New Mid-Century Style Appliances Create Authenticity

I’ve been working on some renovations of our little lake house in Hartwell, Georgia for several years.  It’s been a labor of love, and I drag my feet finishing the work because so much of the fun is in the process.  The house we bought was a flat-roofed shack on a spectacular lot that faces the big waters of Lake Hartwell and though initially an ugly duckling, she had a huge stone fireplace made from stones pulled from along the lakeshore, wood ceilings, original cabinets, and an old white enamel cast iron sink with integrated drainboard.   She was mine as soon as I pulled into the driveway.  I could see the swan.

As we waited for our closing date, we talked a lot about how we wanted to feel when we were in the house and what we wanted our guests to experience.  We discovered that our fondest memories were of being kids growing up in the 1960’s when a kid could sleep in the back of the station wagon all the way to Myrtle Beach, when your grandmother made sure to have homemade Jam, fried apples and bologna on the stove when you arrived,  when we looked forward to the annual school carnival with almost as much anticipation as Christmas, when we rolled on shady grass to cool off on a hot summer day, and when eating a piece of salted watermelon with your Dad was a little slice of heaven that could change the course of your day.

So we decided to create a space reflective of those days complete with old pennants found in a trunk my mom kept of my childhood memorabilia, a pair of old gas tank covers we found in a barn facing demolition, a pastel of my mom’s childhood playhouse and even a souvenir plate from King’s Island. With each step it became more clear that our appliances were fighting against our end vision.   There was no black plastic-front refrigerator or stainless steel dishwasher in Granny’s home place.  In fact there was no dishwasher but I wasn’t ready to give up that little luxury.  I just had to figure out how to camouflage it.

And now I finally get around to Elmira Stove Works.   Elmira is a Canadian company that manufactures reproduction antique and 1950’s-style appliances.   Northstar is the 1950’s line of refrigerators, ranges, range hoods and dishwasher covers.  They even offer a keg refrigerator and their own interpretation of a retro microwave.  The appliances are offered in the best of the 1950’s colors:  Buttercup Yellow, Flamingo Pink, Robin’s Egg Blue, Mint Green, Candy Red, Black, Bisque and Quicksilver.

 

                             

 

 

So Granny would still be shocked by my microwave, even if it is a cheery Buttercup Yellow, and probably confused by my Mint Green dishwasher cover, since rubber gloves were the only dishwasher covers she ever needed.  She might even raise an eyebrow if she knew I had to bypass the gas range for it’s electric equal.   But when she opened that big Mint Green refrigerator and discovered an automatic ice maker…….I daresay I’d hear an “atta girl”!

         

 

 

 

 

Farmhouse Chic

Farmhouse chic is one of the most fun and engaging styles of interior decor.  I like to start with a neutral base on upholstery and then add a mix of aged wood elements, metals and quirky accessories.   Bursts of color can come from accessories, decorative pillows, blankets and artwork.   This is a homeowner’s opportunity to hit antique markets and search for hidden treasure.   Almost anything can serve as an accessory or artwork if you have the right spot for it.

CONTACT ME DIRECTLY FOR PURCHASE, PRICING AND OPTIONS AT

jkern@designtheoryinteriors.com

1.  Biscayne armchair by Lostine,  2.  Farm table by Go Home

3.  Rope chandelier by Lowcountry Originals

4.  German beer bottles from Europe 2 You     5.  Barstool by Lostine

6.  Spanish Olive trays from Europe 2 You   7.  Confit Pots from Europe 2 You

8.  Canterbury chair from Go Home   9.  Club Pouf from Go Home

10.  Vintage Luggage from Europe 2 You     11.  Lamp from Europe 2 You

12.  Mirror from Lostine   13.  Easel TV STand from Europe 2 You

14.  Vintage Typewriter from Europe 2 You

 15.  Wire dress form from Vagabond Vintage

16.  Empire chandelier from Lowcountry Originals

17.  French books from Europe 2 You    18.   Slipcovered sofa from Rowe

19.  Costello polished nickel side table from Arteriors

20. Kidney shaped coffee table from Arteriors.

21.  Vintage french newspapers from Europe 2 You

22, 23  Decorative pillows from Lacefield Designs

The Industrial Kitchen: Set your temperature

My last kitchen post was all about the vintage retro kitchen.  This week I want to talk about the Industrial kitchen and you’ll find some similarities between the two.   Both are flexible styles that can be adapted to any home, from a log cabin to a sleek contemporary beach house.   You’ll see that the rules of design for both of these styles are loosened up so that the artistic license is broad,  allowing the homeowner to really reflect a personal statement.  And THAT is why they are my favorite kitchen designs.

But there are some characteristics in the industrial-style kitchen that are easily recognizable.   You’ll find that an industrial kitchen reflects a sense of order.  They are usually quite organized with cleaner surface areas and interesting, sometimes unconventional means of storage to simplify the process of cooking and cleaning.   Cabinetry is usually quite simple with little or no ornamentation.  Look for finishes like stainless steel, various metals and concrete in both surfaces, cabinets and furnishings.  Walls have traditionally been white, repeating the crisp clean style.

Historically an industrial kitchen may have been accused of being cold and institutional, but I hope to show you that it’s in your hands.   See how you can set the temperature to a crisp cool or heat it up to warm and cozy.

Source: decorpad.com via Jamie on Pinterest

This is a great example.  Notice the clean surfaces, very simple cabinetry and stainless steel accents.  I like the white brick walls that soften the edges just a tad.    The marriage of industrial barstools with the reinterpretation of an early american light fixture is a nice touch.  While I can’t identify the exact supplier of the stools or light fixture, I can direct you to Industry West  who offers a nice selection of industrial seating at a reasonable price.  For lighting, my go-to is always Solaria Lighting in Decatur Georgia.  They’ve created a gorgeous lighting line and this particular fixture is offered in a couple of sizes and a variety of finishes.  You’ll need to contact an interior designer to purchase thru Solaria, but it will be worth it!

Source: kitchenisms.com via Jamie on Pinterest

Another great example!  Notice how organized this space is with under counter shelving,  hanging utensil storage and open shelf storage over the range.  The glossy white tile really emphasizes the clean reflective qualities of the industrial kitchen and contrasts ever so slightly with the greyed-down white paint on the walls.   These light fixtures are especially fun, a great reinterpretation of the big HID warehouse lights.   Take a peek at the warm wood table peeking out of the corner of the photo, softening the hard edges of the steel.

Source: desiretoinspire.net via Jamie on Pinterest

Fun!   No cabinets, no hidden storage?!?!  Probably scares most of us, but look at all of the organization. The introduction of the wicker baskets does a couple of things for me;  it offers covered storage for the messy stuff that you don’t want to see, but it also softens all of the steel surfaces, making the space feel almost cozy!

Source: decorology.blogspot.com via Jamie on Pinterest

This is probably one of my favorites because I am most comfortable in an eclectic space.  I prefer to base my designs on a particular style that works for my clients and the room they’re creating, and then add contrasting elements to really bring the space to life.    This particular kitchen has all of the characteristics of the industrial with it’s stainless steel countertops, industrial stools, sleek white cabinets.  The antique wood floors and exposed brick walls actually enhance and warm up the space, making it appear to be a loft area.  But I love the addition of the gold leaf mirror that looks like it might have been attached to a dressing table at one time,  and the greenery in the window and corner.   It doesn’t take a lot of contrast to make a room dynamic!

Source: kitchen-bathroom-cabinet.com via Jamie on Pinterest

This is a nice blended interpretation.    The surfaces in this space don’t have the typical reflective qualities of most industrial kitchens.   The island is quite simple and clean with lighter wood tones and matching contemporary stools.  Minimalist contemporary light fixtures are nice as they don’t seem to block the view.  The hanging utensil storage is such a simple way to hint at the industrial.

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Jamie on Pinterest

I thought this was an interesting take on the style.   You can see the introduction of stainless steel elements but only in hints.  This designer used a black iron to tell the story   Still the cabinets are quite simple, all of the lines are very clean,  and the big chunky hood looks like something you’d find in a professional kitchen.   I’ve picked up several of the light fixtures at Scott Antique Market in Atlanta  and I know that Barn Light Electric and Rejuvenation always have nice selections of styles and colors as well.

Source: dezeen.com via Jamie on Pinterest

This is for the true minimalist!   All cabinetry is simplified, appliances are very low profile.   No clutter and no ornamentation other than the patterned floors.

Source: delightbydesign.blogspot.com via Jamie on Pinterest

Here’s another example of what a little wood can do for the space.  I really love the butcher block top on the island.   And the metal cabinets are beautifully built, reflecting a real vintage quality to the finish.   Makes me wonder if these aren’t vintage steel pieces that have been adapted for kitchen use.  If you love the vintage steel pieces, check out Twenty Gauge and contact a designer to order these authentic pieces.   The  steel stools are definitely found items with a very authentic vintage shape.  The curvature really is really a nice touch in an otherwise rectilinear space.  Check out that light fixture!!!! LOVE!!!

Source: urbanarchaeology.com via Jamie on Pinterest

And I had to include this!  Everything about this screams Industrial from the light fixtures to the stainless steel cabinet base to the stools.   But it’s wrapped in warm exposed red brick, vintage wood countertops, shelving and flooring.  This space is proof that the industrial kitchen can be cozy!

New Retro and Vintage Kitchens: The Oxymoron Edition

If we could really calculate how much of our time at home is spent in the kitchen I think we’d all be surprised.   Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks.  And that’s the bare minimum.   Have you ever hosted a party when people didn’t crowd into the kitchen?  They can’t be coaxed out of there with any form of snack tray!    And if your home is like mine, you may have a keeping room within the kitchen area.  We find ourselves relaxing in the kitchen keeping room far more than we would in the family room or living room.   And then there’s the open plan whereby the kitchen and family room are, in effect, one large room.  

My point is this:  If we’re spending most of our at-home time in the kitchen area, then that space needs to be representative of who we are, how we live and what we expect it to accomplish for us.   There are innumerable kitchen options in finishes, colors, countertops, cabinet styles, appliances and on and on, so there’s no reason your kitchen can’t be functional while still reflecting personality and attitude.

This week I want to focus on some great ideas for a Retro or Vintage style kitchen.   This style is not a rigid traditional style and leaves room for greater artistic license so open your hearts to the unexpected.

Source: designtheoryinteriors.com via Jamie on Pinterest

This is the dine-in area and keeping room of my own kitchen.   We love interesting finishes and mid-century elements and fell in love with this old laminate table and chairs in pale aqua.  We added small 1950’s accents with aqua lamps and an old clock and then contrasted with more contemporary leather chairs and barstools in dark brown finish.  The bar-height counter is concrete with flecks of glass in the same aqua color.    Cabinets were hand painted in a Japanese lacquer technique with a very high gloss finish in a subtle Taupe with off-white rubb-off

Source: kitchenisms.com via Jamie on Pinterest

I love what this homeowner accomplished in a very small apartment-size kitchen.    If the old metal cabinets are in decent shape, I would opt to keep them!  And a butcher block countertop is always in fashion!    The 1950’s style refrigerators can be purchased new these days.   Check out www.elmirastoveworks.com  or www.bigchillfridge.com.  If you’re a fan of Rachel Ray you’ll see Big Chill Fridge used in her studio kitchen.

Open shelving is a very strong vintage component and often the only way to create storage in small spaces.  Don’t forget to consider faucetry that follows the theme like this farmhouse faucet with porcelain accents.

Source: douglasfriedman.net via Jamie on Pinterest

How much fun is this?!?!  Check out that giant farmhouse sink!  And who doesn’t wish they had the nerve to do red painted cabinetry?  Glass cabine doors are a nice touch and with a vintage kitchen, you have permission to keep the shelves a little messy.   Black and white checked floors  highlight the cabinetry.  Introducing the rustic farm table and rush-seated spool chairs is a nice touch and shows that someone put some time and thought into selecting each piece.

Source: countryliving.com via Jamie on Pinterest

Pink!!!!!   Ok, that stove may or may not be operational, but even if it doesn’t cook,  it is comfortably at home in this kitchen.  It sets the tone of the space and can be used for storage.   Notice the use of the butcher block countertop again.  And how about those wonderful horizontal wide plank walls?!?

Source: kitchenisms.com via Jamie on Pinterest

OK, we don’t all have the bones of an old farmhouse to work with;  wide plank painted floors, exposed floor joists in the ceiling above, but we can still create the look.     First notice the cabinet finish:  white washed with rub-off areas give an immediate sense of age.  The central island is an old work table with what appears to be the original rustic wood top.  Very creative way to opt out of a traditional fabricated island.  Again with the butcher block countertops, farmhouse sink and farm faucets.   White gloss subway tiles for the backsplash are a throwback to the 1950’s.  And notice the mix of open shelving above and even below countertops.   The look of that old stove is not out of the question either;  take a look at www.aga-ranges.com  for cast iron cooking in brightly colored enamel cookers and ranges.

Source: None via Jamie on Pinterest

This kitchen has the feel of vintage with a sprinkling of modern.   LOVE the black and white parquetry floors and the black subway tile – WITH WHITE CAULK!!  The white cabinets are very simple in the vintage-style with open shelving and create a nice visual contrast.  But then take a look at that fabulous hood and the almost industrial-style light fixtures.   I love contrast whether in color or style and this really works!   Another thing to mention is the rustic wood bench.  It’s always nice to add some warm rustic wood tones in a retro/vintage style space.

Source: kitchen-design-ideas.org via Jamie on Pinterest

I had to show this space because it really captures the essence of the old general store.  Copper ceilings, zinc countertops, cup-style cabinet hardware and a vintage stove.    It’s very important to consider simplicity in cabinet style and design when working with a retro/vintage kitchen.  You won’t find the elaborate trims and moldings because this style is based on a much simpler lifestyle and time.

Source: kitchenisms.com via Jamie on Pinterest

I like this kitchen because it successfully combines some fairly traditional elements with bold colors, mismatched cabinetry, 1950’s components, and farmhouse details.   See?  Artistic license applied!

Source: kitchenisms.com via Jamie on Pinterest

This is someone with a great sense of creativity and an appreciation for the unconventional.   And it just feels good!    The countertop appears to be a big slab of stone!   The plate storage looks like  a pallet of some sort adapted for wall display.    The under counter doors are obviously mismatched pieces of old rustic wood.   But get a load of the contemporary molded plastic chairs.   Again . . . .I love the contrast.  It just works!

Holiday Decorating Trends – Vintage Modern Elegance

My favorite holiday interiors are those that conjure up the magic of childhood.  We’ve all fallen victim to the latest trends in holiday decor that are yesterday’s news by the end of the season, only to start again next season making the same mistake. I find vintage Christmas ornaments and decorations a timeless way to transport a space back to simpler times. 

Antique and flea markets are the best place to start your treasure hunt.  Don’t begin your voyage in search of perfection or you’re sure to be disappointed.  And don’t feel pressed to buy a truckload of items to complete your look the first season.  Take the time to browse around and see what’s out there.  Pay attention to the colors, the handcrafted elements, and more importantly the charm and personality.    You’ll soon find yourself being drawn in to the magic and can begin collecting the items that strike a personal chord.

I’m fond of  the vintage Christmas “elf on the shelf”, small foil Christmas trees and retro Coca Cola stuffed Santa dolls.   My best find to date is a 1950’s  sign that blinks “Merry Christmas” in colored Christmas lights and marks the entry to my living room holiday experience.  So much of my holiday joy is in sharing the delight I see on my friends’ faces when they unexpectedly encounter that decorative element that elicits their own treasured childhood memory.

While we all love the traditional symbols of the season, there is no reason to limit your color scheme to red bows, green garland and gold ornaments. The holidays are a celebration and a time to express yourself.  I still love my big fir Christmas tree but I add sparkle in unexpected places by sprinkling small brightly colored foil trees throughout the house.   A tabletop silver foil tree with brightly colored ornaments is a wonderful unexpected twist and a fuchsia or aqua bow on your traditional wreath will have the neighbors talking. 

Fabric makes the most dramatic tree skirt and can show your unique personality and style.   I love texture so fake fir fabrics in mink or leopard prints are a great way to add something lush and sophisticated.  Tulle fabric is another elegant alternative and can be found in an array of wonderful colors to express your “glam” side.  

Turning your dining room into a holiday celebration is easily accomplished by using things you have around the house year-round.  I like to start by bringing out my antique linen tablecloth and draping it across the dining room table as an elegant canvas.   Create a centerpiece by arranging a collection of wine decanters or silver pitchers and set place settings using charger plates in bright metallic or high gloss colors.  Dust off your favorite wine or martini glasses and polish a few pieces of your grandmother’s silverware for a little sparkle.  A colorful glass ornament on each plate and your dining room table is transformed into a festive holiday setting.