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whirlwindgirl

Cabinet latches for Hoosier style built ins

We are keeping the original (1926) Hoosier style built-ins in our ongoing kitchen remodel. These drove a lot of the decisions in our remodel and is kind of centerpiece visually.




The pull out counter is being re-enameled. The whole thing is being painted blue. The hinges are being replaced with something more correct for the period, the drawers are getting bin pulls, the doors are getting knobs. Except that both sets of doors above the counter are getting latches. These will be the only latches in the kitchen.


I specified these from house of antique hardware (in polished nickel).


But they came in and my GC isn't happy with them. The movement to open them is stiff and the oval pice that you use to turn it is thin and feels uncomfortable on the thumb.


He is suggesting switching to something like this.


I'm not sure. And I'm not sure if I have just pictured it one way for long enough that I'm not adjusting or if my choice really does look better.


It seems like there ought to be something that looks like what I chose that will function better. There are only two of them so the cost isn't too important. I don't want to spend $100 each but would definitely go up to $25 each for some thing that looks really nice, works well and will last a very long time.


Suggestions? Thoughts? Thank you!


Comments (24)

  • 11 years ago

    Kennedy Hardware is the main source for all things Hoosier:

    http://www.kennedyhardware.com/hoosier-cabinet_parts/

    I'm so glad you're keeping those cabinets!

    Nothing Left to Say thanked writersblock (9b/10a)
  • 11 years ago

    Oh, I meant to ask, who's re-enameling the counter for you?

  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    I have the first type of latch on two vintage upper cabinets, and ones similar to the second type on lower cabinets, all in natural brass. I wanted something different for the upper cabinets, but if those are the only two cabinets with the latch handles, I think it will be fine. I found my latches on eBay, so I can't recommend a brand.

    Nothing Left to Say thanked mama goose_gw zn6OH
  • 11 years ago

    Here's an in-progress picture of the built-ins.



    I don't know who is doing the re-enameling. My GC is taking care of it. I think he said something about someone in San Jose.


    I had looked at Kennedy hardware before. They have the same kinds of latches I posted above and also this style.


    I am just having a hard time visualizing. Maybe because I thought this decision was done or maybe because I'm just about decision-ed out.


    Thanks!


  • 11 years ago

    Well, for better or worse I settled on the last option I showed. I decided that since these would be lined up with no other latches anywhere to balance them, that option came the closest to looking balanced on it's own.

  • 11 years ago

    Crl, that Hoosier cabinet is gorgeous! Love the color and the latches you picked will look great.

    Nothing Left to Say thanked rebunky
  • 11 years ago

    Holy cracker doodle that looks amazing! You must be so pleased with how it's turning out.

    Nothing Left to Say thanked daisychain01
  • 11 years ago

    Love your built ins and the fact you are keeping them. Love the color too! I'm sure the latches will look fine. :)

    Nothing Left to Say thanked beth09
  • 11 years ago

    That's going to look amazing when you're done. Love the color.

    Nothing Left to Say thanked writersblock (9b/10a)
  • 11 years ago

    It's going to be so lovely that any kind of latch would have been fine, imho. Can't wait to see more progress pics.

    Nothing Left to Say thanked funkycamper
  • 11 years ago

    If the latches don't work out I'll take the whole cabinet off of your hands...

    Nothing Left to Say thanked Amber
  • 11 years ago

    Thank you all for the compliments. I agonized over the color (even considered trying to restore it to the original wood finish, but our GC said it wasn't really possible given the condition of the piece). So I'm glad you all like it.

  • 11 years ago

    I am totally in love with your redone hoosier!! The color and hardware are perfect choices. I really wanted one for my kitchen, but chose an island because I need the work space (boo). Super jealous!!

    Nothing Left to Say thanked elauriel
  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    Any update? I stumbled on this post again and was drooling... Then I realized I'd already seen it once. Sooo perfect and that blue just gets me!

  • 10 years ago

    It looks like you know what you're doing crl. The built-ins look fab! The latches are very pretty.

    Nothing Left to Say thanked littleprince2
  • 10 years ago

    Everything turned out perfectly! How do you like the new latches?

    Nothing Left to Say thanked Amber
  • 10 years ago

    I like them. They look good to me--interesting but not too much. They would annoy me if I had to use them to open every cabinet, but on just two, only one of which is regularly used, it's fine. Worth it for the look.


  • 10 years ago

    So pretty! How do you use this area? And is that a tall narrow cabinet built in next to the door?

    Nothing Left to Say thanked lathyrus
  • 10 years ago

    The bottom cabinet underneath stores dog food, treats, etc.


    The drawers store less used silverware (serving pieces and such), cloth napkins (we use these daily), and infrequently used tools like a potato masher.


    The cubby space is currently holding our silverware, which I store in an antique tool box that can be carried to the dining room table as needed.


    The big cabinet above holds snacks, bread, canned goods and the like.


    The cabinet at the top is currently empty--it used to hold seldom used platters and probably will again when I unpack them from the garage.


    To the right is all shelves. These shelves hold our plates, bowls, cups, mugs, lunch boxes, storage containers, and water bottles.


    The pull out counter is where I pack the kids lunches. It is deep enough to hold both of them, opened flat. It's is also lower so when my five year old wants to help, she gets set up there.


    The tall narrow white cabinet is the original ironing board cabinet. It had been converted to spice storage before we moved in and I left it that way. It is just the right depth to hold single rows of spice containers.

  • 10 years ago

    Unstaged snapshots.







  • 10 years ago

    Crl- things are looking pretty 'finished' around there.... Hint hint;)) could it be reveal time?....

    Nothing Left to Say thanked nancyjwb
  • 10 years ago

    Waiting on some replacement doors. And my hopes to buy a white panel for the dishwasher did not pan out. And while it was stored in my garage the stainless panel rusted. It's a Bosch 800 series so I'm not impressed by that at all. I need to hunt down my GC and ask him if he has a resource for powder coating. . . . . Nearly there, but creeping across the finish line.

  • 10 years ago

    I LOVE YOUR CABINET. I love the color, this is such a great space- and it's so charming that it's original to the house!!

    I wish I had better photographed the various stages of my own kitchen and bath work, as well as the original bath and kitchen space- the reveals are so fun!

    Nothing Left to Say thanked sofibebe