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shelbeymc

Vintage custom cabinets-keep or replace?

8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago

Hello houzzers! I could really use your opinions and advice

Our house was built in 1948. I'm not sure if the kitchen cabinets are original but I do know that the original owner had a caprpenter in the family who built them. They are in really good shape.

We definitely need to update the kitchen... the tile counter needs to go and we need to add a dishwasher and some more storage space.

I want to put in white quartz counter tops and a white tile backsplash. Will likely take out the counters to the lower left of the sink to add the dishwasher

Given these changes, should we try to keep the cabinets and maybe add a neutral or white island for storage? Or better just to let the csbinets go and start over?

I'm not in love with the wood grain but it would be prettier against the white counter and tile and again, the cabinets are in good shape inside and out. The rest of the house is also in step with the mid century style so that's a good fit too.

Thank you for your time and help.

Comments (17)

  • 8 years ago

    If funding new cabs is not an issue, I would replace if spending the money to put on new counters especially for the cost of quartz. Can you use them somewhere else or perhaps sell or donate them so you feel less “guilty”?

    if you opt to replace, you might want to post a floor plan if you want ideas about maximizing the layout options.

    shelbeymc thanked rantontoo
  • 8 years ago

    I think they are kind of unusual and handsome. These are late 1960s or early 70s, I think, sort of a 1960s regency variation on "French Provincial". The graining is very nice.

    shelbeymc thanked palimpsest
  • 8 years ago

    A vote for keep. New counters and pulls will be lovely. Hope you can remove the micro thingy and maybe add an understated hood and other appliances (dark?) that will blend in with the cool-looking floor. That wood is amazing!

    shelbeymc thanked mercurygirl
  • 8 years ago

    I would try to keep the set of drawers to the left of the DW by sliding them over toward that opening, if possible.

    shelbeymc thanked palimpsest
  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    The wood graining is beautiful but I find cabinetry too busy, especially the drawers—Too much design in such little area.

    ETA: the doors are not bad. Wondering if you could find a skilled carpenter to remove embelishment on drawers and restainng. I’d even dare to carefully remove trim and find somebody to restain drawer fronts. Maybe I’d even dare restain myself. Not a hard DIY project. Oh, and remove scallop thingy over sink.

    shelbeymc thanked bossyvossy
  • 8 years ago

    Wood and craftsmanship looks lovely. I think I would try to work with them but if not, definitely donate them and do not feel guilty .

    shelbeymc thanked lisadlu16
  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Agree with pal, either embrace them or move on. The cabs look to be home built in someones garage, those are just applied plant on moldings on veneer slab doors/drawers, nothing fancy or special about the construction, although well executed.

    While perhaps nice at the time to someone, I don't see any heirloom value in them.

    And yes, those hinges date them as mid '60s - mid '70s, as does the tile.

    shelbeymc thanked cookncarpenter
  • 8 years ago

    Thank you all! Yes, I will remove the scallop accent if we keep them. Good to know that they could be useful elsewhere if we move on and also guilt easing to know that there's no heirloom value. We sadly don't have any handy skills so the ability to make even the most basic cabinets is quite impressive to us. :)


  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Are the cabnet bones plywood? If so, refinish in bleached wood (looks like oak). May be a bit old-fashioned and passé now but I like the look.

    shelbeymc thanked zneret
  • 8 years ago

    I love the grain of the wood in the cabinets. It's up to you to keep or pitch. It isn't easy to find sturdy all wood cabinets anymore though. My cabinets are original to the house from the 70s. They are built like a tank. I think what is freaking people out about them is that they are not cookie cutter.

    shelbeymc thanked functionthenlook
  • 8 years ago

    Keep the cabinets. Change the handles.

    shelbeymc thanked cpartist
  • 8 years ago

    Very unique doors. Full overlay, too, rather than the typical partial inset style. If you're not wanting to change the layout, I'd keep them.

    shelbeymc thanked zmith
  • 8 years ago

    I'd keep them. Including the handles..:)

    shelbeymc thanked aprilneverends
  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    I have to agree with palimpsest and the others who say either keep them as-is or replace. Piecemeal updating attempts will just look bizarre, like putting modern handles on them. It's a look as it is.

    If you remove the valance, save it, because that sort of detail is becoming very popular again and the next owner might love to be able to put it back.

    shelbeymc thanked writersblock (9b/10a)
  • 8 years ago

    I would keep, change hardware and remove the scalloped piece over the sink.

    shelbeymc thanked 3katz4me
  • 8 years ago

    Hafta agree with 3katz. And I usually love scalloped valances.

    You could go all out Hollywood regency style. Just need more gilt. And avocado green. Embrace the glamour potential!

    shelbeymc thanked Fori
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