It always seems that the most outrageously creative places in postwar homes are the basements. It seems that upstairs everyone wanted everything to be “nice.” But downstairs — all heck break lose, it was party time. These 1949 images from Armstrong Flooring’s squad of interior designers are, as usual, over-the-top, and chock full of great ideas:

This second one, from Sloane Linoleum shows the same creativity:

You’ll notice that I recently began spotlighting two Armstrong books in the sidebar:

• Inspiring Interiors from Armstrong 1950s and
• Interior Solutions from Armstrong the 1960s

The 50s version has long been my “bible,” it is the single best reference I’ve ever found for all the little details. When I did the kitchen, I returned to this book over and over again — so I don’t recommend it lightly.

Poking around this weekend, I see that there’s also now a 60s version — woo hoo! Guess what my hubby is getting for Father’s Day!