50s design: 1952 living-dining room with great details

by Pam Kueber on March 11, 2008

Continuing the theme of the week, another great interior to scrutinize and learn from.

1952 living room dining room by Armstrong

1950s living room dining room by ArmstrongThis 1952 living room dining room comes courtesy the interior designers at Armstrong Flooring. To be sure, this company had a massive influence via their advertising in establishing the postwar look. Seems like they were among the first to figure out that if you employed interior designers to finish a whole room — especially as it was a new look for America — it would be lots easier to sell the pieces — starting with the floor.

There is so much to love about this room, including:

  • The floor, of course – interesting how the neutral grey works just fine with the orange and chartreuse paint, fabric and accessories
  • The fireplace wall is cork, the ad says. Very cool
  • The wall-to-floor pinch-pleat draperies are retro necessities
  • I love the built in just left of the chartreuse slipper chair, foreground left
  • The plants are very modern – remember, a Monsterosa is a must for any god fearing mid century interior!
  • That’s a paneled room behind the drapery to the left.
  • And check out the headless statue in the extreme foreground at the right. Freaky!

Freaky head aside – how could you NOT be happy in this room? Banish the beige, guys!

Related posts:

  1. Early American design – why was it popular in the mid-20th-century? In the early 50s, Duco paint featured advertisements that showcased...
  2. 21 ideas for your 1940s ranch, bungalow or cape – 40s kitchens, living rooms, bathrooms and more Quickly after World War II ended, Americans plowed right...
  3. Readers Shelly and Lisa visit the 1955 St. Louis time capsule home: “Retro is the new green living…” Remember the fabulous 1955 bungalow time capsule in St....
  4. 1952 Willett maple furniture I‘M FASCINATED by the midcentury midwest furniture companies. I have...
  5. 1952 time capsule kitchen…70s time capsule bathroom…and more I spent not one — but two — days this...

Want to stay on top of all Retro Renovation news? Subscribe to our Saturday email newsletter.

{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }

maggie March 11, 2008 at 5:03 pm

Man, I would KILL for a set of split-back upholstered dining chairs like those.

BTW, I don’t think that’s a Monstera Deliciosa on the mantel in the photo; believe it’s a fiddleleaf fig (ficus). And for my money, the must-have plant for an MCM home is a big pot of Sanseveria, aka “mother-in-law’s tongue”. The vertical-striped, architectural look of them is so perfect.

Amy March 11, 2008 at 5:53 pm

I like it! It has alot of my favourite colours.

Ronn Ives/FUTURES Antiques March 11, 2008 at 10:44 pm

Hi,
The dining table, chairs, coffee table, etc. are cork and dark mahogany designed by Paul Frankl in the 40’s. You can see some of the real pieces in my friend and customer’s home “Kim” in the “Home and Decor of FUTURES Customers and Friends” Gallery on the “Shop” page of my web site. She had the surfaces restored. The fabric is original. The chair are REALLY comfortable with that split in the back for your spine. Wonderful idea.
I’ll write back in a minute and give you the direct link.
Ronn Ives/FUTURES Antiques

Ronn Ives/FUTURES Antiques March 11, 2008 at 10:46 pm

Hi again,
Yeh, here it is:

http://futuresantiques.com/items/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=6354

Just click “Next” for each photo.

Ronn.

Colleen January 25, 2009 at 4:32 pm

Ronn, I loved the photo tour of your house! You’ve done a brilliant job of it, it’s just beautiful! Thank you for posting this – it gives me some encouragement, too.

Colleen January 25, 2009 at 4:48 pm

Oh – and I ran right to Amazon and bought the book! I can’t wait to see it.

Leave a Comment -- If you are under 14 years of age you may read this message board, but you may not participate. Here are the full legal terms of use you agree to by using this comment form.