BT Kitchens

Personalize Your Kitchen with Vintage Accessories

admin — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 15:07:52 +0000

The post-war era of the 1940’s had a unique design. In this time, much of the family life centered around the kitchen. Because of this, many homeowners nowadays looking to have that vintage look in their home often do much of this redesigning in their kitchen. Vintage kitchen accessories are the key ingredient for a great vintage looking kitchen.

Many of these accessories are made from stainless steel so they last quite a while. Because of the popularity of bright colors and patterns in the post-war era of the 1940’s, many homeowners nowadays find themselves being able to put in a lot of their own creative input. Many accessories such and linens, coasters, serving trays, figuring, salt and pepper shakers, and clocks came in a variety of colors and designs which allowed the 1940s housewife to have a kitchen of her very own. Likewise, homeowners looking to get that post-war look can personalize their own kitchen with accessories that they prefer.

Many vintage stores such as antique stores sell vintage kitchen accessories at affordable prices. Many of the items that can be found at these stores include potholders, tablecloths, dish towels, and curtains. There are also a variety of pots and pans and actual kitchen utensils that can complete the vintage look of the kitchen. With these types of accessories, those decorating their homes in a vintage design will have a kitchen that looks authentic, but is, in fact, authentic.

Another great thing about the 1940s post-war era is that Coca Cola insignia was highly popular as it is nowadays. Those who enjoy collecting Coca Cola insignia will quickly find that they can have a wonderful vintage looking kitchen with the same Coca Cola logos they love. Many of these things can be found in antique stores as well as Coca Cola collector item specialty shops. Coca Cola insignia produced in the 1940s often included hand towels, clocks, serving plates, and more! Those unable to find authentic vintage Coca Cola gear are in luck as much of the Coca Cola insignia make today resembles that of the 1940s post-war era Coca Cola insignia. There are also many reproductions made that homeowners can buy, usually at lower prices.

The Nostalgia of Vintage Kitchen Appliances

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:13:10 +0000

Designing a kitchen can be rough. There are many themes that a homeowner may choose from and perhaps the easiest and most fun theme is that of the time periods in the 1930s to the 1960s. In designing a kitchen to have this vintage look, many homeowners luck out as many kitchen appliances made in this time period were made to last. Also, many of these appliances are still visually appealing.

As many of these appliances are made of metal or thick plastics, they last a long time. These appliances actually outlive many appliances made today and create an amazing effect in the kitchen. These appliances not only provide usability but also bring nostalgia to the owner, bringing them back to the kitchens of their mothers and grandmothers to and idyllic society where the wife was able to stay home and care for her children while the husband worked.

While vintage kitchen appliances do bring a certain level of quality and nostalgia to the home, there are a few drawbacks that must be considered when purchasing vintage appliances. These appliances ten to “warm up” slowly compared to modern appliances and are less energy efficient. Also, the wiring used back then was quite different and in many cases considered downright unsafe! Because of this, when not using a vintage appliance, it is important to unplug it to prevent a fire. It is also important for the homeowner to know that these appliances are susceptible to electrical overload so the proper extensions have to be used. Those for a knack in electricity may opt to rewire the appliances and those without the skill can take the appliances in to be rewired. This allows for the vintage look and quality as well as a certain level of modern safety.

Those looking to purchase vintage kitchen appliances may opt to look in antique stores for great deals on previously loved appliances. Also, many stores on the Internet also sell antique kitchen appliances. There are also many “vintage style” appliances on the market which are new appliances that have been made to look like they were manufactured in the 1930s to the 1960s. These are a great option for those who are worried about safety or who are unable to find exactly what they are looking for.

Perfect your Decor with Vintage Kitchen Cabinets

admin — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 03:00:44 +0000

Many of those opting for vintage look in their kitchen choose to invest in vintage kitchen cabinets. There are many times periods that are popular. For example, Shaker cabinets which were made between 1880 and 1930 are a popular type. The bases of these cabinets were attached to the floor and the upper cabinets were built as high as the kitchen ceiling. Because of this, many of the upper shelves were hard to reach. However hard to reach as some of the cabinets were, some of the cabinets were very handy for daily use. Tilt-out bins were often used with these cabinets to hold large amounts of ingredients such as flour or sugar. The amount of storage available in Shaker cabinets was phenomenal which is probably why they were so popular.

Metal cabinets were at the height of sophistication in the 1930s on through the post-war era. These cabinets were very easy to maintain and were very affordable and economical. Most of these cabinets only came in white as the metal was difficult to paint, but they can be found in other colors as well.

Kitchen cabinets, in general, were “all the rage” in the 1930s where the idea of modern kitchens came about from mass urbanization. Kitchen cabinets provided a great deal of organization and time saving abilities compared to storage methods previously used. Many families hand built their cabinets, but also purchasing household goods started to become highly common in this time period.

Those looking for kitchen cabinets to create a vintage look in their kitchen may want to look in antique or vintage stores. Some websites also may sell vintage cabinets. As it can be difficult to find a full set of good looking vintage kitchen cabinets in the right size, many homeowners opt to purchase new cabinets that are made to look as if they can from the post-war time period. Those who are good with wood or metal may also find it quite a money-saver to build their own vintage cabinets, but this often takes a large amount of skill. However vintage cabinets are obtained, they can quickly create the perfect vintage look in any kitchen.

Vintage Kitchen Scales

admin — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:27:14 +0000

One unusual appliance you can bring into your kitchen is a vintage kitchen scale. Kitchen scales have been used by homemakers for hundreds of years, and varied wildly in their make and style over the years. Even given the differences in style, there are clear signs of progress when one looks at scales across the years. Most recently, cast iron scales have become particularly interesting to collectors of vintage kitchen scales. They are both practical and interesting appliances to have in your kitchen, whether you need to weigh baking supplies or simply have a conversation piece on the counter.

The original kitchen scales in the style we are used to date back to the Victorian period, in the 1800s. At that time, cooks used either balance scales or mechanical scales. However, the normal family did not own a kitchen scale – only wealthy homeowners were able to purchase such luxuries. Collectors of vintage kitchen scales often look for kitchen scales such as the Victorian scales when they want to find an “authentic” antique scale.

Over the years, kitchen scales have progressed greatly. A new and attractive scale was introduced in the mid-1930s, the Depression era, to measure out baking ingredients. By the 1950s, every American kitchen had a mechanical kitchen scale to measure out necessary ingredients.

Cast iron scales are some of the most popular vintage kitchen scales for collectors to find. Their durability is impressive; even when used on a regular basis, cast iron scales will last for generations without a problem. This excellent craftsmanship makes cast iron scales ideal for collectors who do not just want to show off their newly acquired antique, but also want to use it regularly in their own homes. Think carefully about how you want to use your antique before you go out to shop for it.

New Interest in Vintage Kitchen Chairs

admin — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 03:04:20 +0000

One of the first things that homeowners look for in their vintage style kitchen purchases are vintage kitchen chairs. Like today, many homeowners in the post World War II era wanted a kitchen that was at the height of sophistication. Because of this, those decorating their home to look like a kitchen from this era will find that kitchen chairs produced then are in the same fun style as many other kitchen accessories made then.

Kitchen chairs made in the 1950s and 1960s have a distinct look that make them synonymous to the retro diner chair. Because of the popularity, many of these chairs were made in this time period. Because of the popularity of the retro look in kitchen today, there has been a recent resurgence in the production of chairs made in this style.

Vintage chairs from the 1950s are synonymous with roadside diners in the 1950s because diners were highly popular then with a wide amount of travel throughout the country on local roads and small highways as interstates weren’t really in existence at the time. These chairs were not only used in diners at the time, but also in many homes. Because the chairs from this time period were upholstered in vinyl, they last for years. However, this isn’t the only reason these chair last. Perhaps it’s because they came from an era where quality was important and nearly everything then was made to last.

The vintage 1950s kitchen chair look isn’t suitable just for a kitchen with a vintage 1950s theme, but also makes for a great looking chair in more modern style homes. This is because of the wide resurgence in popularity of these types of chairs today. The popularity of these chairs is perhaps because of the right touch of charisma they can bring to any home.

Vintage kitchen chairs from the 1950s bring a unique and warm look to any kitchen regardless of the style the homeowner is aiming for. Those who are purchasing this type of chair to create a vintage looking kitchen often also find themselves accompanying these chairs with vintage artwork and other items to complement the fun look of the chair design.

Complete Your Retro Look with a Vintage Kitchen Clock

admin — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 03:07:32 +0000

No vintage style kitchen is complete without a vintage kitchen clock. Most vintage clocks are wall mounted kitchen clocks manufactured by companies such as Waterbury Clock Company. This company produced wall mounted kitchen clocks from the 1800s on through the early 1900s. These clocks were popular perhaps because of their classic appearance. Also, they were made from wood and glass which were considered high quality components at the time. Much of the popularity was also owed to the fact that these clocks were made to last.

A unique component of clocks made in this time period versus clocks made today is that they were winded with a key to keep them ticking versus just using battery power like clocks today. Many of the clocks were also cuckoo clocks which created an Old World look that reminded German immigrants of their home country. These types of clocks can be extremely difficult to find in antique stores due to the high demand for antique clocks, but a lucky shopper can find what they are looking for.

Kitchen clocks made in the 1950s and 1960s came in a variety of shaped and sizes. Many were made with a solid color frame with a beige or white face which classic-style numbers. Because of the retro appearance of these clocks, they bring a nostalgic look from the era they were produced in. This makes them perfect for the retro style kitchen that is so popular today.

As vintage kitchen clocks are considered heirlooms, they can be difficult to find in antique stores and other vintage shops. However, the lucky shopper may find the perfect clock that represents the time period they are looking for. As many things built before the 1970s were built to last, many of those who purchase an antique clock may find themselves with a working piece. \

Those unable to find the perfect working clock are in luck as vintage style clocks are extremely popular today. Thus, many manufacturers today make reproduction clocks that look like antique clocks. Because of this, those looking for a vintage style kitchen can have the perfect clock without having to dig too deep in an antique store to find the look they want.

Make a Family Gathering Place with a Vintage Kitchen Table

admin — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 17:13:05 +0000

The vintage look is a highly sought after look in the modern kitchen. Perhaps this is owed the the rich history in the US. Regardless of the time period that the homeowner is looking for, perhaps the most important piece in the kitchen to complete the vintage look is the kitchen table.

The kitchen table is where families spend time together eating meals and playing games. This is why a kitchen table in a vintage style kitchen is one of the key ingredients in completing the vintage look. There are many time periods that homeowners considered when creating a vintage kitchen and some of the most wonderful time periods when it comes to kitchen tables is the 19th century.

There were many different styles of kitchen tables made in the 19th century, but the most popular were the Georgian, Regency, and Victorian styles. These kitchen tables were made to be masterpieces and thus can make for a beautiful vintage kitchen. Sadly, kitchen tables from the 19th century are highly sought after and thus can be extremely expensive. A lucky buyer may find one in an antique store, but most high quality kitchen tables from the 19th century will be found on an auction floor where prices can quickly rise.

Vintage kitchen tables from the 19th century were made of wood and were handcrafted in a style that was highly dictated by the style of wood that was used. Each type of wood brings its own color and appeal to a piece. Cherry, apple, ash, pine, walnut, and chestnut were popular materials for tables in the 19th century.

The American Chestnut tree was completely wiped out in a blight, so any tables found on the market today made from American Chestnut will cost in the range of tens of thousands of dollars in some cases because of the rarity of the wood. Many tables made in the 19th century also have a beautiful enamel porcelain top which often made the tabletop the highlights of the table. Metal parts were also often used in the construction of tables from this time period, but were limited to minor areas such as nails as the tables from this era were mostly constructed from wood.

Finding Vintage Kitchenaid Appliances

admin — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 03:14:43 +0000

Many of those who are looking to create a perfect look for their kitchen, choose to go for a post-war 1940’s look. This look is not complete without KitchenAid as, in this time period, it was the height of sophistication. Luckily, because of the quality of KitchenAid, products made by this company are still highly sought after in modern times. In the 1930s-1960s, KitchenAid was highly popular because items made by this company were well-crafted. Many of these appliances were portable and had many functions such as slicing, dicing, whipping, grinding, and mixing which allowed for a large amount of creativity for the homemaker.

Perhaps one of the most popular products was the Stand Mixer (Model C-3.) This mixer was produced in the 1950s and 1960s and included a metal bowl, glass bowl, and a multi-wire whisk attachment. Many homemakers found a lot of use out of the glass bowl as it could be chilled prior to use and it stayed chilled throughout the use of the mixer. This worked well for ingredients that had to stay cold. Also, the mixer offered 10 speeds for the homemaker to choose from to allow them to whip up the ingredients in any way they desired.

Another popular vintage KitchenAid product was the Coffee Mill grinder. This grinder was introduced in the 1930s and came with a glass. Homemakers with a KitchenAid Coffee Mill grinder were considered to be at the height of sophistication. Many of these products can be used today as decoration in vintage style kitchens. Those who are able to find working vintage KitchenAid appliances are in luck as these can provide the same functions as modern appliances will with a vintage touch that can make the homemaker feel as if they are preparing a meal for their family in the 1950s.

These appliances can be found in antique stores and even on the Internet. As the vintage look in kitchens is becoming highly desirable, finding vintage products can be difficult as they are highly sought after. Those who are unable to find vintage KitchenAid products are in luck as the company is still in business. Many of the products produced by KitchenAid today provide many of the same functions as they did in the 1930s – 1960s. Many of these products also look very similar, so those looking for the vintage look for their kitchen are in luck.

The Beauty and Character of Antique Kitchen Islands

admin — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:15:54 +0000

Many people select an antique kitchen island not only because of the investment that an antique provides, but the beauty and the character that it can provide. An antique kitchen island can add warmth and character to any kitchen because of the rich colors and the hard work that was put into making the piece. There are two types of antique kitchen islands that can be purchased.

Reproduction kitchen islands aren’t actually antiques, but are actually new pieces of furniture made to look like an antique. This allows buyers the ability to have exactly the kind of piece they want without having to worry about any flaws due to age or how the piece was cared for. Reproduction pieces are also usually lower in cost. Genuine antiques are highly sought after and few pieces in good condition exist, so the prices of genuine antique kitchen islands are usually higher.

An antique commode can also be used as a kitchen island, but these usually work best for those looking for a smaller island. Nearly any piece of furniture can be used as an island as long as the buyer is happy with the dimensions of the piece. Many buyers make sure to select a piece that works well design-wise and color-wise with other pieces in the kitchen so the newly purchased piece matches the common theme of the kitchen.

By purchasing the right kind of antique kitchen island, whether it is a genuine antique or is a reproduction piece, homeowners can create a beautiful look and feel in the kitchen. An antique piece can bring the feeling of warmth and times past to a kitchen which is one of the reasons of the high appeal of antiques.

Those who want a specific piece usually opt for a reproduction piece so they can get the exact look they are looking for and pay significantly less. Also, many buyers of antique kitchen furniture also invest in antique lighting so a perfect ambiance can be created for the time period design that the buyer is looking to achieve.

The Distinctive Look of Retro Kitchen Furniture

admin — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:17:16 +0000

Many homeowners looking for a distinctive look for their kitchen opt for a retro look. “Retro” refers to the style popular in the middle of the 20th century. The retro era spanned approximately from 1945 to 1965. The retro era is known for the lively infusions of color and energy. This is one of the many reasons those looking to redesign their kitchens often choose a retro look.

The retro era is known for having unique furniture, especially for kitchens. For example, a booth made from vinyl offers seating for those wishing to enjoy a meal in the retro-clad kitchen. Another type of retro kitchen furniture that should also be considered for the perfect retro look is high stools with swivel movement. These are also often made from vinyl. The styles of these types of furniture often came in funky designs and colors that now let visitors to a retro kitchen know right away that the kitchen design is aimed at the 1950’s. Many common colors in furniture from this era are bright yellow, shiny silver, and jade green. Floors were often of a checkered design either in black and white or a variety of other colors.

As chrome, vinyl, and plastic laminate easily distinguish furniture as a part of the retro era, these are perfect materials to use for retro kitchen furniture. Many pieces of retro designed reproduction furniture is made from these materials or other materials and are made in such a way to resemble furniture from the retro era.

A great benefit to furniture from this era is that it was highly durable, so this is furniture that can deal with the wear and tear of a family lifestyle. This style allows homeowners to give off a fun, family vibe because of the fun look of the kitchen. The retro design is a very warm and inviting design that is becoming increasingly popular because reproduction furniture is often affordable. Also, the fun look of retro kitchen furniture makes it a desirable design that many are opting for.