semi Enamel - Tranquil Teal / DE5703
PRO
Diana Bier Interiors, LLC
last year
I just stumbled onto this post, and like everyone else, I'm blown away by your talent and creativity. The kitchen and bath are just fabulous! I so appreciate those who purchase a vintage home and lovingly restore it rather than gut it and make it into something generic and boring. Which seems to be the norm these days.

Congrats!
Farley McDougal thanked Diana Bier Interiors, LLC
eam44
last year
What a beautiful kitchen, lovingly restored to be even prettier than it was originally designed to be - I love the transom. And in the bathroom post, well done - nice call on changing the door swing (I mean, yikes!). I don’t want to make you re-live the trauma, but I’d love to know about the floors. The end result is just wonderful.
Farley McDougal thanked eam44
felizlady
last year
You have a very good imagination and a lot of creativity. You did a great job!
Farley McDougal thanked felizlady
J Steel
last year
I am enjoying this so much!
Farley McDougal thanked J Steel
PRO
Norwood Architects
last year
I posted before but will post again - I love that you added glass to the upper cabinets. Nothing opens up a set of flat cabinet fronts like adding glass. Great job!
Farley McDougal
Original Author
last year
last modified: last year
Well thank you again, Sir Norwood. Thanks Jsteel and Feliz. I really appreciate it.

Eam thanks for the descriptive likes. The bathroom floor tiles were from Home Depot. I believe we had to return about 20-30% for non chipped ones. I think it's around a 11" mesh. I'll always see our mistakes :) #ohwell

Thanks muchly Pro Diana. That means a lot coming from you peeps.

I still love it all, the creating, the brainstorming sessions, the outcomes, and the sharing what was given to us.
Farley McDougal
Original Author
last year
Oh hey there. I didn't see you. Welcome back.

Totally not milking this post.

Maybe the wife and I have cosplayed before, but it was less freshly mopped past and more smudgy laden future.

Shake and bake.

All right, now we're totally milking it.
KW PNW Z8
last year
@Farley McDougal - I love Mrs. McDougal‘s entire outfit! The dress, the shoes & most especially the apron! That mixer must be a Hamilton Beach & love the Pyrex too. Strawberries & cream - gotta love it! Nice to see you again!
Jilly
last year
This is amazing. Why don’t you two have your own show?! Take it on the road.

Your wife is such a beauty … love these pictures. They look like real vintage ads!

Thanks for sharing, it’s always fun seeing your posts!
Farley McDougal thanked Jilly
chinacatpeekin
last year
Yay, so glad to see you and the missus! And I agree with Jilly.
Farley McDougal thanked chinacatpeekin
tozmo1
last year
Love you guys!!!!!
Farley McDougal thanked tozmo1
chicagoans
last year
Holy cow! Fantastic! LOVE your reuse and up-cycling approach, and the results are *chef's kiss*. Darling wife and awesome writing, too! "...went unscripted pistachio on the whole thing" yeah, I'm going to be trying to fit that in to my conversations somehow.
Farley McDougal thanked chicagoans
Farley McDougal
Original Author
last year
Thanks muchly. I have more shots to process but I couldn't hold off any longer posting some :)
anna_682
last year
Reminds me of a Barbie Dream Kitchen. Love it!
User
last year
The pistachio cabinets are killing me, they are so cute! And yo didn't even need to change out the handles. Love it.
Farley McDougal thanked User
amystoller
last year
Milk away. This is my favorite thread on Houzz.
Farley McDougal thanked amystoller
catdeco
last year
Love, love ! What a fabulous kitchen! Thank you for adding the new photos too!
Farley McDougal thanked catdeco
Brian Hill
12 months ago
Awesome project with a very clear, very heartfelt point of view.

The floor was obviously worth the expense. I've become a big believer in the idea that if you are going to do any sort of period-inspired kitchen, you don't want to overlook the floor! So much area, and so much potential to emphasize the overall feeling you are trying to achieve.

And you nailed it.
Farley McDougal
Original Author
12 months ago
Thanks!

@KW PNW Z8 Shoes were goodwill and spraypainted :)

Apron was an antiques store find the day before.

@Brian Hill That means a lot. Still love my floor.

And... just for the L of it all, today I took off my attic constructioner hat and switched it out for my Graphic Designer hair to work this up:
cpartist
12 months ago
You are making me smile!
Farley McDougal thanked cpartist
Jilly
12 months ago
last modified: 12 months ago
That’s awesome. 😍

I might have said this before, probably again after that, and maybe a third time, but I want y’all to have your own show.
Farley McDougal thanked Jilly
KW PNW Z8
12 months ago
OMG! The Hamilton Beach mixer again! - the dawn of the food processor! And, the pink! And the mint! And again, Mrs. Farley Mac - wow! She must have an entire wardrobe of vintage aprons and polka dot dresses - or - could it be the Graphic Designer working the wardrobe magic? Regardless, Farley, your art is frameworthy! Thanks so much for the smiles! And, BTW, I totally agree with @Jilly - you must create a show for us! There is a market crying for your talents! The two of you - and that helper friend who you don’t name - Steve? - going around the country restoring 40’s & 50’s homes to their period charms! Love it!
Farley McDougal thanked KW PNW Z8
cheri127
12 months ago
Too adorable for words!!!!
Farley McDougal thanked cheri127
rebunky
12 months ago
last modified: 12 months ago
Let‘s just all imagine going back in time and experiencing life with our mama’s (and Daddy’s) in this kitchen!