a friend of mine recently renovated her kitchen and proudly told me, "i ripped out that old, avocado green, formica counter top and installed granite."

"why?" i asked with a faint wimper.

"because it was something my grandmother would have had in her kitchen," she answered.

okay, #1 her grandmother obviously had marvelous taste.  #2, do not dismiss formica laminate until you've checked out the historical, 1959 wilson house in texas.

originally built as a residential home for ralph and sunny wilson, and then used as a corporate entertaining hub for wilsonart laminates, this 3000 square foot stunner is a showcase of all things plastic fantastic.

even barbie thinks so!

thank you, dee dee, for bringing the wilson house into my life.

{UPDATE:  has been pointed out to me that formica and wilsonart laminates are two different products.  the wilson house is comprised of  wilsonart laminates.  sorry about the confusion. please take note!}

{images via dee dee 914;  wilsonart laminates; clearblur; and retro renovation.}