Vintage Kitchen Style: Early 20th Century

[@HeidisHereAndThere]

The dishwasher is that sink! 🤣

[@app103]

I live in an apartment building that was built in 1932. I have the only apartment in the building that has most of the original kitchen (and bathroom) intact, and in excellent condition. - Almond colored ceramic tile walls with black trim - linoleum flooring that looks like mosaic tiles in various shades of brown - a cast iron sink with a chocolate brown porcelain enamel finish. - what looks like a brown marble window sill. (I have one in my bathroom, too.) - Beneath the window is an old black cast iron radiator. - My walnut cabinets DO have toe kicks, and ENORMOUS 22" wide doors and drawers - the counter tops and lower cabinets are incredibly deep. - the counter tops and back splashes are all done with almond colored Formica and steel edge trim - I have 5 drawers that would qualify, in a modern kitchen, as extra wide silverware drawers. - There is a built-in cutting board that slides out from under the counter. - The upper cabinets do not go all the way to the ceiling, though. - All the upper cabinets on one side of my kitchen have the glass front doors, but the rest of my cabinets don't. I use one side of the glass front cabinets for dishes and the other for a fancy canister set on the top shelf and the bottom shelf for all my cookbooks. - I have a chandelier in the center of the room. Two features that I have, that seems to have all but disappeared from modern kitchens: - two large tin drawers designed for holding 10 LBS of potatoes and 10 LBS of onions (all my friends are jealous). - a recessed single outlet (holds only ONE plug), with a built-in hook, on the wall above my cabinets that sit over my sink, meant specifically for powering and hanging up an electric clock. I'd still have a vintage refrigerator, were it not for the landlord insisting it was too small for a family, replacing it right before I moved in. He was kind enough not to mess up the color scheme, by buying an almond colored one. I do have a vintage almond colored gas stove, the non-electric kind with pilot lights, although I do not know how old it is. It is old enough that the manufacturer (Premier) doesn't make knobs to fit it any more, and it has been hell to get a replacement oven knob that fits it correctly. (old knob has no numbers on it any more)

[@debbiem2146]

That is amazing, thank you so much for sharing!

[@lindacgrace2973]

Hmm. I presume you're talking "early 20th century" before 1925. I lived and worked in an unmodified kitchen from 1929. There were toe-kicks, sink cabinet cut-outs (a horizontal slits pattern), and fully flush inset drawers. There were no sconces, and I have checked historical houses - nobody ever put a sconce over a doorway until the late 30s, when they were popular in mudrooms, back porches, laundry rooms, pantries, and other utilitarian spaces. My small kitchen had two 'school house' style fixtures with that iconic shape (centre of room and over the sink). So I think that more than one light fixture happened at least some of the time. I have also seen many task lights in the shape of large radio vacuum tubes with black or white shades near the stove or sink, but no sconces. Also, the stove was considered to be dangerous and nobody built cabinets up to them. Rolling enamelled tea tray style carts were used to provide off-loading and storage space. Since the only wall space left was the other side of the stove, the refrigerator was shoved up against the stove (I still see this arrangement in older unremodeled kitchens throughout the 50s). Hey, even though you made both appliances work harder, the fridge was metal and wouldn't catch fire. Is my information wrong? Is this a regional thing (the features I describe were in a California Craftsman Bungalow in Redondo Beach)? What books/historic houses with unmodified kitchens are you getting your information from? I would love to check them out.

[@AdrienneLovesOldHouses]

A point to keep in mind is that my houses are not restoration projects aiming for museum accuracy. Mine are closer to rehabs, incoorporating modern technology while trying to keep the historic characteristics intact, but more accurately defined as resurrections. These houses were on the demolition list, and I'm bringing them back from the dead. That being understood, I must take some creative license when interpreting what may have been there, and ensuring the house will be livable and usable to modern populations because that's the only way it will stay saved. So this house, ca 1914, should not be used as a guide for museum level accuracy, but as a guide for how you can put back your old house.

[@lindacgrace2973]

@@AdrienneLovesOldHouses I think you did a brilliant job of resurrecting a house others left for dead! That's why I'm so interested and pestering you with questions. 😀 I also think that there were a lot of regional variations. A California Craftsman bungalow was a lot different than a Chicago Craftsman, and while the family resemblance was obvious, Florida Craftsman were a distinct style to themselves. I didn't realize this house was from the 'teens, not the 30s. That explains the toe-kicks. The Sears Kit houses (mid-1920s to 1930s) had toe kicks. Victorian (and, obviously, early Craftsman) homes did not. How did you learn all of this? Can you recommend any books so I can learn all this?

[@terricakleinknecht9383]

Wow, I just found your channel when researching how to install a recessed medicine cabinet in my plaster wall. This is gonna be a great resource for me as my home is from a similar era (early 20s). I love your bathroom and kitchen walkthrough videos - I’ve already found so much useful information in them that has answered a lot of questions I’ve had about my space. Thank you!

[@AdrienneLovesOldHouses]

Great!!! I'm so glad and thank you!!!😊

[@Ang.0910]

So glad I found this channel. I love your style of videos. they’re cool and educational.

[@AdrienneLovesOldHouses]

❤️❤️

[@georgeb.5384]

Two nit-picky thoughts come to mind: 1. Where are the trash/waste receptacles? 2. I like to open/close my windows and the location of your sink makes that kitchen window an issue, not to mention that it won't take much time at all before dust, debris, and dead insects/spiders begin to accumulate behind the sink and in front of the window. In such an otherwise perfect and creative restoration/renovation, that sink placement is the one thing I'd never get accustomed to. The locations of the microwave and dishwasher(s), are wonderful, and I'm particularly impressed with how you mimicked the support brackets on the butler's pantry cupboard. There's a lot to like about that clever idea.

[@JeanneOlson-vv9tl]

Great job! I have lived in and been the sole owner since 1982, a 1034 craftsman cottage style, so to speak. I love it. I have what I believe to be the original kitchen cabinets. I’m redoing what I can on a bare bones budget. So Formica counters paint and lace curtains. I’m easily able to get a used-ish sink in what would be the style of 1934, the year my home was finished. I even, In a small hometown way, was able to meet one of the previous families that lived here. He agreed that this home was filled with love. Blessings to all.

[@FranLu-qs2xv]

You did such a great job! That Butler's Pantry! AHHH!!! I'm in a 1929 house, but I live like it's the 1940s so I've done things as best I can with my budget, but the man who redid the house took away the Butler's Pantry and it is so needed BUT I have a Hoosier cabinet in there and that helps a lot! Thanks for the upload. What a great place to make food, can goods, hang out, clean and that sink is to die for!!! BEAUTIFUL! (Forgot to mention it took 8 1/2 years, but I finally found a 1940s lighting fixture I love and I actually do the soft bulb thing you mentioned :)

[@gingermonette7455]

"Modify the new to fit the old." Very creative threshold to not cut the door facing! Love the dishwasher option and that cabinet!

[@quiltchick8073]

Thank you for sharing your talent with the world! Your kitchen is absolutely beautiful! I would love to see a video from you regarding your pantry and its history!

[@AdrienneLovesOldHouses]

Good idea!! thanks!

[@speechka009]

Excellent work young lady. Bravo.

[@whitneylong3220]

Was butcher block around in the 1920's? Me and my husband are updating our kitchen in our 1930's house and your info has been very helpful!

[@matthewlong1199]

I am wondering the same thing. Thank you for asking this question kind stranger :)

[@AdrienneLovesOldHouses]

Yes, butcherblock was very popular in the early 20th century! Wood and stone have been used as worksurface materials for centuries. Soapstone, butcherblock, and marble were used quite a bit. In the 1920s-40s you would also have seen tile countertops. Occasionally metal and some types of slate were also used. Good luck!!

[@AdrienneLovesOldHouses]

@@matthewlong1199 It sure was!!

[@RaChaelHoller]

I love this video, but I was wondering what kind of tile would they have used?

[@CrankyGrandma]

My grandmas kitchen was built in 1920. I remember it as it was unchanged (cabinet wise and layout wise) in the 1960s. The twist lock cabinets! I remember. And the drawer pulls. Yep. When they got a fridge to replace the icebox it was in the pantry, not the main kitchen. The sink…yes. They had one center fluorescent circular fixture which I assume was added later. Her cabinets were all white and there was a kitchen table used for cooking prep (not a lot of counter space). Her stove wasn’t at all like the modern one you have there, though. I don’t remember any vent at all.

[@moocrazytn]

My 1921 kitchen had a window placed high over the stove. I assume it was my aunt's version of a vent.

[@AnnaM0906]

Love it, love it, love it.

[@stephenburns3678]

Like your approach on alter the new not the old. Thank you

[@susancarroll3322]

Would you add purchase information on your flooring and countertops please

[@renegarlinghouse1504]

Absolutely love the kitchen! It definitely inspires me to built antique-looking cabinets for my own kitchen. May I ask what floating floor did you use and what color?

[@maryr9481]

Love the whole sink set up! What are the dimensions of the sink, and did you get a reproduction double drainboard sink, or did you use a vintage one?

[@AdrienneLovesOldHouses]

It's vintage!! 60x22x14 Thanks for commenting!!

[@Kcolor428]

I’d would love to know the name of the purple paint color! It’s perfect!

[@AdrienneLovesOldHouses]

I know right!!!! It's Plum Brown by Sherwin Williams 😍

[@anolisa1939]

Beautiful job!

[@gailpratt9453]

Great job❤

[@AdrienneLovesOldHouses]

Thank you 😄

[@cassiebushnell1561]

Hi! Just found your channel and subscribed. Beautiful job! Love the color choices! I would love to know the color of the doors/trim, and the color above the beadboard if you're able to share!

[@kaylatroyer2543]

Love the wall mount sink and faucet. Could you tell me where you got the faucet at?? Beautiful kitchen!

[@AdrienneLovesOldHouses]

Thank you!! The faucet is TS Brass.

[@northstar4851]

What material is that authentic paper towel rack?😮😅

[@wandawilkinson9239]

Very true to life

[@TheStoneWhisperer]

Super sweet! I just closed on a 1920 Cape Cod Gable in Ohio, it's going to be super fun to get it all looking beautiful again! Glad I found your channel! What part of the U.S. is this home located in? Cold weather State? Can't wait to see more!

[@2manyroberts]

Thank You THANK YOU!

[@AdrienneLovesOldHouses]

You're welcome!

[@cathyhabas2686]

What do you suggest for making those tall upper cabinets more practical? Step stool or a fancy pull-down system?

[@AdrienneLovesOldHouses]

I just use a step stool but I can reach the first 2 sections easily without it. I'm 5'5". The top sections I use for storage of less often used items.

[@elephantintheroom5678]

I love what you did there. I just wish you would change your light to something simpler. Antique, authentic, but simpler. I think it would look better. Otherwise, I think you've done one of the best old kitchen reno's I've seen.

[@AdrienneLovesOldHouses]

I agree, but I already had that chandelier. Free keeps me in budget.

[@elephantintheroom5678]

@@AdrienneLovesOldHouses Ah!

[@lisas4444]

Cool! Are you doing a lot more than windows nowadays, or is this your house?

[@AdrienneLovesOldHouses]

Yes I'm redoing entire homes now but I still love windows! I'm working on a window project now that will take all winter maybe!

[@judithoden]

To me the refrigerator needs to open from opposite side. The way it is you have to walk around door and this makes it harder to place items from fridge on to counter. Would drive me nuts.

[@endobyotic]

Do mine next! ❤❤❤

[@nomanejane5766]

❤

[@moorelandhouse]

We cheated a little bit in our 1904 Victorian kitchen but we are going to do a lot better job of making it look primitive in the Castle.

[@AdrienneLovesOldHouses]

Do you have videos of the Victorian on your channel?? I've just seen the castle!

[@moorelandhouse]

@@AdrienneLovesOldHouses No, we have been living and working on it for over 20 years. It was before KZbin. =)

[@lizabetx483]

Toe kicks may not be original but I prefer them.

[@AdrienneLovesOldHouses]

They are certainly helpful!

[@pricklypear7516]

Most people don't realize that women didn't stand at their counters as we do today. They used a tall stool and SAT. But for the most part, chopping vegetables, pitting cherries, disjointing meat: All that kind of stuff was done on those drainboards. These women KNEW about food-borne pathogens: No FDA, no supermarkets or refrigerators, farm-raised or hunted meat. . . A cutting board set on the drainboard meant that everything could be sluiced with boiling water when the task was finished. Since most sinks were open underneath, there was no need for toe-kicks.

[@leashgang1]

Love old kitchens all you want, DONT BE COOKING WITH ALUMINUM! Unless you want Alzheimer’s.

[@speechka009]

Actually, this is untrue.

[@lisabroaddus4737]

Love your insight. Please don’t play music while you’re talking. Very distracting and unnecessary. Fights with your voice. There is CC, but it takes away from watching the video. Especially when the music adds nothing.