Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
As with most anything these days, your quest begins online. You could type keywords such as "retro fridge" or "antique cooktop" into a search engine, but good luck weeding through the millions of hits. Or you could read on and check out the sites mentioned here.
Three Web sites in particular offer a wide selection of all types of appliances, including stoves, dishwashers, fridges, and ovens. As good a site to begin is Elmira Stove Works. Elmira offers options for ranges, fridges, wall ovens, microwaves, and dishwasher panels. Catalogs can be ordered for $5, or individual files can be downloaded from the company's website for free. If you're looking for ideas, simply visit Elmira's "The Design Loft," a special section on their site where completed kitchens can be viewed.
If stainless steel is more your style, consider Smeg, headquartered in Italy but with offices and showrooms all over the world. The company's designs are extremely sleek and call to mind the 1970s more than any other decade. Unique, simple, yet very functional, Smeg sells ovens, cooktops, ranges, hoods, fridges, dishwashers, and other items. Their only showroom is located on East 58th Street in New York, N.Y., but items can be purchased from dealers in all 50 states.
For an all-American 1950s feel, look no further than Big Chill. Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, the family-owned enterprise was founded in 2001. Owner Thom Vernon and his wife were interested in designing a kitchen that drew from the cool '50s style but that offered modern conveniences. Vernon enlisted his industrial designer nephew, Orion, to help out. Together, they dreamed up not only refrigerators but also stoves and dishwashers. MSRP prices can be found on the company's Web site, as can a list of nationwide dealers.