The existing kitchen in this 1960s raised ranch had been renovated last in the 80's.  It was time for an upgrade to remove the arched panel oak cabinets, the stained laminate counter, and the peel and stick vinyl tile floor.  The lighting also needed an overhaul.  

 

The client wanted to honor the 60's era, but provide a more updated aesthetic and less of a literal presentation of the style.  The floors were replaced with true linoleum to be quiet underfoot and to avoid competing with the adjacent walnut stained floors.  Multiple counter top materials were used to delineate zones: concrete for the sink wall, stainless steel at the island prep surface, and a graphic patterned laminate at the dining area peninsula.  The walnut island was custom fabricated to look like a piece of furniture, and perfectly sized to reuse the stainless steel top of the clients prep table.  The cabinets were simple flat panel white with custom made walnut pulls, display boxes, and toe kick at the full wall, and a high gloss gray with the same pulls and toekick at the peninsula.  An alternate to traditional tile, edge grain plywood strips in varying sizes and projections were used as the backplash, giving homage to the plywood edged furniture prevalent in the 60's.