Vintage charm abounded in our clients’ 1950s kitchen (hello, robin’s egg blue cabinets!), but the charm did not outweigh the cramped layout, dated materials, and the need to update appliances. For this growing family who enjoy cooking together, tackling a kitchen remodel was high on their priority list, but they didn’t want to lose the character of the space.
Designer Jenni Jacobs led the homeowners through the McGuire + Co. design process to reimagine the kitchen layout for function, and to build a unique design scheme that felt warm and inviting, with a nod to vintage nostalgia. Early on, it was decided to salvage the blue glass light fixture that hung over the eat-in area of the kitchen and highlight it in the new layout.
In this full-gut remodel, our team took the entire kitchen, back hallway and powder room down to the studs. By demolishing a walk-in pantry and closing up one window, we captured space to elongate the kitchen and spread out the major appliances and work zones. With a base of natural Cherry wood cabinets, and layered with patterns, textures and a dash of playfulness, the new kitchen looks and feels anything but cookie-cutter.
The previous kitchen’s peninsula created a cramped U-shaped layout that cut off the sink and refrigerator from the rest of the space. By redesigning with an L-shape layout, we created flow around the sink and cooktop, and were able to incorporate a small workstation island with room for two stools.
On the other side of the kitchen, we sacrificed a window for more wall space, in order to relocate the refrigerator, spreading out the major appliances and giving the kitchen room to breathe. The salvaged glass pendant light stands out as a beautiful focal point in the room.
The natural Cherry wood cabinets set the foundation for the mid-century-inspired aesthetic, adding beautiful, organic lines from the horizontal wood grain, while the slab door style keeps the space feeling sleek and contemporary.
To balance the swath of warmth from the cabinetry, our custom backsplash installation cools things down with soothing, muted blues. The bespoke pattern adds geometric interest without being overwhelming.
In addition to the salvaged pendant light and recessed lighting throughout the space, we incorporated adorable mid-century-leaning sconces for additional task and mood lighting. See if you can spot all four around the room!
To ground the kitchen’s palette, we selected a dark, slate-like porcelain tile, and installed it in a herringbone pattern for extra pattern and movement, adding to the energy and playfulness of the room.
The tall double-oven cabinet and refrigerator flank an ancillary countertop area, complete with an appliance garage and under-counter beverage fridge, perfect for a coffee bar or entertaining.
Storage for everything! The appliance garage serves as a breakfast bar, housing the clients’ coffee appliances and toaster directly on the countertop. Below the counter, vertical dividers put cookie sheets and muffin tins within easy reach of the wall ovens.
There are so many details to savor in this project, it is hard to pick favorites! From functionality and storage to materials and the overall vibe, we are so happy with the end result of #ProjectVintageVibes. It was a pleasure to help this family build a kitchen they can enjoy together for many years to come!
In the back hallway, we replaced original closets with gorgeous new cabinetry to match the kitchen. A tall bank of open shelves allows for a system of basket storage, while the middle cabinet provides a concealed closet for jackets, bags and shoes. On the far right, the vacuum cleaner finds its home.
Last but not least, the tiny powder room off the back hallway got a major glow-up as part of this remodel, with cheerful “scandi-mod” wallpaper making a big statement. A simple beadboard installed halfway up the wall adds to the excitement with a punch of cornflower blue.
The wall-mounted corner sink has appropriate vintage appeal and maximizes leg room in the tight powder room, while a small recessed medicine cabinet lends additional storage.
Take a walk through this inviting space with our designer, Jenni Jacobs.
Check out our Before and After Gallery to see what this space looked like before the remodel, and see our full photo gallery on our profile at Houzz.
