I'd like to see a color on the wall--probably the blue that is the background of the patterned tile, perhaps a couple of shades lighter. Hopefully, that will blend with other colors in your house.

ooh, I LOVE this kitchen! I wonder if really pale blush would look good on those walls? it depends on how yellow that tile is. if it's a really warm white, you might want to keep your walls white too.

I don't love the fruit tile. since it's just a few, you might have just those tiles replaced. or if they're not textured, they could be painted with gloss enamel. either way, it would be hard to match the color. an easier approach would be to paint the tile close enough, and then put some low profile shelving in front of it. (let me dig around and I'll see if I can find some inspiration.)

my favorite blogger used to have a 50s kitchen similar to yours. she decorated it with really minimal, Scandinavian inspired things. your floor is way nicer than hers was, so that will help!

?cover up the wall? as in the tiled wall that juts out a bit, w the decorative inserts? heck no...I'd find an art deco mirror to put above that tile and a wood cart /smallish to place in front to set things out. You can find carts that are 18 in deep.

ok, I found a couple of things. first of all, the "fruit wall" isn't supposed to be your stove wall, is it? (I'm guessing not since it's so clean.) but if you are planning on putting your stove there, you could do a vent hood with a stainless backsplash between.

if you are a fan of vintage and are ok with a bulkier piece of furniture right there, check vintage shops for freestanding cupboards. or if you want something more contemporary, google "shallow pantry" for freestanding cabinets that won't stick out too far.

if you don't want anything too bulky right there, you could so some kind of small wall mounted shelving - like the kind used for knicknacks. this style below (from west elm) has a backing to it that might even cover up the fruit tile if you place it right. I'm not sure if the white will be the right shade for your kitchen though.

if shelving doesn't totally cover the fruit, that's ok. paint those tiles a close enough match, and then when you hang shelving and items in front of it, those items will help camoflauge any imperfections (for example, if that tile is textured).

then look for a small kitchen cart to place under it. (this one is from overstock.) again though, this one might be too white. this is just to give an idea of what could go there.

The tile is charming! What will your layout be?

Before picking paint colors, decide if you are changing your lighting at all - different color temperature bulbs, under counter lighting, etc. Paint (and tile) can change dramatically under different lighting conditions.

Definitely paint the wall above the tile. Because the tile has a yellow tone, you could do a cheery yellow or better yet the shade of blue that is in the fruit tile -- that would look great!

I agree with Cali

Oh please, please do not cover up the tile. It is SO gorgeous and I'm guessing is earlier than the 50's. Here is a 1910-20s kitchen.

https://artsandcraftshomes.com/kitchens-and-bathrooms/backsplash-progression

I would look for non-traditional or English or Euro design sites for inspiration.

And I might put a plate rack on that wall.

I'd definitely buy this teapot.

https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/gallery/the-best-kitchen-accessories

I’d kill for your vintage kitchen, once these are torn out, they are gone forever. If it’s in good shape, keep it and take your time coming up with a wall colour. It’s your home, it will come to you....

I agree with calidesign, also. Paint the cabinets also so they are not glaringly white. I'm not fond of the fruit tiles, you could paint them

Thank you so much for all your responses and ideas. Here is the rest of the kitchen.

Sorry they didn’t attach. I’m new to this app

You are so lucky, that vintage kitchen has been maintained and cared for. I love it. I do like Ilove Mod's post above, the second picture with the shelving. Very attractive for that spot and very practical too. I would keep the walls the same as the tile, and do a few accents in the brighter bluish color in those tile. Maybe a colorful area rug or two too. It will be a beautiful kitchen.

After seeing all the photos, I would remove the upper and lower cabinets in the alcove shown in your first photo and recess the refrigerator in that space so it is out of the walkway. It appears you have enough cabinets and countertops space around your window/sink to make up for it. You may be able to add a moveable narrow island/work surface to the open area if the refrigerator is out of the way.

Tiburon home remodel · More Info

Wallpaper? Retro?

I think the tile is fabulous and would not let it go.

Do not laugh! Fun! From etsy.com

Look up Art Deco kitchens. Maybe do a pale pink or a light mint green. Find some Fiestaware to put on shelving.

Sunny Yellow Retro Kitchen · More Info

Can you post a sketch of the layout? I am having some trouble understanding where the sink and range are in relation to the fridge.

Isaac,
maybe this is helpful.

1 (yellow) is the wall with the fruit tile.

3 (green wall) shows the galley in the first photo in my comment with my stove and sink

forgot to attached again

That tile is fabulous. Any covering should be easily reversible.

Lovely tile and gorgeous kitchen! I second the idea of recessing the fridge. Can you take a picture of the fruit tiles head on and closer up?

1930's tiling done to perfection. Here is a reproduction wallpaper that IMO would be perfect.

https://www.bradbury.com/3D_100.html

Is the square part of the room used for eating?

On wall 1, does the hallway go to an exterior door? Front or back? Is that where you bring in groceries?

What do the doorways on wall 2 go to?

What does the door on wall 3 go to? Basement?

How wide is the portion where the sink is? What is behind the long wall there (not the sink wall, the other side)? Would it be possible to recess the fridge into that wall so it is closer to the sink?

Hi Isaac,

• Wall 1 hallway leads to the front door and the living room to the right. Correct -where I bring in groceries

On wall 2, left of fridge is bathroom. Right of fridge is master bedroom

• First door on wall 3 goes to back door, upper level stairs and basement. Second door (i am guessing it used to be a staircase to upstairs) now is a closet but strange because it has two steps inside to provide as headway for basement (houzz app will not let me upload additional photos right now for some reason)

• The portion where the sink is a narrow galley and I can measure later but it is not possible to recess the fridge on that side of the wall because of the stairways

calidesign,

we measured that alcove to see if we can fit a fridge and even with a counter depth it will stick out quite a bit so we figured it isn’t worth ripping that out for

Still focusing on cosmetic issues, I'd lean into the black and white and do something like this in front of the windows. As far as the fruit wall, maybe a simple black cart. I think Ikea might be a source. Cart was from CB2.

I'm also wondering about removing the doors on the upper cuboard in that nook, wallpapering the back and changing the hardware on the lowers to black.

thank you chiflipper I just ordered a sample of that wallpaper — love it

I am wondering what is behind that closet space? Could there possibly be space to open up the narrow galley and place fridge and stove on that wall which looks to be opposite your sink?

I love your tile! You absolutely should not take it out. It has so much character and charm, just what you want in a kitchen!

I would go with a buttery light yellow above the tile. My mom had a yellow kitchen when I was growing up and it is such a cheerful colour around food.

Love that tile! It's really beautiful. Currently planning a kitchen renovation to put that tile back in, after it was ripped out back in the c.1980s. The vegetable tiles are a little odd, but I'd be inclined to embrace them and pull a wall color out of whichever one you like best. Or go with one of the vintage reproduction Bradbury & Bradbury wallpapers @chiflipper linked to. For a yellow & black kitchen c. 1930s style like yours, maybe https://www.bradbury.com/3D_114.html or https://www.bradbury.com/4d_ger.html?