IKEA vs Painted Plywood
 It is interesting how this house really lets us know if something will work.It’s a contemporary house; but the contemporary is 50 years old. We’ve found with furniture that what was contemporary in the 1950’s and 1960’s immediately settles in and feels right.We’re starting to find the same thing with the kitchen. Months ago, when we first bought our house, we drooled over modern kitchens in magazines like Dwell and Natural Home as well as in the IKEA catalog. We considered going that route, but something didn’t feel right. |
 As you can see from the pictures on the left, our hall and bathroom have the original plywood/particleboard painted cabinetry. It’s not a choice everyone would make, but we’ve come to realize the kitchen cabinets need to match.We wondered if it were even possible to have matching cabinets.A trip to Millers Custom Cabinets, a business that has been in La Grande since Anne grew up here in the 1950’s, answered that question. We are now working with Ben, a cabinet maker at Miller’s, to help us return the kitchen cabinets to their original style. Stay tuned as we discuss materials, layout, and color! |
December 30th, 2007 at 12:17 pm
I am very much looking forward to hearing what you work out with Millers! How cool that they have been in business since the 50s. Did they laugh when you told them you wanted to recreate cabinets from that era?
I have NOT forgotten my promise to find you some photos of kitchens we discussed. I have been re-reading my archival material slowly but surely over the past week and will have a post soon. On your dinette, too! All the best! Pam
January 23rd, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Hello fellow MCM Oregonians,
I just discovered your blog from Pams amazing retro renovation blog and wanted to say hello. We’re in similar situations, having purchased our MCM home almost a year ago and are in the beginning stages a remodel designed to bring back some architectual intergrity, style and modern usability. In short… it’s a ton of work. Your house is great and Haley and I will be checking back often to enjoy and be inspired by your progress!
Enjoy! -Steve
January 26th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Steve, thanks for touching bases.
It’s especially fun to connect with fellow MCM Oregonians. We checked out your site (http://www.greshamrummerfun.blogspot.com) and you two look like you are having a lot of fun!
February 9th, 2008 at 8:14 am
You are right - the cabinets need to be appropriate for the MCM house. My 1953 ranch had original cabinets - except that someone “updated” them in 1969 and made them look “mediterranean” by routing the doors and adding icky new pulls. They are terrible now. Still painted plywood, though and sturdy. Cabinets in the 1950’s were “site built” and not the modular ones used now. You are doing a wonderful job with your house!
June 25th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
Anne & Gary,
I’ve enjoyed stubbling across your website, as I’m also an owner of mid-century rambler and dearly love my home! My kitchen has the original cabinets, which I painted to coordinate with the original tile counters…it seemed wrong to replace what was perfectly good and well built. Keep it up, the hard work is worth it!!!