Mid Century Modern – Elmira Stove Works Blog

Designer Spotlight

Brittany Hutt shares her thoughts on kitchen design and why there’s always room for a touch of nostalgia

There are times in life that, no matter how far away you may venture, something brings you back to where you began. The same is true for kitchen and bath designer Brittany Hutt, born and raised in Ontario, Canada, just ninety minutes from Elmira Stove Works’ headquarters. As a child, Brittany enjoyed visiting her family’s now-demolished country cottage that just so happened to include an original Elmira stove. Little did she know that Elmira would be a part of her life in the years to come.

In 2009, Brittany moved to Florida to pursue her education in design at the International Academy of Design & Technology, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design. While in school, she discovered a passion for designing kitchens and bathrooms. Fast forward to 2018, when she won the 2020 Design Inspiration Awards in the Elmira Stove Works category – bringing her experience with the brand full circle.

Today, Brittany’s design business in Tampa, Florida is flourishing, as she expands her reach as a virtual designer – allowing her to work with clients throughout the country.

We sat down with Brittany to discuss kitchen design, her experience working with Elmira appliances, and her love of all things vintage.

Q: Can you share a little about yourself and how you got into design?

While attending design school, I interned for a local interior design firm and started a part-time job in kitchen design. I began attending seminars and online classes to learn cabinetry basics, as I found kitchen and bath design was my true interest. After a few years of kitchen design, I started in-home consultations for kitchen and bath remodels and became involved in the installation and production process. I was soon able to manage projects and work one-on-one with clients and installers onsite – from project start to finish.

Q: How would you describe your approach to kitchen design? What inspires you?

I think it’s really important to gather information from the client. It helps me to create a space that is not only aesthetically pleasing but functional for everyday use. At the start of the design process, I ask my clients to share inspirational photos of designs they are drawn to and request that they create a list of goals for the space. Whether it’s a kitchen with plenty of seating for entertaining, or a kitchen with ample countertop space that caters to large appliances for plenty of cooking, I always want to make sure the result is well-suited for the client. I follow many design companies on social media to gain insight into the latest trends and styles.

Q: What attracts you to mid-century modern style?

I like to bring nostalgic style into my designs, so adding the Elmira NorthStar appliance series is a great way to achieve this. Mid-century to me is clean lines, a mix of paint and wood grains, and most likely a pop of pattern or color. It all leads to a fun and exciting design!

Q: What do you like most about farmhouse style?

I relate most to the farmhouse style. I appreciate the mix of rustic design accents with a modern functioning kitchen. I like the idea of architectural salvage by bringing in an old rustic door and installing it in a new kitchen. It not only brings in that rustic, reclaimed feel but also creates a conversational piece.

Q: What do you think makes retro-style and farmhouse kitchens so appealing?

Both the retro and farmhouse styles lead to giving something old a new meaning in a new space. As styles evolve, I believe we will always want to incorporate something old with something new – it just adds character!

Q: Can you share one of your favorite mid-century modern projects featuring Northstar appliances?

I love this design because it exemplifies the mid-century design style by using a mix of bright white paint and wood grain, and the slab door style leans toward uncluttered clean lines. I also added a mix of geometric patterns with the flooring and backsplash materials. The Northstar appliances add a bright pop of color in Robin’s Egg Blue and become the focal point of a gorgeous mid-century style kitchen.

Q: What’s your favorite farmhouse kitchen design project featuring Elmira’s Antique appliances?

This farmhouse-style kitchen is the perfect way to feature Elmira’s Antique appliances, as it ties the color and vintage/rustic design accents together. I used a high-contrast black and white palette to accentuate the black Antique style appliances. Additionally, I added a reclaimed wood hood around the range to keep the range as the main focal point of the design. The black, white and warm rustic accents in this design create an inviting and cozy space.

Q: What first drew you to include Elmira Stove Works appliances in your designs? 

I began designing with Elmira appliances in 2018 when I entered a 2020 Design contest. One of the categories was for kitchen designs featuring Elmira Stove Works. I created a farmhouse-style design, which ended up being the winner.

Q: Do you think kitchens with character / a touch of nostalgia are here to stay?

I do think kitchen design with hints of character and nostalgia will remain popular. While design trends tend to revolve, I believe the idea of recycling and giving items new meaning is always going to be important in the world of design.

Q: Where’s your favorite place to find vintage items?

I love finding items with history and incorporating them into my designs. When I have a client who wants me to design around something antique or rustic, I am very excited! You can find great reclaimed items at thrift stores, antique shops, or online. If you have a home with some character and are looking to remodel, you should find a piece of furniture or material that interests you and add it to the new design. Whether it’s an old bar stool or a few bricks, it’s a great way to add one-of-a-kind character to your new space and give it a nod to the past.

We love speaking with industry professionals to stay on top of the latest trends in kitchen design. A big thank you to Brittany Hutt for taking time out of her busy schedule to share her thoughts and a few of her favorite projects featuring our products.

Make sure to follow Brittany on Instagram at @brithuttdesign.

Antique, Vintage or Retro? How to Tell

Sometimes it can be confusing when trying to determine in which era particular design elements originated. Fortunately, antique, vintage and retro items can be distinguished by knowing a few key factors.

Antique Authenticity

As a rule of thumb, anything more than 100 years in age is considered an antique. These items are usually heirlooms and have a historical quality to them. Antique pieces are great for adding character to a simple room. They bring richness and depth to a space – especially when mixed with other styles – that is often difficult to find in modern design. An original period painting or an authentic Tiffany Lamp would be considered an antique – think “Antiques Roadshow.”

Many homeowners are drawn to the historic charm of antique stoves, in particular. These classic models offer a timeless look and often serve as the focal point of a kitchen. Antique stoves are gaining in popularity not only for the sense of nostalgia they evoke, but also because they work with a variety of aesthetics – from rustic to farmhouse to Victorian or even more contemporary styles.

While it is possible to find antique stoves that have been restored, many of today’s homeowners are looking for modern functionality and features, and prefer to purchase new “antique style” appliances with designs based on cookstoves from the late 1800s.

Vintage Vibes

“Vintage,” on the other hand, refers to an item that can be attributed a specific era within the last 20 to 100 years. Vintage items are generally easy to spot because they are iconic and represent something exceptional from a certain time period. For example, think about a 1960s model car, 1970s bellbottom pants or a 1950s poodle skirt. In the interior design world, mid-century modern decor is a common example of vintage style.

When it comes to vintage appliances, some homeowners opt to purchase older appliances that have been refurbished. Although these appliances bring a feeling of authenticity to kitchens, they don’t typically have the “bells and whistles” that many consumers desire, especially those who cook often.

Retro Restyle

When compared to antique and vintage, retro is a much broader term. Retro is typically used to describe items that are not original, but rather provide a modern twist on a style from the past. Retro style decorating usually has a fun, energetic feel to it, and incorporates bright colors, dynamic designs, and an overall sense of flair.

Homeowners looking to get a period look without sacrificing function and modern amenities are able to find new kitchen appliances that mimic retro style. These retro appliances are a great way to add character and a cheerful pop of color to a kitchen without overwhelming the space. Their versatile design complements a variety of decor styles, including mid-century ranch, 1950s retro, farmhouse and contemporary kitchens.

The “Original”

Elmira Stove Works has been crafting appliances since 1975, and offers full lines of ranges, refrigerators, range hoods and splash backs, microwaves, and dishwashers. Elmira initially debuted the Fireview woodburning cookstove followed by the Heritage collection of 1890’s-styled appliances, and – in 2001 – expanded to retro / mid-century appliances with the introduction of the Northstar line.

Heritage appliances are available in a variety of classic colors, including Black, White, Bisque, Cayenne Pepper Red and Liberty Blue, as well as custom hues. Northstar appliances feature an inviting collection of classic colors reminiscent of the 1950’s look – including pastels such as Buttercup Yellow and brights like Candy Red – along with more than a thousand custom colors.

So, whether you’re looking for a kitchen with the perfect touch of antique, vintage or retro inspiration, we’ve got you covered!

Retro Inspired Details Transform a Palm Springs Condo Into a Sunny Getaway

Today’s interior design aesthetic has been trending toward more modern looks with clean lines, neutral hues and lots of open space. You could browse Pinterest for hours and feel like you’ve been looking at the same white kitchen the entire time. While that look is appealing to some designers, others choose to celebrate the unique style and character of the past. California-based interior designers Ossie Saguil and Craig Mann remodeled an iconic residence at Park Imperial South in Palm Springs to do just that.

When Saguil, a partner in Mr. Mann’s Desig n, first came across the two-bedroom residence, he was intrigued by the possibilities. The historically significant mid-century modern condo was built in the 1960s by modernist architect Barry Berkus and featured distinctive features such as an accordion-style plate roofline and terrazzo tile floors. However, alterations had been made to the interior that disrupted the flow of the living space.

“The previous owner had built a wall to partition a small bonus room from the main living room, but the bonus room was not practical and ended up being used for storage,” says Saguil. “The kitchen was also small and separated from a tiny lanai that the owner had turned into a breakfast nook. But it was too cramped to be an enjoyable space.”

Saguil and his team demolished the wall and made it part of the living room, converting it into an entertainment area. To open up the flow of the kitchen, they also removed part of the counter that separated the kitchen from the lanai. This created an island that was a practical and functional space for food preparation, along with a small counter area for eating and relaxing for two people.

Eclectic Does It

From the start, Saguil wanted to pay homage to the home’s pedigree while also making it functional for modern living. He chose furniture and appliances with a distinctive nod to the 1960s, but also included items reminiscent of other decades.

“There are pieces from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and the millennia, which brings a lot of character to the home,” adds Saguil. “I collect furniture from local consignment stores and yard sales, and also have pieces from Joybird and Blu Dot. I support my artist friends by displaying their work in the condo, including two pieces that were inspired by the home.”

An Unexpected Element Sets the Design Tone

One of the defining features in the original Park Imperial South condos was the oven hood in the kitchen, which was a Robin’s Egg Blue color.

Comments Saguil, “The oven hood was very unique in a space-age or Cadillac fin way. In fact, the architect, Barry Berkus, only designed it for this project at Park Imperial South and another development in Palm Springs called Merito Manor.”

When Mr. Mann’s Design took on the renovation project, the hood was missing from the kitchen.

According to Saguil, “By serendipity, a friend of a friend of a friend knew someone at Merito Manor who was getting rid of theirs. So, we procured that hood.”

The hood was painted an unattractive brown and left a lot to be desired when it came to aesthetics. Saguil found an auto body shop that powder coated the hood to the original Robin’s Egg Blue. The hood formed the basis of the color choices throughout the condo, which is awash in vibrant, cheerful yellows and blues.

A Kitchen With the Perfect Pop of Color

For the kitchen, Saguil selected Northstar retro-inspired appliances from Elmira Stove Works – including an electric stove, fridge, microwave and dishwasher panel. He had purchased a Northstar stove and dishwasher panel for another renovation a decade earlier and remembered that Elmira offered appliances in Robin’s Egg Blue, which perfectly matched the color of the oven hood.

Says Saguil, “Retro appliances, although not necessarily 1960’s period pieces, matched the look and feel of the condo perfectly. Plus, I was pleased with the functionality and modern operability of Northstar appliances.”

In the kitchen, tall, angular windows flood the space with light, immediately bestowing a sunny disposition on anyone who enters.

Notes Saguil, “There is great flow to the kitchen. It naturally draws you in because the oven hood is so eye-catching. The appliances in Robin’s Egg Blue are also unique and make a statement. There is a lot of visual interest and uniformity, which really ties together the space.”

The retro redesign created a free-flowing, functional and unique residence while enhancing the modern kitchen area and making it a main feature of the home. Visitors love the space as soon as they enter.

“The kitchen is iconic, yet modern, and always happy. The first thing people do when they see it is smile,” says Saguil.

Mid-Century Modern – Back to the Present

Style trends come full circle, and mid-century modern design is currently doing exactly that. The use of sleek lines, interesting colors and a mix of both traditional and non-traditional materials is the essence of mid-century modern style that harkens back to the mid-1930’s to mid-1960’s. So, what has sparked the current resurgence of this design trend?

Shows such as Mad Men have no doubt helped this style gain new popularity. In addition, today’s homeowners – busier than ever – appreciate the timeless look and minimal effort required to maintain mid-century modern style. And, then there is the added bonus of infusing our dwellings with a little nostalgia from a bygone era.

Breath of Fresh Air

Mid-century modern style is understated and uncluttered – providing a sense of stability in a chaotic world. This versatile aesthetic blends clean lines and gentle, organic curves with geometric forms and fun shapes to provide a minimalist look that’s both functional and stylish. There’s no unnecessary ornamentation collecting dust and dirt here. A simple wipe down will keep things looking crisp and new.

Bridging the Generation Gap

Millennials are the largest demographic purchasing new items for the home, and many are opting to furnish their homes with mid-century inspired items, including kitchen appliances. Mid-century modern is fresh to them and a welcome departure from the dusty pastels and beige overstuffed sofas that they likely grew up with.

Their parents, Gen Xer’s and retiring Baby Boomers – a growing number of whom are looking to downsize – are embracing mid-century modern as well. They too are looking for the perfect mix of “stylish, easy to clean (a.k.a. time-saving) and doesn’t take up too much space.”

But, there’s more to it than that. Age tends to make us more reflective, and memories are powerful. We all long for tangible bits of our past, and movies, music, and even furniture – in this case, brass tipped feet on an end table, an Eames-esque chair, or a barrel lampshade – can (re)connect us with the magic of another time.

Get the Look

So, how can you incorporate a touch of the mid-century modern design trend into your home?

Start by finding pieces that reflect the distinguishing features of the style. If there is a specific era you’d like to emulate, you can buy vintage furniture or an iconic piece that has been made new to suit your needs and budget. Try visiting antique markets or an online site that sells vintage and refurbished furniture.

Another way to get the look without breaking the bank is to build around current pieces. Just make sure to avoid using too many patterns, and stay within a designated color range.

Whichever direction you choose, don’t feel overwhelmed – the goal is to have fun and incorporate small elements that ultimately tie the look together and give the perfect mid-century vibes!