Sunday, August 8, 2010

By Leslie Linsley Special to The Citizen

Why are house and garden tours so popular? Perhaps it brings out the voyeurism in all of us.

But more than that, people from elsewhere are curious about the architectural and decorating style of the homeowners where they are different from their own hometowns. It gives people inspiration and ideas to incorporate as well.

When it comes to touring Key West homes, visitors love to see the charm of houses so different from where they live. Today, many new homeowners are looking at older homes for inspiration in order to add old-world charm and character to their newly built abodes.

If you are living in an authentically old house, you may be enjoying the historic charm of the overall architecture but suffering with outdated bathrooms and kitchen. The best thing about a new house is that the bathrooms and kitchen are new, with fixtures and plumbing that work perfectly. Unfortunately, these very things are often at odds with the old house charm so many of us love.

Most homeowners who live in historic houses do not want to sacrifice the convenience of modern appliances, and this is the first renovation job. However, in order to ensure that these rooms do not seem out of place in their older home, they often opt for stainless steel, but then conceal them by covering them in a vintage guise of treated wood (which can also be used on the fronts of cabinets).

Many appliance companies are reproducing appliances from the 1930s and '40s. Magic Chef, for example, makes a wonderful vintage oven as part of its 1000 Series.

If you live in a new house but want to add some old house character, keep in mind that a retro kitchen never goes out of style.

To create your own, even in a new house, begin by considering the paint color for the walls. Retro shades include mint green, cream, yellow, pale blue, and pink -- all the colors found in Fiestaware, a popular and colorful line of everyday pottery from the 1930s.

Next, consider painting the floors. A checkerboard treatment was often found in older homes.

Beadboard cabinetry is reminiscent of early country homes and is often used in new kitchens to conceal appliances and cover walls; it is also popular for the bathroom.

Pine kitchen tables, rather than islands, were staples in early American homes across the country. Another feature found in early kitchens is open storage. Simple shelving makes dishes easy to get at. Consider vintage brackets for the shelves. A vertical plate rack attached to the wall is another useful way to store plates as they did in the past.

Many homeowners are attracted to anything old, worn, peeling and "dirty." They look for creative alternative materials for conventional cupboards and counters.

For example, shelves from a restaurant supply store might hold canisters and coffee mugs or teacups. Glass-front cabinets can be given a dose of vintage charm with lacy organza napkins tacked inside the panes. A vintage tablecloth might be turned into a "skirt" to hide unsightly plumbing and storage underneath a sink, for an inexpensive and quick touch of ephemera.

It's easy to add accessories to a kitchen, whether they are the real things or reproductions. Not everything need be old, but it is good to mix a few authentic pieces with the copies so no one will be the wiser.

Discount outlets offer copies of retro kitchen accessories such as small mixers, colanders, bread boxes, canisters, dish towels, and china in pastel colors and vintage patterns. Hunt yard sales and flea markets for items that appear retro but simply need a coat of paint, such as kitchen chairs and tables. They don't have to match. In fact, the charm is in the mixing of colors and shapes.

Retro bathrooms are easy to create with vintage elements, For example, painted, white, pressed tin can be used on walls or the ceiling for a period-appropriate alternative to traditional tiles or beadboard. In place of modern lighting, early chandeliers add elegance. Salvaged tubs have real vintage appeal.

Because the plumbing for claw-foot models typically comes up through the floor, consult a professional plumber about retrofitting your bathroom. Classic claw-foot tubs -- new or old -- are available in sizes from 4 to 6 feet long and are easy to find.

Cast-iron reproduction tubs look authentically old fashioned, and you can usually paint the exterior to match your bathroom's décor. They are, however, extremely heavy and not as practical as one made of acrylic.

Complete your vintage tub with a retro-style shower curtain easily made from a chenille bedspread. Hem it to the proper length and install sturdy rivets to hold the shower hooks. Circular shower rods are available from renovation supply houses.

Early homes did not have built-in cabinetry in the bathroom. Storage was often housed in an armoire or a painted wall cabinet. A large pedestal sink with an oversized mirror in a vintage frame will give the impression of a vanity.

My new book, "Aged To Perfection" (Sterling Publishers), offers a variety of ideas for adding charm and character to new houses and shows examples of homes all over the country. It should be in the bookstores in the next week or two.

Leslie Linsley has written more than 50 books on crafts, decorating and home style. She resides on Nantucket with her husband, photographer Jon Aron, and has a store on the island that specializes in her one-of-a-kind creations. Her latest book is "Key West: A Tropical Lifestyle" (Monacelli Press), with photos by Terry Pommett.