Here are some pictures of dishes and a stove that were popular.

And lastly here are some handles that would have been used--or similar to this.
The second picture is from http://www.etsy.com/listing/109444921/vintage-1940s-jadeite-green-cabinet
And the third is from http://www.etsy.com/listing/102932802/1940s-chrome-art-deco-kitchen-cabinet

Here is a nice set of updated shelves. Hope some of this is helpful.

If you want a period specific look, consider Paperstone or Richlite in black for the counters or laminates in any number of colors with the metal edge as suggested by eagledzines. Go white on the walls and then accent with window coverings, storage jars, stand mixer, etc. in cherry red (cherries were a popular motif in the 40's) or jade green.

Richlite is actually a very nice product. It's soft to the touch.
http://www.richlite.com/trade/samples.html

40's were a funny period of design. Depending upon where your home was located the styles will differ. there wasn't a great deal of sophistication in kitchen design.
Why? Well, consider the world had no sooner come out of the 30's depression, then WWII and so much sacrifice & focus on the war effort. Many folks had to make do in those times. they weren't very extravagant or "design" oriented... just practical.

The photos posted are definitely the right direction. As the war years were over, much of manufacturing started focusing on the new boomer generation. Many new products & ideas introduced & mass marketed. Modern style "mid century" modern re-emerged. More colour etc.

we are now more than 60 years along. While everyone should decorate/design sympathetic to their homes general feel & style, don't think you have to remain there. New appliances, better surface treatments will be a better investment & more practical in the long run. Just cause our ancestors lived in log cabins, doesn't mean we have to!

As commented butcher block is very warm & fits in almost any era. Natural stone can be workable. If used marble would have been more appropriate. Something like Richlite is pretty timeless. Certainly wouldn't look out of place, but limited in colours. Likely given your B & W floors, the black would be best.

Light, pale painted cabinets, v-grooved wainscott very common. Blasts of whimsical colours in accessories & curtains would be appropriate. School house light pendants... Pay attention to lighting as that will make your finished space sparkle.

Senior Designer~Urbana

This might help. A design site with each design style essentials outlined. 1940's falls into "vintage". Some valuable info here.
http://www.interiordesignipedia.com/vintage-interior-design.html

Can we see what it looks like. So many say they love there older homes but I want to see pics of what these houses look like. thank you

My wife and I have more of a farmhouse or possibly country cottage style in mind so we might have to deviate from the exact style of the 40's a little. We do have a red mixer, though, so that appliance might bring in a touch of the 40's.

I really like the idea of beadboard or v-groove wainscott, though. I thought about doing a beadboard ceiling or backsplash.

I'll post "before" pictures soon.

Here are some current photos. Plan is to keep all cabinets and the floor but upgrade to stainless appliances, get an under mount (hopefully farmhouse) sink and also, as mentioned before, a new countertop and backsplash. And definitely going to paint over the flesh-colored walls. Also, in the pic of the stove there is a brick chimney behind that small wall in the corner that I'd love to expose. I'm getting appliances for $3000 and have a budget of $2000 for the rest. Any ideas?

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your floor! 40s inspired doesn't mean everything has to be 40s, so I wouldn't worry about masking the appliances or trying to buy retro. Cabinet hardware and lighting will be a big part of it.

I had a house that had plumbing added in the 40s and it had stainless steel counters. Probably out of production and too pricey even if you could find them new, but they were wonderful and super easy to clean. Maybe you could find used ones online and refurbish them? They were seamless except for whether the undermount sink attached. To the left of the sink was a built-in drainboard that sloped toward the sink - fabulous!

The metal edge laminate another poster mentioned would certainly be authentic and gorgeous, but that edge tends to gather "gunk" that can harbor bacteria. Just something to keep in mind as you consider options.

We live in a neighborhood of 1940 era homes now and as Ellen Crystal noted, it is/was a mix of styles from cape cods, saltbox, cottage, colonial, etc. etc. I think you should pick and choose what would work for you to have the look that you want. If you're thinking of exposing brickwork, I think I would do that first, so that you can check everything else you add against that as well. Perhaps something like a quartz countertop in a teal or another fun color, or as noted above, a great laminate. Butcher block would also certainly work as a countertop as would a ceramic tile backsplash with color or a beadboard backsplash. Actually think a beadboard wainscotting might work well too. Chrome accents and hardware might be something else to consider. Good luck!

Your kitchen has been upgraded likely in the late 80's or 90's so not authentic. It looks in good shape & is pretty classic. You can tell it's not period because they were done with a overlay door on a frame. they wouldn't have been the rounded routed profile you have.

the counter would look smart in black as previously suggested. A white classic subway tile behind with a very small pencil listel tile inlay in black would be in keeping. not unlike what you have. Steer clear of the popular glass tiles as they are more of a 50-60's thing. If you can't use your tile, then wainscott beadboard would be sharp.

definitely wainscott around the room especially in the nook. keep same line consistent, but don't cut it right in half. aim for 1/3 or 2/3 proportion

the exposed brick may be a bit of a jarring finish if only behind the stove. Especially just introducing a little. Keep in mind it is very difficult to clean & absorbs grease quite easily so maintenance near a stove is going to be challenging. A smart tile or painted beadboard would link the cooking area to your sink area

An apron sink will not be very easy to install in your current cabinets. Without getting too complicated an explanation, they are taller than your standard drawer front. They also need a complete "shelf" to sit on as very heavy. you'd need to replace your lower doors to accommodate. Basically would need a completely new cabinet, assuming your spacing will fit the model you desire in width.

I'd splurge on a wonderful Kohler porcelain sink (undermount) or a Blanco siligranite. Measure your cabinet carefully and you'll see what models could work. If you go black counter, the black Blanco sink would blend right in and give great impact.

Chrome accent are a classic 40's finish choice.

Urbana Kitchens.

A nice affordable farm house sink is available from Kohler -
http://www.us.kohler.com/us/Whitehaven-Self-Trimming-29-11-16-x-21-9-16-x-9-5-8-single-bowl-sink-with-tall-apron/productDetail/Undermount-Sinks/429003.htm?categoryId=651536&skuId=414762&hash=id%3Dfilters%26chk-4294958804%3D4294958804%26startIndex%3D40%26scrollTop%3D333

Hi jrbabl02,

Just saw your question, and I am wondering - how it is going?

I love 40's style, and I think your kitchen is great.

One color choice that I think would work well with your black and white would be red accents. Cherries were popular choices in fabrics and decor, or any other pops of red accents would be very cheerful.

One great source for info, etc, is the retro renovation website. (Don't have the exact info, but it is easy to find.) While she does do MCM, she has sections specifically on 40's style, sources, how to, etc.

Good luck, and post some pictures if/when you are done!

What are examples of Richlite

It is a dense material made from recycled paper and phenolic resin. It's used for countertops and other things.

I have a 1940s house. I wanted it decorated like 1940s. I put beadboard in the kitchen with wood countertops. I wallpapered the ceiling to look like tin. The tin ceiling was going to cost way too much. I wallpapered the cabinets with bead board paintable paper. The cabinets were builders' grade. I added wood moulding

I found in the clearance bin at Lowe's. I'm saving now to buy some glass knobs for my kitchen cabinets. I wanted hardwood floors in the kitchen, but I'm not sure if we are keeping the house. I plan on putting beadboard in the dining room. I have a claw foot tub I got for $75. It's going in the bathroom. I found a vintage dresser on Craigslist for $60. It's my vanity. I can't wait to start the bathroom!

The original phone thingy is still in the hall. I wouldn't get rid of it for anything. I don't understand why people want older houses and then strip down the integrity of the house. I've got a 1930s bedroom suite and dining room suite.