How do I Redecorate a 1950's Ranch With a Washer & Dryer in the Kitchen?

Modern kitchens have work stations designed for more than one person to work in the kitchen at a time.

Many homes in the 1950s were all about simplicity and convenience. Having a washer and dryer in the kitchen seemed to make perfect sense, since many homemakers in the '50s spent much of their time in the kitchen. Why waste steps going into a separate laundry room when it can be conveniently located near the stove? However, times have changed drastically. When you redecorate the '50s ranch home to accommodate modern designs, Archinspire online suggests that you consider a renovation that still respects the original design, yet introduces fresh new elements.

Things You'll Need

• Decorative room-divider screen
• Kitchen island or work table
• Kitchen floor rugs
• Curtains or blinds

Instructions

1. Add a decorative room-divider screen to your kitchen. Place it between your laundry area and your kitchen to hide the laundry room area from the kitchen. The divider screen can be purchased online or at most home decorating stores. Room-divider screens come in a variety of designs such as Japanese styles, natural wood tones, scenic paintings, beaded styles, leather styles and more. The design that you choose will set the tone for your kitchen.

2. Purchase a kitchen island or work table. You can purchase these on rollers or without. Islands and work tables will allow you set up work stations in your kitchen to free up counter space and to allow more than one person to work efficiently while giving your kitchen a modern facelift.

3. Change the flooring. Flooring gives the entire room a facelift. If your budget doesn't allow for a complete makeover, use throw rugs for a less expensive alternative. Using rugs in a kitchen allows you to place them where you want them and use colors that can coordinate with the screen that you are using. You can change the rug colors as you decide to try new designs, and they can also be laundered. Placing a large rug beneath the kitchen island is a good starting point.

4. Hang new kitchen curtains that have a modern flair. Curtains, valances or all-wood blinds can give the entire kitchen a new look. Wood blinds also will help you save on your electricity bill. Just don't forget to let the light shine in. Sunlight gives life to a room.

Tips & Warnings

• Changes in curtains, rugs and tables or work spaces will be the foundational points for redecorating in the entire home. Repeat steps 1-4 in the the remaining rooms of the home for a smooth flow with variation.

References

• Archinspire: Home Design Ideas: Decorating: Gardening: Remodeling 50's Spatial Define
• Archinspire: Home Design Ideas: Decorating: Gardening: Contemporary Ranch Style House Remodeling Design
• Hometime: Remodeling Kitchens: Getting Started
• Lifestyle I love Linda: Lifestyle Lounge: Decorating with Room Dividers
• Kitchen Island Co.: Shop Kitchen Islands

Resources

• PDX Interiors: Ranch Homes: Decorating the American Dream