We're constantly surprised by how material that may seem lackluster can actually look really good when used thoughtfully. Take wood veneer for instance, which, despite Ikea's best efforts, still often gets a bad rap - especially when it comes to cabinetry. But the juxtaposition of stainless steel and walnut wood veneer in this kitchen looks fresh and blends well with the MCM style of the rest of the house...
...without feeling dated. To find out more about the 1953 ranch-style home in which this kitchen is located (and to see more images), click here.
Image: Thomas J. Story for Sunset Magazine
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Comments (13)
Maybe it's better in person, but I think it's icky.
eh, i dunno if its the floor or the countertop that has me confused.
I like it... the walnut makes the stainless steel feel so much warmer... modern... retro... perfect.
The veneer is much better than the painted look...I'd only go for the painted look if it's a simple white.
Hmm...maybe if the rest of the cabinetry was also covered in the veneer. I really don't like the lighter color showing.
Love it! But I'm an mcm type of guy.
What is making it dated is the fact that the doors are not full overlay (hinges and face frame are showing between doors). Otherwise, the veneer is wonderful. Painting the face frame a few shades darker than the wood would make it look much nicer.
I think it's all quite gorgeous together. I love the simple blacksplash and don't really even mind the nautral stone floors (usually not a fan). but I think the veneer is really stunning...I'd love to have this kitchen. I think it's a great example of how modern, vintage, masculine, and "pretty" can all work together. especially in this age of "paint everything white".
It's bad "rap" Lily, not "wrap".
I enjoy the mix of wood tones in this kitchen - after all, the forests don't have just one kind of tree...
Lackluster? *sigh* AT please do a wee bit more research once in a while.
Veneer has been successfully used since the Egyptians. And the Greeks and the Romans did it too - altho they preferred stone veneers. Lest we forget Asia - the Chinese and the Japanese used veneers for decorative cabinetry, as did artisans and architects in the Renaissance, and the 17th century, and the 18th century. In fact, the Victorian hall table in my brother's house is entirely veneered in oak - and is entirely intact, save for a few small chips around the base.
Today veneer is used in the same ways it has always historically been used: as a decorative surface over a cheaper material; and as a finished surface over a stable substrate. Ikea's use is a noble attempt (I said attempt) to recycle waste wood fiber as a substrate for the more decorative wood veneers. The problem with Ikea is that they don't use a high enough quality substrate (particleboard instead of MDF) and so moisture seeps in and ruins your cabinets.
But seriously - wander any museum and you will see ample use of veneer from all ages of civilization.
And who can forget the Veneerings from "Our Mutual Friend"?
Love the kitchen. Perfect for a 1970's update - true to the spirit of the period without being totally dated (some trendy 70's kitchens would make most recoil in horror today).
Interesting comment about veneers as well. It's my observation that most people insist they prefer solid wood but are completely unable to spot the difference. I always tell them to look at the end of a panel, if the grain and glue lines line up with the broader surface then it's a solid. If they run parallel with the edge of the panel then you're looking at veneerd edge-banding.