Retro Thursday: 1970s Kitchen

After the 1960s, kitchens began to change a bit. The oven and range became one unit instead of two separate appliances. Instead of tile countertops like before, people used Formica counters in the 1970s. The popular colors of the 1970s were also different from before. Kitchens were shaded in outdoorsy or “earthy” colors like avocado green, burnt orange, or harvest yellow. Appliances were shaded with colors like these as well. Cabinets were wood that was usually stained with a dark brown. It was also popular for cabinets not to have door handles. 

Below is a picture of a 1970s kitchen. As you can see, the cabinets are a dark brown color. The range and stove are one unit. The harvest gold color is being used in this kitchen as well. The kitchen counter is Formica. Everything is matching which was a popular feature in 1970s kitchens.

Here you can see the harvest gold color again. The laminate floor was popular in the 1970s.

Here is an example of an avocado green kitchen. The color extends from the countertops to the oven/range and the hood. Also, the dark brown cabinet color is not only on the cabinets; check out the microwave!

The cabinets are beginning to be a little bit lighter into the late 1970s. Check out the avocado green carpet in this kitchen!

Here is an example of the red copper color used in some 1970s kitchens. This looks like a combination of a 1960s and 1970s kitchen with the brick wall and wood cabinets from the sixties and the harvest gold countertops and wall paper and patterned flooring from the seventies. 

Although the 1970s were a change from previous decades, this is the type of kitchen that a lot of this generation’s parents probably grew up in and remembers. A lot of kitchens today all have so many similarities because everyone wants to have the latest models of everything like granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. In the 1970s, people attempted to be unique and original in their kitchens and you don’t see a lot of that today.

Pictures are courtesy of uglyhousephotos.com.

The Cost of Kitchen Renovations

 On average, we've found that kitchen renovation costs between $15,000 and $20,000 when you don't spend on appliances. It can cost up to $45,000 with appliances. With these numbers, on average kitchen remodels cost $27000. The cost of your kitchen remodel can vary according to what region you live in, the materials used, the design you want, your budget, and the quality of appliances you buy.

According to msnbc.msn.com you should plan wisely before renovating your kitchen. They say not to the stove or the sink because it costs more to do plumbing or electrician work and you want to avoid that cost. Also, you should plan your lighting needs ahead of time so it will go along with the electrical work. Most kitchen cabinet stores will plan the layout for your kitchen for free or do measurements for a price and deduct that price if you hire them to do the installation. You can also save on buying lower quality appliances. It all depends on the look you are attempting to attain with your kitchen remodel. You should compare the price of your potential kitchen remodel with the cost of your home and see if it's worth it.

For more information on this topic, please look at the comments on this blog. You can compare your kitchen renovation cost along with the price other people have spent on their kitchen remodel and see if you are spending too much.

If you want to figure out how to budget your kitchen remodel, you can take a look at this site as well. 

Take a LoOk at 1960s Kitchens!

The 1960s were a time of many changes including the assassination of John and Robert Kennedy, the Vietnam war, the Civil rights movement led by later assassinated Martin Luther King, and the landing of America on the moon by Neil Armstrong. These changes are definitely demonstrated throughout the designs in the American 1960s kitchens. Maybe the kitchens changed so much because people couldn’t control what was happening around them so they decided to focus on what they could control, their kitchen. Or maybe people were just ready for a change. Whatever the case, 1960s kitchens expressed many different styles with lots of bright colors mixed with steel and an outdoorsy look.

Pictures below are from www.retrorenovation.com

The picture below shows the bright colors that accentuated the sixties with the yellow and blue. Pay special attention to the backsplash and how the pattern matches the blue countertops. Also notice the wood top and bottom cabinetry which was very popular in the 1960s.

Retro Renovation Post

This picture demonstrates a variety of elements that were popular in 1960s kitchens. First of all, notice the thick laminate countertops with the unique pattern which became popular in the early 1960s. Also, the laminate pattern on the cabinets was a popular decoration in the ‘60s.The steel mixed with laminate was popular in the ‘60s. Small tiling on the floor was a popular item in the ‘60s as well along with the brick walls around the windows.

Retro Renovation Post

This picture is a great example of the “outdoorsy” look that 1960s kitchens seemed to accentuate. A lot of 1960s kitchens were all about bringing the outdoors inside which is somewhat popular in today’s kitchens. This kitchen has two different patterns of brick, wooden cabinets, and beige colors. The grill in the kitchen was popular in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s.

Retro Renovation Post

This picture is from a 1966 kitchen. It is a great example of the laminate patterns that were so popular in the ‘60s. The wood cabinetry is also seen in this kitchen therefore combining the outdoorsy look and laminate look. 

Retro Renovation Post

Thank you for reading! Make sure to check out our tumblr blog at 
Federal Brace

Most Modern Kitchens

We thought it would be fun if we found websites with the most modern kitchen designs and introduced them to our fans. Some of the modern kitchen designs don’t look much different than kitchens that some of you might have. If you think your kitchen could fit the profile of a modern style kitchen or you have modern pieces or appliances in your kitchen then send us a picture of it and if we agree with you, then we’ll post it on our social media sites!

http://freshome.com/2010/06/11/25-modern-kitchen-designs-that-will-rock-your-cooking-world/

http://www.trendir.com/archives/001791.html

http://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/top-10-modern-kitchen-design-trends/

http://www.remodelingmyspace.com/kitchen/kitchen-designs-design-ideas/photos-modern-kitchen-design-pictures.htm

http://www.houzz.com/photos/modern/kitchen

http://dornob.com/modern-kitchen-design-inspiration-luxurious-layouts/

http://www.servicemagic.com/resources.dg.Kitchens.27.41.html

Kitchen Remodel Nightmare!

Recently we heard news about a retired couple who had an unexpected problem when trying to remodel their kitchen. They ended up having to pay for their countertops twice due to the negligence of another company! The video peaked our curiosity so we did some research on how to prevent kitchen remodeling problems from happening to you.

One way to prevent kitchen remodel problems is to hire a kitchen designer or visit your local kitchen design center. You might think that hiring a kitchen designer would be expensive, but it will be more cost effective in the long run. They are experienced and knowledgeable. They will plan a schedule for your kitchen remodel and stick with it, saving you time. They will save you money as well because they will be able to avoid the damages you might encounter on your own. Kitchen designers are skilled professionals and they know what types of questions to ask in regards to making your dream a reality. They might even give you ideas that you haven’t thought about before. They are also familiar with the certified suppliers and installers in your area.

Designers will help you avoid the problems you might sustain while looking for an installer yourself. We have referenced an article below that will explain what types of questions should be answered before the countertop installer is hired and if you’re remodeling yourself, how you can go about answering these questions. These questions include “Is the installer experienced, have you had a chance to see some of his work, is the installer easy to deal with, does the installer have the appropriate insurance and contractor’s license, will the job be finished in a timely manner, and are the labor and materials covered under warranty?”

Your neighborhood kitchen or home design center can help you choose the color of your countertops or cabinets. After they help you, they can give you a list of insured installers in your area. You can find installers in your phone book or internet directory as well. After you find an installer make sure to interview them even if you already have reviews from friends or family members. During the interview you can ask for referrals from previous clients that the installer has worked for. If you can talk to those clients/homeowners, you can ask them how the installer was to work with. If you don’t receive all positive feedback, you should consider the possibility of continuing the search for a different installer or further researching the feedback you receive.
http://www.countertop.com/articles/wiarticle.aspx?aid=7

Federal Brace's Spotlight Blog : Fireplace & Granite

One year ago Federal Brace had the honor of meeting Bob & Paulette from Fireplace & Granite. Even though both companies are from the Charlotte, North Carolina area they met each other in Atlanta, Georgia at the IWF Woodworking Show. Ever since Fireplace & Granite placed its first order with Federal Brace they have noted how pleasurable it is to work with a company that recognizes the importance of quality and serving the customer’s needs as they do.

Bob has over thirty years of experience working in the fireplace business. When Bob & Paulette relocated from Buffalo, New York a few years back, their drive and focus steered towards new construction. But times and the economy have changed. “For the most part, we have gotten rid of our builders. It’s all about remodeling,” Bob says.

Even with the adapting change in the economy, business has been up 30% the last four years and 98% of their business comes from referrals. Their business has been able focus on rebuilders and remodelers with in the Charlotte, Charleston and Columbia regions. Outdoor slabs and show rooms are available in North & South Charlotte.

Federal Brace is proud to do business with a company such as Fireplace & Granite.

North Charlotte:

704-721-0001

1749 Trinity Church Rd

Concord, NC

South Charlotte:

(704) 588-8939

218 Westinghouse Blvd, Ste 202

Charlotte, NC 28134

SC Areas: 803-328-3737

http://www.fireplacecarolina.com/

Federal Brace's Spotlight Blog : Devane Design

Chantal Devane is an award-winning designer in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Since 2003 she has owned a full-service interior design firm, specializing in interior design and kitchen & bath remodeling.

Devane Design offers a more classical appeal approach with a focus on the client’s needs. The company does mostly kitchen and bath remodeling. Chantal considers working with her clients to be a partnership. She’s always looking for new ways to do things, taking from the old and making traditional designs fun and exciting. She wants her clients to love what they have.

As early as 8 years old Chantal's designing nature was appearing. She would move around furniture in her bedroom trying to get her living area just right. By the time Chantal entered high school, it did not surprise her friends that she wanted to be an interior designer. She had a certain artistic eye and she was always doing arts and craft projects.

Now the designer has worked on both sides of the country, which gives her a lot of variation in her work. She loves what she does and she honored to work alongside great companies like Federal Brace. Her ability to help fulfill her client’s needs is something she recognizes in Federal Brace.

“My role as an interior designer is to identify your needs and define your vision, while helping direct you through the design process. My ability to identify the needs of the homeowner is something I see in the varying designs from Federal Brace,” Chantal Devane, Devane Design.

A note to anyone in the Eden Prairie area:

Devane Design creates classic interiors that best represent you, in your home.

Devane Design
10561 Lake Fall Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55347

Phone: 612.280.2783
Email: chantal@devanedesign.com

http://www.devanedesign.com/index.htm

VIDEO: How to install Freedom Countertop Brackets for an Invisible Countertop Support

www.federalbrace.com - In this video, Scott Toal and Broc Siefert of Federal Brace take us through the installation of the Freedom Invisible Countertop Support Bracket.

This video walks us through the features that make the Freedom an excellent selection when a countertop with invisible support is desired. Broc and Scott show us how simple and easy it is to properly route out the channels in your support structure and install your invisible countertop support bracket.

For further information on countertop brackets and the invisible Liberty Support Plates, please contact Federal Brace at http://www.FederalBrace.com or #877-353-8899

VIDEO: How to Install the Liberty Countertop Plate for an Invisible Countertop Support

www.federalbrace.com - In this video, Scott Toal and Broc Siefert of Federal Brace take us through the installation of the Liberty Invisible Countertop Support Plates.

This video walks us through the features that make the Liberty an excellent selection when a countertop with invisible support is desired. Broc and Scott show us how simple and easy it is to properly route out the channels in your support structure and install your invisible countertop support plates.

For further information on countertop brackets and the invisible Liberty Support Plates, please contact Federal Brace at http://www.FederalBrace.com or #877-353-8899

Kitchen Design tips -

Hire An Architect/Kitchen Designer - This is an extremely important step and a one of the most important kitchen design tips...you need to have kitchen floor plans drawn up in order to move ahead. Not only will they help you to decide what products, materials, and sizes to use, but they will also act as a precise blueprint for your contractor, electrician, plumber, tile installer, and countertop fabricator to follow once your renovation is underway.

Do I need to reseal my granite? How often?

Your countertops were sealed prior to installation, but depending on the type of granite you chose, an occasional application may be needed. Darker colored granite is harder than lighter colors, and as a result, less permeable. Therefore, dark countertops may never need resealing. Light colored countertops may require an annual application depending on how quickly absorbed moisture evaporates out.

Check out this post from TLC:

Design on a Budget.

Remodeling

Remodeling involves major changes that may take your kitchen in a whole new direction. A remodeled kitchen is what you're up to if you need to change the whole "footprint" of your kitchen to add space or reshape the room for better views or better access. While your existing home's size and site will affect how radically you can change your kitchen, you can make surprisingly big changes.

Remodeling doesn't depend on what your old kitchen looked like, only on what your needs and wishes are and what your budget dictates. New built-in appliances and cabinetry, new windows and skylights, a new eat-in area or home office niche, a family room/ kitchen combination, and more -- anything's possible with remodeling.

Where to put the Kitchen Island?

The National Kitchen and Bath Association(NKBA), recommends that you have a 36″ clearance in traffic areas and 42″ clearance in the work area of your kitchen.

No man is an island, but most people want one in their kitchen.

The middle of the kitchen is the traditional spot for an island. A central island anchors the room and organizes the work flow while providing accessible counter space from all directions.

Use custom kitchen islands to create an attractive area that will perform a variety of useful functions. Designed correctly, kitchen islands will make your work area more functional and efficient and will be enjoyed by everyone for many years to come.

You must be creative and plan. We will be revisiting Kitchen Islands in the upcoming blogs and going into more detail.

Picking Your Granite Color

You want to find a granite warehouse with a large selection. Make sure they have full slabs of granite for you to see. When you visit, bring your cabinet sample or a door from your existing cabinets. Hold the sample up to the granite, you should be able to tell right away if it is a good match or not. Don’t settle for something that you may not like. This is something that will be a defining element of your kitchen and you need to find a color that appeals to you.

Ask the granite warehouse to pull 5 or 6 slabs for you to view. Make sure the slabs are the same color and point out any dark/light spots or any pattern that you do not like and that you would like to exclude when they cut your kitchen. You may also request a revisit once they measure your kitchen so you can see the cuts they are making and how that will affect your color pattern.

Using Metal Support Brackets to Accent Hardware

There is no question that Federal Brace countertop support brackets are sturdy. In fact, due to the strength of the brackets, our supports at times tend to be pigeon-holed into only supporting countertops.

Federal Brace has designed a selection of heavy duty yet elegant support brackets that go beyond the simple shelf or standard industrial style support brackets. Many designers and contractors are now seeing Federal Brace Supports for what they are - enhancing hardware pieces that can be used in various home decor applications.

Whether used in the kitchen, bath, studio, office or living areas, Federal Brace Support brings a decor touch that shows the homeowner attention to detail and care for quality. At the recent KBIS 2011 Kitchen and Bath Show we had support brackets in several vendor booths, used in actual applications and we were very honored. A couple of those applications, including Masterbrand's Diamond Series kitchen display (pictured at the top), used the Federal Brace supports to hold self-standing shelves within the kitchen cabinet arrangements. The brackets added to the overall appearance of the full kitchen by giving that touch of metal, tying in appliances, fixtures and other hardware with the cabinets.

So when you are considering that decor enhancement that will make your kitchen, bath, residential or commercial application standout think Federal Brace Supports. Designers using our hardware for decor accents have indicated that Federal Brace brackets are perfect because they are not the wimpy looking thin shelf brackets common on the market. The thickness of material that we use on our bracket make a support that looks like it can hold more than your pantry shelves. At the same time the designers really like the sleek, design enhancing appeal of a Federal Brace Support style. It is not that industrial looking shelf bracket that is used commonly in commercial applications.

How to pick the Federal Brace bracket that is right for your application as a hardware decor accent piece. Follow these easy steps:

1. Determine the Gusset shape that best matches with the overall appeal of your living space. If you want an understated look, look at the supports with the lower profile gussets. If it is high-impact that you want, you will want to look to the brackets with the full gussets.

2. If the bracket will be used in a supporting role for shelves, mantle or other surfaces you will need to think about how deep that surface is and how it will be installed. We suggest using a bracket that is not too small under the surface so that you can't see it. When determining what bracket to use as support we use an industry standard to extend the support bracket to within 4" of the end of the surface.

3. Determine the finish you desire. In most instances our decor enhancing supports are purchased in the brushed stainless finish since it matches so well with stainless appliances and nickel fixtures. However, you may have a particular color you are going after in which case you will want to get raw steel and coat it with your custom color. Check out our helpful video on painting your brackets to get more information on this: PAINTING VIDEO - Please Scroll down to Tips & Tricks.

4. If you need a custom style bracket or to modify a current Federal Brace design to meet your needs contact our helpful customer service representative at customerservice@federalbrace.com to discuss your needs. 

That's it. Now you are on your way to new methods of using Federal Brace Countertop Supports to enhance your kitchen and bath designs.

Our review of KBIS 2011 - Las Vegas, Nevada

Federal Brace brought its Eva Reinforced corbel to the best in show at KBIS early last week. The three day long event is the Super Bowl for the Kitchen and Bath industry. A huge event in itself is typically held in Las Vegas, Chicago and Orlando. The event took place at the Las Vegas Convention center in Nevada, Las Vegas.

Architects, dealers, designers, and industry professionals within the kitchen and bath field were presented with several new designs from Federal Brace. Scott Toal, CEO/President of Federal Brace said, “The best part of the show was meeting and hearing from current customers and getting their comments on our products.”

The team at Federal Brace saw representatives from Pan America, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean and every province of Canada. Scott Toal continues, “ We saw visitors from 48 out of 50 states. What I liked about having it in Las Vegas is that we were able to meet some of our clients from California, Nevada, Colorado and Hawaii. I had a chance to meet Dave Dressler, a longtime client of our company.”

Federal Brace received quality feedback pertaining to current designs and made a large number of contacts, which they will be following up soon. There­ were a smaller number of vendors, the foot traffic was consistent and the company was satisfied with the turnout. General Manager, Cathy Morgan said, “We had a great time connecting and building relationships with our distributors as well as meeting some of our customers. It was good to see our product showcased in several cabinet dealer booths. Federal Brace is already making plans for the KBIS show in 2012. We hope to see you at our booth!” ­Looking forward to the next year, Cathy, at KBIS, Chicago.

Federal Brace's KBIS Preview -- Las Vegas 2011

Federal Brace is making final preparations to attend the 2011 Kitchen and Bath Show (KBIS) in Nevada, Las Vegas at the end of the month. April 26th through April 28th Federal Brace will roll out their successful line of countertop brackets and supports. This year Federal Brace’s goal is to continue to inform professionals within the kitchen and bath industry about their great support solutions.

“This is our second trip to KBIS,” says CEO/President, Scott Toal. He continues, “This time last year our company was five months old. We received a tremendous response from the KBIS attendees despite being such a young company. We are now recognized as a company with a quality product that offers real solutions. We’re looking forward to seeing current customers and introducing Federal Brace to those who are not aware of our countertop support solutions.”


Over the past 12 months Federal Brace has doubled their countertop bracket line by adding 15 new countertop bracket styles. These include several new countertop-mounted supports that extend off the top of a counter. Federal Brace saw a need for a product used to prevent sheet rock flexing and crushing of soft wallboard material. In response they created the Bracket Backer ™. Federal Brace has introduced video guides that give tips and tricks as well full installations. The company has also branched out into full line of shelf brackets and reinforced wood corbels.

If you're going to the show make sure to check out Federal Brace’s QR Code below and tweet it before the show and then visit their booth. Even if you don't have a phone, you can still win a 3G Kindle, a Free Order up to $500 dollars and other prizes. Also, when visiting the Federal Brace booth (#C7283), pick up a product catalog and find out more information about their support brackets using QR Codes. Federal Brace’s Sales Manger, Broc Siefert, will be making a presentation on “Granite Countertop Extensions,” where he will discuss the future of cabinets, countertop and granites.

When it comes to the customers’ needs, their needs are Federal Brace’s number one focus and the driving force of their business. Federal Brace has helped thousands of homeowners with countertop support solutions and is steadfast in supplying Beautifully Crafted, Confident Supports.

QR Code for the Free Giveaway -- Scan or Click Below:


If you want to learn more about the company -- Click Below:

QR Code: A quick response to support.

After the great response Federal Brace received at last year's KBIS show, they were looking for new ways to communicate to their customers their new products and to keep them current with the most up to date catalog. In steps this little guy:

http://bit.ly/FBKBIS

A Quick Code response, the newest in internet marketing. (Please see the CNN Video below). If you're planning to stop by and see Federal Brace, let your friends and followers know via your smart phone. Just scan the QR Bar code with any QR Scanning device (most smart phones have free apps such as "Red Laser" or "i-Nigma 4.") and submit the QR Code message. Check out the message to see what it says...

Alternatively, you could just click the image to do the same, but it's not as much fun. When you do it, share with others and they promise you won't go away empty handed from the booth. Let's not forget Federal Brace's twitter feed is posted on their front page for others to follow and see.

Federal Brace plans to have QR Code images to give descriptions of brackets as well as an updated version of the catalog. So make sure you have your QR scanning device handy at the show, Federal Brace will also have some more fun ways for you to to enjoy the experience using a QR Code scanner. Have a blast at KBIS 2011!