Those are beautiful! I can't offer help, but note that Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece Fallingwater has St, Charles cabinets.

https://www.grownuptravels.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Fallingwater-1-4-1024x712.jpg

thank you for the good advice. Yes, I am writing on retro reno right now.

Falling Water's set is 1937. Though this house was built in 35, I think this set is late 40s or early 50s. A++ vintage condition.

Apparently Pam (the blogger for retro renovation) no longer has a comment section. Her partner left a while back... I guess it is overwhelming to keep it up.

If anyone knows of a site or even a buyer, we'd really appreciate the help. I do not want to donate or toss it. This set is near showroom perfect. Habitat or S. Army often damage items too badly. I'd hate that. We'll put them on Craigs and try for ebay and etsy. We already have our sub zero set listed on ebay.

That’s a shame, I found my entire vintage kitchen - 8 burner Roper range included- on that site (for a house I no longer own in Chicago) years ago. A quick google turned up sets on 1st Dibs, Chairish, Facebook, Old House Journal, etc., so those might be options as well, particularly as your set is in such beautiful condition and has a lot of “rares” as well. Best of luck, those beauties deserve a good home!

Going to put it on Craigslist right now... and cross fingers!!

Did you ever find a place to sell your cabinets?

Yes, we sold them for full price. They will hopefully be loved for another generation and beyond.

I have a 2nd set in storage in Brooklyn . Not St Charles, but ironically pale yellow. Pretty much done with projects... so if anyone is up for a nice all metal kitchen... holler at me!

Where/ how did you sell them? I have a house we are closing on that I would love to help them find a loving home - I think they are St. Charles and white / blue.

How can we communicate directly?

Where are you located? I can help... i hope. LOTS of people wanted them.

I have an entire set of St. Charles cabinets in my kitchen and butlers pantry that I am looking to sell. What is the best place to sell these? Thanks for the help!

It actually depends on where you are. Anywhere there are higher end (real) mid century modern (mcm) homes is a good option. I sold mine in New Orleans. I listed them on ebay, Craigslist, and they were featured on Instagram. I'm a photographer and have descent writing skills. The ad was uninformative and intriguing.

Send really good images to someone who has a lot of followers on Insta. Ask if they can help. They will likely oblige since it is intriguing content for them.

I’m in the Bay Area, California. Would appreciate any tips!

Thanks for the info. I am located in the bay area, California.

Wow! You are in a perfect local to benefit. Advertise on Insta and Craigslist for sure. Def find an influencer who promotes modernism. Enhance your images so there is pop in contrast and colour. Use key words like mid century modern. Discuss all features... rounded edges, pantry, (dishwashing machine??).

I got 9k for mine. I carefully dismantled with 2 helpers & spent 500 on delivery (to be nice), netting over 8k. You can certainly adjust for your own needs, but that price is more than reasonsble for your set.

If i had been in your area i would have priced mine between 10-12k. That set was utterly immaculate with a kosher (double) sink/prep counter.

Someone in silicon valley will dive on that.

It can also be repainted or powder coated.

Your set is wonderful. Why on earth would you get rid of it?

We salvaged a mansion and sold all interior elements. If that had been my personal set, i honestly would not have let it go.

OH MY GOD those are gorgeous! Best of luck!

Thanks for the help!! They are so fun, aren’t they!? I have three kiddos under 5 so functionality is going to win out for now! Or else I’d love to keep them.

Honestly, I'm doing my best to talk you outta selling them.

There arent new cabinets that can replace them at any priice. You can re-enamel them, rehab/replace the countertops and repurpose the diswasher cab. Did you know that they are actually components that dismantle and can be rearranged? And your kids couldn't hurt them, even if they tried.

I saw a set redone in gloss black with ivory countertops and new drawer pulls that blew my mind! I never would have thought if that.

Our set had pull out drawers in the cabs.

Consider rehabbing instead.

Post them on Insta and ask for help.

Youll get loads of expert advice.

I totally agree with Haus Werk. Those cabs are ridiculously wonderful, if there is a way to shine them up to your liking, I would keep them.

Thanks everyone! I don't mind the look of a vintage kitchen and am so lucky this is original. Means a lot! But here is an honest question that I hope you don't rag all over me for - As a mom of three littles who cooks all the time especially now, how can you updated the cabinets to make them work more smoothly? The storage just seems to NOT fit any of my current dishes / cookware in a convenient way. The cost to paint/refinish is 3-4k, and I would need to replace the countertop costing me another couple thousand. Plus adding a dishwasher would require me to build out the base, etc. I can install a new kitchen that would be more storage friendly for the same cost. Just trying to understand, outside of the look and the uniqueness, please sell me on the idea of keeping them vs. finding someone who might appreciate the look/vintage persona more than myself. I am genuinely needing / wanting help to figure out if I should keep them or find them a new home. Thank you in advance!

Well... the price estimate to paint is crazy. You will only have to paint exterior and doors. Leaving the interior pale blue will actually help you to see better. I'd def shop around for that. I just painted a set of 1950s cabinets myself. Harbor Freight has cheepo air spayers that can do the job, but i use rustolium pro finish with a spray head attachment. Or... Go to a car painter and get it done there.

2. There are sliding mechanisms that are ADA compliant- making storage practical. I'm attaching an image; they are on the left. I build ADA compliant homes. These are available everywhere, Home Depot. Lowes, etc.

3. Not sure about countertop. Do NOT get granite. It is passe' and damned ugly. Depending on your style, walnut butcherblock counterops are 329 per 8 ft stretch at home depot. They are gorgeous and would compliment st Charles nicely. The butcherblock look would pull the aesthetic to be more french country or scandinavian. But walnut makes it look so much more elegant. You can do an oil , wax finish or use spar poly, like i did. Solid surface would be good also. But Marble... a no no!

I wish i knew your tastes better; i could certainly provide more accurate guidance.

4. Dishwasher. As I said in a previous posting all these cabinets are component parts. All you have to do is slip out the dishwasher and install a regular dishwasher. There is no issue here other than having the waterline run to your sink. And you'd have to do that anyhow. Any trim needed can be wood painted to match cabinets.

I know having three children can be a bit much. But know that I build several homes at a time (doing 3 at the moment) and I only design using green building techniques. That constantly requires me to think outside the box and grab a salvage item when i see it. I've gotten pretty darn good at it. I am happy to guide you. What you have is a treasure, and you should not let go of it. Walnut countertops could be absolutely stunning with black base cabinets and ivory uppers. If you went with another solid color all over; Walnut countertops with still look superb. I have Walnut countertops in a kitchen in New York that we use as a guest premises. We often get compliments. It's weird people don't think of it until they see it as a reasonable yet elegant solution.

Thanks Haus! You are a rockstar of info! I can't thank you enough for your thoughts.

I was originally thinking of painting a creamy white with brass hardware + richer color (not light) butcher block counters. And building an island (in a dark blue or black base with a white quartz) to include more functional prep space and have drawers for my more 'regularly used' items. But now thinking that would include sooo many elements (wood vs. metal, different colors, etc). We would have too many elements going on. We would also lay down some vinyl plank flooring on top of the current blue floor and update the lighting to modernize the space a bit (the home is spanish style). I also don't love the projecting peninsulas the cabinets currently have going on - it cuts off the 'dining' space that we will have, and with three little kids, we need as much room for them to run around as possible. So trying to think through how if I would just get rid of those and leave it open for our dining area.

My alternative is to sell or help find this set a new home and install an ikea kitchen in a similar layout, minus the peninsulas. It would just be easier if I could work with these - just hard to imagine. Sounds like you have a vision and I really appreciate you helping me see that come to life! You have so much experience! I just wish I could put my current kitchen images in a software program that would show me what it could look like with all those updates :)

My lord... if you replace this kitchen with Ikea... I'll hurl.

They used to make descent kitchens, but Ingvar Khuamprad is no longer with us... and quality at a good price is no longer the case with Ikea. From vast experience, i know that stuff is pretty crappy. Tidaholm was their last good quality (solid wood) cabinet fronts. Gone for years now.

You can make cut outs to the scale of your kitchen space, cabs, appliances, etc... and move them around to create a new kitchen. That will help get the creative side of you to emerge. And those rounded peninsulas? Either eliminate them (sell) or use them to create an island or counter. Ivory is nice, but kinda safe. I'd go with 2 tones. Keep your countertops same or it will look mismatched. Elegant continuity is the way to go.

And your kids will not always be small. Seriously... blink and they are asking for the car keys! Your kitchen needs to work now for sure. But I honestly dont think your cabs will be a hindrance.

Hahaha. We are remodeling in 4 years either way, so whatever we go with will actually need to change anyways. So I’m starting to buy into your argument for keeping them. There’s a part of me that wants to let someone who really really appreciates the vintage look and feel embrace them for their beauty vs me paint and cut them up 😬. But I’m starting to be convinced :)

The Retro Renovation blog is back up and running, you can leave a comment there or email Pam, the woman who runs it. This will insure that your cabinets find a good home (and you'll get a good price for them) if you're determined to sell them. And if you're at all interested in keeping yours, read up on her substantial archive about metal cabinets and styling retro kitchens.

Thanks for the heads up Kpkowski! I did write her a couple of months ago but never heard back. Really appreciate the info!

Pam was not the stormtrooper on that site. She worked well with her partner... but is overwhelmed now. The partner was the writer/researcher. Pam no longer allows posts for sale or requests for help... Shame... but the site has turned into a blog about her discoveries and personal home remodel. I was/am still searching for someone who makes old school awnings. I used all the references she has/had listed. They were either out of business, or had not done old school style in years.Those resources are not reliable at all.

Instagram has groups that help. They are responsible for me selling the vintage contents of the house I salvaged, including the St. Charles Kitchen.. Someone posted the ad/images I placed on Craigslist... and BOOOM.... a zillion contacts.

ERIN 432, I wish there was a way to speak directly.

If you know a way... let me know.

@Häus Werk, Pam does loads of research still! She was on hiatus this spring, but came back last month and has been actively responding to posts. I'm not sure that Kate (the one who used to partner with her) was any more responsible for the research than Pam was/is. Check out her recent delve into Armstrong flooring, including reaching out to get info from their archives. All of her most current posts are about resources and old catalogs/ads or info about vintage sources, and yes, some items she hasn't updated in awhile, and I think that's simply because she covers so many items, it's hard for one person to cover. A lot of those old school resources are run by old school businesses also have minimal or no web presence and can be harder to keep track of. It's a blog, not a comprehensive museum.

I haven't seen her feature her own personal home remodeling in a very long time. I'll stop here. I happen to be a huge fan of her site and have been in contact with her a few times over the years for resources and she's been helpful :-)

@Häus Werk about to sell my cabinet/kitchen set. Is there a way to get in touch with you for more tips on photographing/posting? Much appreciated!

I actually can’t figure out what the maker is of these cabinets -anybody recognize them?

@Häus Werk Do you have a photo or link for the kitchen you mentioned with the black cabinets? We have a large kitchen with red St. Charles cabinets with the leathered finish. They were installed in 1975. I love them so much! We are having the doors and faces painted black (interior will stay red) in a few weeks. I‘m looking for all the images of actual vintage metal cabinets that have been painted that I can get my hands on so I can make a final decision about the finish and hardware. Thank you so much!

I painted mine with Rust-Oleum spray paint. I used their auto primer in grey... and the high Performance in gloss black. I also use the comfort spray handle adaptor.The secret is to do 5 to 6 layers ... dry completely in between and sand with 500 to 1000 grit between layers.

Make sure you sand after the primer, too.Make sure you tape off ?mask what you want to change.And MAKE SURE TO LET IT DRY COMPLETELY. It can take many days to finish the job, depending on atmospheric humidity and temperature.

You can't mess up as long as you are patient. You will begin to see results after the second paint layer. Just keep going and sand very lightly... like a faeries wing of pressure... just to knock down dust and imperfections. Spray with long even strokes overlapping the edges and paint layers.

Metal cabinets are components. They are joined usually by screws or nuts. Remove them and take them to a sunny, dust free spot outside... or in an enclosed area with very good light and ventilation. I always wear a p100 mask when I spray... but try finding one of those lately.

Spray paint is basically the same as car paint. If you don't want to DIY... take it to an auto shop and get it done there. Make sure you get a good price and a guarantee of several layers of finish.

Spay paint is about 6 $ per can. I use about 1 to 3 per cabinet. I'm really good at it now... but wasn't at first. Now I paint all the time without any fear!

@Häus Werk I'm located in South Orange NJ just 30 minutes from NYC We are renovating a midcentury house designed by Herbert Beckhart, partner in Marcel Breuers architect firm. We have custom kitchen in the house, looks just like St. Charles but does not have any references to the brand on any of the cabinets. We are looking to sell all the cabinets and the island with butcher block top( see picture) except one bottom and one top unit which we will reuse and the sink unit was unfortunately very damaged. Everything has been carefully removed and is read for pick up. Any tips on how to sell this in the NJ/NY area would be helpful.

Hi,

Just saw your correspondence. I put my cabinets on to Craigslist and eBay simultaneously. I actually managed to sell them through an architectural salvage friend. His regular clients are always looking for Architectural Salvage. My Saint Charles kitchen was an Immaculate 99% excellent condition. If you do not know the manufacturer of your cabinets, you might use keywords of other makers to attract possible buyers. Additionally, there might be information on the backs of the cabinets or under the drawers they give you an idea of where they're made and possibly their brand. I know that Jeffersonville Indiana was a center where they made lots of metal cabinets. By the way, there was no image for me to relate to. If you meant to insert it, it was not successful. You're in New Jersey and I know there are many architectural salvage companies within three states. But I can't advise you to anything without knowing what does cabinets look like

Are you located in the NY area? We have a complete St. Charles kitchen in Brooklyn which we were planning to sell - It needs some repainting and general repairs - would love your expertise on these matters.

Hi Denis,

I go between nyc and nola.

Why don't you send images of what you have?

I can certainly advise whether or not you should invest any time or $$ before you offer your St Charles kitchen for sale.

Sometimes its worth the investment... sometimes you are glad someone took them off your hands!

Ive consulted quite a few people in the last year on metal kitchen cabinets, in general.

What a lovely offer. I will send them off tomorrow. Thanks so much! So hard to find expertise in this area!

Herare the photos - warts and all! Kitchen was designed and installed in 1960 - original paint, Harvest Gold I believe....

Hmmmm.your images are a bit soft. Hard to see details... but it looks like there was a light yellow under the "harvest gold".

Are you remoldelling? If so, why dont you rehab these cabs? As you may have read in my previous comments, these cabinets are components. And they can be switched around to suit your design needs. You will never... repeat.... never, ever find cabinets that will last this long again. Most cabinet boxes are made of pressed paper pressed wood chips or plywood. All of the above eventually rots and peels apart from oyster. And moisture is a constant element in a kitchen. One good sink leak and you're under sink cabinet is a goner. Contrastingly, if it's metal, it can be rehabbed. You just sand it and repaint it.

Is t his a house or apartment?

If it is about equity investment, you might consider having them reconditioned... and painted. People who rehab cars often have the ability to rehab your cabinets and paint them with professional results. I find that people who do special detailing often are into that sort of artistic expression.

As i mentioned, we sold ours for 9k.

The utterly gorgeous house was sold for 1.2M and the owners knocked it down to build a McMansion.

Btw, as it turns out, they had been repainted. The job was so good that we couldnt tell until during retrival, we saw the backer/mounting plate on the wall.

The countertops gotta go, though.

Floor and Decor has Walnut and Acadia. Either would look fab.

If you decide to sell... possibly donate instead.

If you donate half on dec 31... and half on jan1, you can get the max fair market value. Otherwise, you'll be at the mercy of the fickle market if you sell. As is... they arent worth much.

But like a 1965 mustang that needs love... once you restore it/them, they dramatically jack up in value.

One last thing.

Buy your appliances used or at scratch and dent. P.c. Richard's in New York has a scratch and dent store in Deer Park I believe. Scratch and dent doesn't mean that they're ruined. sometimes it's open box problems, an error in the order, or there might be a knob missing because it was a store display. They are still under warranty and if anything is missing, the manufacturer can replace it sometimes for free.

The kitchen I have now has a Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer and Bertazzoni stove. I paid less than 2k for both!

Wow! What an incredible resource! Thanks for all your advice. I love PC Richards and we have a car so that's definitely something to consider! Once again thanks for taking the time to comment. We have a great body shop in DUMBO so it's worth asking them if they'd do this type of work...

I have a metal kitchen (not st charles) in storage in brooklyn. If your car painter works out... let me know. I know people in nola, but nyc just doesnt have good, old school bodyshops anymore.

Ikea's kitchen planner sofware is useful for design, as is floorplanner.com. My hubby just cuts out paper to scale. He's old school.

Build it Green in Brooklyn sells used upscale appliances, sinks, etc... but has gotten snobby and expensive. And Roy under the bridge next to Lowes in Brooklyn sells vintage sinks and metal stuff. Love Roy's. I just like walking around there. Like a junque museum.

I dont use houzz anymore. Im on insta just to keep up... if you dm me there...

I'm any case... if I've been useful to you or anyone... pls pay it forward.

I'll have my wife DM you. She's on instagram, I'm not! But we'll let you know about what our body guy says...

I came across a four pieces set of St. Charles metal cabinets with wood doors. Two talls a base center and an upper center with a light and outlet. I believe Platinum in color. The talls have 5 adjustable shelves each. They also have five sliding drawers in one and four for the other. The uper center has 3 shelves. Thes cabinets seem more for China and silverware cause some drawers are velvet coated. Any suggestion on selling??? Thank You, Bryan