Retro Kitchens

[feltfan]

We live in craftsman bungalow, a creaky old pile of lumber built in 1922
(...)
The only time we disagreed with the builder was when he suggested black marble countertops. No, we said. We want some plastic covering (read that: Formica) that would be comparable to the countertops the first homeowners put in.

A 1922 house would not have had Formica countertops
or any plastic covering, would it? It would have had tile or wood, no?
That would have been in keeping with the craftsman/arts and crafts
aesthetic. I realize Formica was already invented,
but didn't really become popular
till the 1940s. I expect most of us associate it with the 50s
when it became truly popular.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formica_(plastic)

That said, I chose not to use tile because it's harder to
keep clean.

 

[Absinthe_1900]

I have a 1931 Bungalow that had Formica, or Melamine, counter tops that appeared to be original to the kitchen. (They were replaced years ago when my Late Mom owned the house, she went with tile)

 

[Dinerman]

the wikipedia article said it was popular in the '20's.

 

[feltfan]

the wikipedia article said it was popular in the '20's.

"...developing its classic range of surfacing laminates from the late 1920s."

Not to be too pedantic, but that's not the same as popular-
it means production began in the late 20s.
I sure would like to see some of the twenties designs.

 

[Dinerman]

The diners I've seen from that era all have stone counters, so I can't say I've seen any. I have seen some pre war stuff, though. It seems that the mother of pearl looking stuff was pretty popular.

 

[Mike in Seattle]

"...developing its classic range of surfacing laminates from the late 1920s."

Not to be too pedantic, but that's not the same as popular-
it means production began in the late 20s.
I sure would like to see some of the twenties designs.

It would go against the whole craftsman esthetic as well, which heralded handmade, handcrafted natural materials like wood, stone & tile, and not the more mass-produced, factory-made modern plastics and the like. The Art Deco period - perhaps. Craftsman? No.

 

[Story]

http://www.kitchenbathdesign.com/publication/article.jsp?pubId=2&id=3615

CHeck out the "Art Deco-style kitchen using cabinets he custom-designed using mahogany veneer with solid mahogany wood edges and a custom stain, plus a high-gloss polyester finish.

 

[MaximOfSurrey]

For me the poly finish kills the entire effect. Shellac or Boiled Linseed Oil with beeswax rubbed on top to seal it? Yes

But Polyurethane? Bleeeeeeuch. Finishing cabinetry and furniture is just as much of an art as building it. Going with the quick 'n easy "marine varnish" type of finishes would be like restoring a Dusenberg and then painting it with spraypaint from a can that you bought at the nearest Home Depot.