Cookin’ in the 1930s

Posted on November 9, 2005 by Gene

Now that the structural work I needed done has been completed, the time is rapidly approaching for a move to my little bungalow. This means I need to order some appliances — specifically, a refrigerator to replace the ant’s nest; then a few weeks later a cooktop, oven, and dishwasher.
The house was built in 1937, and I want to try to keep a feeling of the 30s-40s when I start doing work in the kitchen. Right now, it’s a bit too modern — in the sense that the kitchen looks old (1990 or so). I’d like to bring it back in time a bit, but I still want today’s appliances. And I also need to be able to sell the place if it turns out that I can’t afford it.
My grand plan includes white cabinetry, a black and white checkered linoleum floor, and probably period white tile countertops. So, the question is: should I get glossy white or stainless steel appliances? I know that stainless wouldn’t necessarily fit in as historically accurate, but I’m not going for accuracy — and stainless seems to be the “in” thing.
What do you think?