Woman Uses 1950s Turquoise Pyrex Dishes To Transform Her Boring Kitchen
May 28, 2023
Source: Dans le Lakehouse
Everyone nurtures a dream, a vision of something they desire. It could be a dream house, a dream car, or a dream vacation. It’s something that occupies our thoughts, yet we often doubt that it will ever become a reality.
Sometimes it feels like nothing ever gets accomplished when we take into account factors such as time, budget, and motivation. However, it’s important not to lose heart. If you’re seeking inspiration, look no further than Tanya from Dans le Lakehouse.
Tanya had been harboring a kitchen makeover dream for years, but she didn’t want to spend a fortune. Through resourcefulness and ingenuity, she managed to create her dream kitchen at a surprisingly reasonable cost.
Initially, Tanya’s kitchen was ordinary and lacked character. It was filled with oak cabinets that, while nice, were too small and made the space appear cumbersome and cluttered.
Drawing inspiration from the aesthetics of the 1950s and ’60s, as well as her collection of turquoise butterprint Pyrex cookware, she transformed the kitchen into a bright and airy space that seamlessly blended vintage charm with modern elegance.
After all, is there anything more delightful than a retro-style kitchen? The answer is no.
Tanya acknowledges that her kitchen might undergo further changes in the future. Like many artists, designers, and DIY enthusiasts, she never truly feels “finished” with a space. Nonetheless, for now, this turquoise kitchen exudes irresistible charm. Take a look at the pictures below, and feel free to share your own aspirations for renovation, makeovers, or projects in the comments section.
Initially, Tanya’s kitchen served its purpose adequately, but it lacked any remarkable features.
Furthermore, the small oak cabinets didn’t offer sufficient storage and weighed down the room, making it feel more cramped than it actually was. The after picture is truly astounding, as it’s hard to believe it’s the same kitchen!
Tanya removed the upper cabinets and replaced them with open shelving. She also painted the remaining lower cabinets in a captivating turquoise shade, drawing inspiration from her Pyrex cookware collection, which she proudly displays on the shelves. The walls received fresh drywall and paneling, and everything was given a fresh coat of paint. The countertops were replaced with wooden ones, a new sink and fixtures were installed, and the floor remained untouched. The transformation is truly remarkable—the kitchen now appears brighter and more open. The shift from the warmer tones of the wood to the cooler turquoise shade gives it a lighter and cleaner look. The open shelves provide storage without overwhelming the space. The absence of curtains or shades on the window allows ample light to flood the room, enhancing its open atmosphere. Tanya can now proudly showcase her Pyrex collection!
The specific design and color scheme she collects are known as butterprint, which served as the inspiration for the entire room’s color palette.
As you can see, she has also curated numerous other items in coordinating colors to infuse the room with personality. Everyday dishes are conveniently stored on the lower shelves for easy access. The small landscape paintings above the stove hail from Hungary, and each glass, plate, and bowl likely has its own story. Tanya even managed to find a turquoise blender! Next to the refrigerator, there’s an open pantry for storing dry goods.
Adjacent to the turquoise elements, the yellow and beige colors of the pasta and grains add a striking contrast. Who would have thought that pasta could serve as a decorative element? It works beautifully! Tanya’s resourceful husband handcrafted the solid maple countertops himself. They were custom-made to fit the kitchen and stained white to match the room, while still allowing the wood grain to subtly shine through, lending a warm and organic touch to the counters. Tanya is uncertain about the future of her kitchen (she’s contemplating a new floor, among other things), but for now, she absolutely loves the new look. The total cost of this impressive makeover amounted to $1,492 CAD (approximately $1,135 USD), thanks to Tanya’s resourceful and thrifty approach, as well as her DIY skills.