A Modern Take on the ’50′s
The subject line of the homeowner’s email was concise and to the point – “Welcome to 1954.” The photos she attached told the story – she and her husband had just purchased a 1954 ranch home that was frozen in time. While the previous owner took painstaking care of it, nothing had been updated in over 50 years, including the kitchen. Laminate cabinets were topped with light blue Formica countertops. Dingy vinyl flooring doubled as toe kick. A matching blue backsplash was punctuated by an avocado “high/low” range. The walls and light soffit were wrapped in blue and avocado green wallpaper, visually shrinking the space.
Frozen in Time - light blue Formica countertops, vinyl flooring and an avocado "high/low range."
Layers of wallpaper were the first to go!
Drawn to the house by its good bones, large backyard and close proximity to a park, the homeowners knew they could transform the dark, cramped kitchen into a spacious family hub. Respectful of the home’s age and architecture, they asked for “a modern take on the 50’s;” incorporating colors and materials that were reminiscent of the era. Avid cooks who frequently entertain, they needed plenty of storage space for their culinary tools, china, glassware and serving pieces. A peninsula for entertaining and casual dining was also at the top of their wish list.
A multipurpose room requires multiple light sources. Relocating an exterior door, installing French doors, and eliminating a wall separating the kitchen from the formal dining room added usable space, flooding the rooms with natural light. An artful mix of under-counter strip lighting, chrome pendant lights, flush-mounts, and glass-trimmed recessed cans bounce light off of the stainless steel appliances, glass backsplash tile and Caesarstone countertops.
Eliminating the wall separating the kitchen from the dining room added much needed space and natural light. An artful mix of light fixtures bounce light off of the stainless steel appliances, glass backsplash tile and Caesarstone countertops.
Base cabinets in a dark cherry thermofoil ground the aluminum and white satin gloss wall cabinets. The peninsula cabinets open on either side, providing easy access to china and serving pieces from the kitchen and adjacent dining room. The couple’s two young sons study at the peninsula, perched on adjustable bar stools. One peninsula cabinet houses their homework and art supplies. A tall cabinet with five adjustable roll-out shelves stores pantry essentials and the children’s snacks.
The olive gloss cabinet drove the color scheme. Peninsula cabinets open on both sides, providing easy access to dishes and servingware.
Bringing color and texture into the kitchen was also a priority. An olive gloss wall cabinet with lift-up hardware was the first element chosen; it drove the color scheme. Flanked by aluminum and white satin gloss cabinets, it is highlighted by oversized subway tiles in a quieter shade of green. Multi-color glass mosaic tile dominates the range wall and highlights the 48” professional-style range and hood. Marmoleum floor tiles offer color, texture, and a nod to the past. The homeowners love how it feels underneath their feet!
Multi-color glass mosaic tile from AlysEdwards dominates the range wall, highlighting the glass-front aluminum cabinets and 48" KitchenAid range and hood.
Durable, low-maintenance materials were essential for this active family. Everything can be cleaned with soapy water or Windex. The deep single-bowl sink with pull-down faucet washes everything from the dinner dishes to the couple’s baby girl.
With the style they wanted and the space they craved, the couple is now enjoying their ultimate family home.
Casting Call for DIY Network’s Rescue Renovation
Denver homeowners – did you start a home remodeling project only to stall out after finding yourselves in over your head? The team from DIY Network’s Rescue Renovation may be able to help! Producers of the hit TV show are currently looking for people like you! They are especially interested in kitchen projects. Applicants must have an appropriate budget already set aside for the renovation. Interested? Send an e-mail to rescue@highnoontv.com for an application, or apply on-line at http://www.highnoontv.com/casting_apply_new.php?application_id=2.
Pantone Institutes Names “Tangerine Tango” 2012 Color of the Year
Every year I look forward to hearing what Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, names as Pantone’s Color of the Year. For 2012 it’s Tangerine Tango (PANTONE 17-1463). Bright, fresh and infinitely more versatile than last year’s Honey Suckle (PANTONE 18-2120,) Tangerine Tango is a warm reddish orange that can energize any room in your home.
“Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”
Click on the color chip to learn more.
Pantone 2012 Color of the Year - Tangerine Tango
Food Network is Looking for the Next Big Food Entrepreneur
Calling all aspiring foodie entrepreneurs! Here’s your chance to be on the next Food Network show! Share your story about your quest to open a brick-and-mortar food shop (i.e. – restaurant, bakery, sandwich shop) between now and Fall, 2012. Those selected will receive culinary and business coaching from Top Chef Bobby Flay. This is a great opportunity for those who are serious about pursuing their dream!
Email your stories to foodtvshow.gmail.com.
Ireland’s Finest Brings the Luck of the Irish to a Deserving Individual
Andrew Toole and his fantastic team at Ireland’s Finest Painting Company are making things brighter for a deserving individual through their “Hard Luck, Soft Hearts” campaign. Submit your stories of individuals who have selflessly given back to their communities, or may have fallen on hard times during this economic downturn. One person will be selected to have the exterior of their home painted for free, with paint generously donated by Benjamin Moore. Visit www.IrelandsFinestInc.com for more information, and to submit your nomination. And check out the story on Fox 31 News!
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