Laura's Last Ditch Vintage Kitchenwares's Profile

And it's all fun and games until someone gets their eye poked out.

It's darling, and I love the children's artwork on the wall.

Here's an absolutely charming knotty pine kitchen, that revels in its retro awesomeness. Can't the kitchen be given a chance as it is? You can always tear it out later, but you can never get it back. http://retrorenovation.com/2011/06/17/betty-crafter-says-yes-to-the-knotty-pine/

I'd get some snappier vintage wallpaper, a period-appropriate dinette set and light fixture (ceiling fan has to go), and some green period-appropriate asphalt tiles for the floor. And definitely get rid of the paper towel holder. Then, I'd
wax the drawers or do whatever else it would take to get them working well again, freshen everything up with baking soda and vinegar. If any of the cupboard doors or drawer faces are too far gone, I'd replace them with matching knotty pine. There might even be a lovely vintage floor under the carpet.

The thing is, this kitchen is very close to being delightfully retro, with just minor tweaks. If you just do what needs to be done to RESTORE it rather than remodel, you will never have to remodel again. But if you tear it up, in 10 years it will be outdated again, and you'll have to start all over. It's a shame to tear it up!

This is beautiful! Even though the place is small, it has such an open feel. I love me a nice, small house!

I love the Dutch door, and I love the floor tile. And I can't help but notice the sweet map wallpaper, even if it's not in the kitchen. Here's to individuality!

There's a business called Zipments in Grand Rapids (and also in Chicago and LA I believe) that lets you post courier jobs online, and a network of local couriers can bid on the job. I could easily see someone posting an Ikea trip as a job. I've gotten things delivered on Zipments very inexpensively in the past.

Also, don't forget about thrift stores, garage sales, and Dumpsters (say, at a college at the end of the school year).

(Now, why someone would be so desperate for Ikea is a question for another day, perhaps.)

Now, I don't like to hear 1970s tile called "ugly" simply because it's 1970s, but I do have to say keeping the vintage appliances was a very good move. Anything that respects the style of the house wins points with me. Too often people tear out a charming kitchen or bathroom and put in a boring kitchen that could be anywhere in suburbia tract housing, and that's such a shame.

I think I'd just embrace it and pretend I love it.

Oh, and potatoes. Most definitely scrap the tuna and add potatoes.