For how much I am inspired by the clean look of the "mid century" style - the kitchen provides a much less literal inspiration. Kitchens in the 1950's were also a reaction to clean efficiency with built in appliances and matching cabinets. They were still, however, tucked into the corner of the house away from the 'living' spaces.
When I tell people that we want to bring the house back to the era it was built in (and probably really cool in) they start talking about these kinds of kitchens. It doesn't work for me. I'm not actually trying to live in the 1950's - just revel in the good parts of the design from the 1950's. Since I spend my entire day in the kitchen, it needs to be a good one. And because my family (extended) seems to all gather in the kitchen, it needs to be a big one.
Do you like how the above Formica ad starts with "there is a definite trend toward making mother a member of the family again."
I've been looking at loads of "mid-century" ideas and it seems like so many people abandon the basic principals behind the kitchens of the 50's and just install a modern space. Which raises the question - how do you create a 1950's kitchen that isn't a 1950's kitchen?
Twin Palms, Frank Sinatra's house in Palm Springs, has done an amazing job of renovating the kitchen to make it chef worthy while keeping with the original style. Starting with St. Charles steel cabinets seems to help.
Frank Sinatra's kitchen now
and then
Retro images from here.
Sinatra house images from here.
I complete agree with you and understand where you are coming from! Our house was built in '56 and we've struggled with trying to find things to furnish and update without making it look cheesy. I really look forward to seeing all your ideas come into play! :)
ReplyDeleteWe have some great friends that have a mid-century home and have totally re-modeled it but stayed true to the 50's. Lots of Eames and Eames inspired furniture. They gutted the kitchen but kept it very true to the style all the way down to a built into the counter blender! They host a Mad Men party every year that we won last year at the auction it was wonderful! At this years party either Parade or Pacific Northwest was there to do a feature on their home. I am sure I can get some pics for inspiration.
ReplyDeleteWe have some great friends that have a mid-century home and have totally re-modeled it but stayed true to the 50's. Lots of Eames and Eames inspired furniture. They gutted the kitchen but kept it very true to the style all the way down to a built into the counter blender! They host a Mad Men party every year that we won last year at the auction it was wonderful! At this years party either Parade or Pacific Northwest was there to do a feature on their home. I am sure I can get some pics for inspiration. Good Luck!
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