Before and After: An Outdated Retro Kitchen Gets a Fresh Remodel, But Keeps the Gorgeous Vintage Vibes
Even when an older, outdated room DESPERATELY needs updating, it can be a bummer if the remodel doesn’t retain any vintage charm. When it came time for Hilary Alexander– a singer with an internationally renowned Swing band–to update the 1906 Craftsman house in Los Angeles she’s owned for 18 years and shares with her boyfriend and her two young boys , she hired interior designer Karen Hickey (Instagram: @karenhickeyid) to give the kitchen in her 1000-square-foot house a refresh that would brighten the small room and make it a more usable space, but do so in a way that would honor the decor of the decades Hilary loves so much.
“Her love for the 1930s – 1940s era runs deep in her bones and radiates around her,” explained Karen. “She wanted her kitchen to be an extension of her personality, as well as being very functional for her busy family of four.”
“The custom cabinetry was made to the period with inset doors/drawers and exposed hinges,” describes Karen. “The detail on the doors at the sink were period inspired. Built-in eating areas were popular during the 30s-40s.”
“We hid the microwave behind a panel and the microwave and coffee maker are behind doors,” shares Karen, of some of the ways they were able to modernize the kitchen while still retaining vintage character.
Other ways they kept the vintage vibes? They incorporated actual vintage elements. “The wallpaper is authentic from the 1940s. The star of the kitchen is the refurbished vintage stove from the late 1920s.”
Designer Karen Hickey’s Favorite Element: Refurbished stove from late 1920’s. Such a classic piece that set the scene for this vintage inspired kitchen
Designer Karen Hickey’s Biggest Challenge: To adequately accommodate seating for four in such a tight space. We reconfigured the layout of the kitchen by moving a doorway over and moving plumbing to an opposite wall.
The Project’s Biggest Indulgence: Vintage stove
Resources
- Light Fixtures – Rejuvenation
- Overmount Sink – Kohler
- Faucet – PFister
- Vintage Stove – Magic Chef (1920’s)
- Custom Cabinetry and New Bookcase– Built by Hampton Woodworking & Design, Gardena, California – Designed by Karen Hickey
- Paint Dunn Edwards – Cool December (Cabinet color)
