pyrexmaniac's Profile

Again, I have to say that your home is absolutely incredible! I drove down Orchard Parkway earlier this evening just to see it. The exterior is as beautiful as the interior, even in these dreary days of a late Niagara winter.

Beautiful cabinets! I'm a fan of midcentury styles and like to see preservation of the quality elements like cabinets. That said, I would replace the countertops, sink, faucet, appliances, floor, backsplash and any lighting fixtures with items that are new yet have a period-correct appearance. I'mm certain you can find a local woodworker or carpenter to repair any damaged cabinetry. The cabinets also look like they could use a thorough deep cleaning and maybe a light sanding and refinish with a durable polyurethane coating.

I recently restored a circa-1952 home that was all original. I wanted so badly to keep as much intact as possible, but the kitchen was really a mess and the cabinetry wasn't salvageable. The bathrooms were even worse, although I did save a bunch of original "french poodle" wallpaper and re-use it as an accent in the "pink bathroom."

One more item of advice: keep your mind open and take your time in choosing your finishes. My biggest regret is not putting more thought and taking more time to consider finishes that I am already replacing.

the unpainted cabinet looks like it could be a Conant-Ball Russel Wright-designed piece.

I agree that the floor needs to go. Cork would have been more aesthetically pleasing by adding a desperate dose of contrast to the stark black and white tile. Using wood or cork in some way, no matter how small, would have made the new space warmer and more inviting.

That said, I agree with many other posters here that the pink bathroom could easily have been preserved and updated in a way that respects the era of it's design. New fixtures and shower doors would have looked much better than the godawful cheap white "renovation special" sink cabinet and wall cabinet that made the before space so visually unappealing. As is, the space is nice....."as was" the space had potential to be spectacular.

I agree with Rocketscientist.....that cabinet kinda ruins the effect a bit. I love the concept, though.

Buy IKEA cabinet bases and customize them to suit your needs.....the quality is outstanding and the cost means you can splurge on lighting, hardware and millwork.

When you are debating over a material because of cost (example: flooring) always go with the costlier option. You'll spend more but you won't regret your decision each time you set foot in your kitchen.

Never, never, never, never, ever use smooth white ceramic tile for the floor.

Those sliding panels are screaming for artwork.

I had concrete counters installed in my kitchen two years ago. I agree that if you are looking for a pristine surface then you are better off looking at other materials. If you want character and patina and natural beauty, concrete can't be beat.

Beautiful space. I felt at home.

I'm absolutely entranced by this home. The careful choice of textures and colors create a visually balanced and captivating space. This home is all about your collection and your passion for vintage modern design and fine craftsmanship. Your home is especially inviting especially for the lack of mind-numbing clutter. Thanks for sharing!