Tour a Supercool Modern Kitchen With 1960s Style

Homeowners typically put in serious effort to make old spaces look new. Gretchen Jorg and Josh Bishop did the total opposite in the kitchen of their mid-century Seattle home. It had last been remodeled in the ’80s — and it showed, with raised-panel cabinets and wood-look linoleum floors. “Sometimes the right thing to do for a house is to choose finishes that fit its age rather than what’s in vogue,” says Gretchen. Steered by designer Andy Beers, the couple injected ’60s style with light wood cabinetry, a fab green island, and mod seating and lights. “When people first see our kitchen,” says Gretchen, “it takes them a minute to realize it’s new and not original, and then they’re amazed.”

Kitchen Details

Floor

Cork flooring adds warmth and texture and blends with the cabinetry, too. “I was worried about how watertight and durable cork would be, but I’m forever cleaning paint from art projects off the floor, and it’s holding up great,” says Gretchen.

Pendants

A pair of globe lights by Sea Gull Lighting have retro cred. They’re hung on the higher side, about 20 inches from the ceiling, to keep the room open and airy.

Backsplash

Gretchen and Josh considered throwback honeycomb tile but decided it would have been too busy with the cabinets. So they picked simple, white rectangle tiles by Ann Sacks. Since they’re small-scale and laid in a simple, stacked pattern, they can cover the whole wall without looking overly complicated.

Cabinetry and Island

Local cabinetmaker Kerf Design gets credit for the plywood cabinetry. Gretchen chose the laminate’s bright shade of green, a longtime favorite. “I got married in a silk dress the same color,” she says. The barstools are by Fritz Hansen.

Dining Nook Details

Seating

Brown vinyl seat cushions (so ’60s!) have the look of leather with zero maintenance, and vivid pillows punch them up. At 5 feet by 10 feet, the table comfortably seats eight — handy for dinner with friends. The powder-coated-steel chair, like the barstools, is by Fritz Hansen.

Pendant

The couple especially loves the cool pleated plastic light by Le Klint because it resembles origami, one of Josh’s hobbies. “When viewed from the street at night, it’s also pretty awesome,” says Gretchen.