Webguru Kit gave me this little toy now that I’m taking lots of photos. A slide show that I can link to my flickr account. This is Maryanne’s garden in Pittsfield, Mass. — a true oasis that she created in her little 50s neighborhood. Um, it only took her 13 years, she said.
Exterior
Kitchens – Countertops

I have been working on retro laminates lately – and originally thought there were only these big five: Wilsonart, Formica, Pionite, Nevamar and Arborite. But – I’ve now discovered a 6th company – Arpa USA. They have a terrific-looking portfolio — of solids, in particular. Some of the greens come darn close to that famous [...]

Where to find speckled gold laminate? Also called “lame” (with an accent on the “e”, as in “lam-ae.”) A typical reader question, like this one: Hello – I really hope you can help me. I have been searching for weeks with no luck. I have an old trailer from the 50′s and need to replace [...]

Many thanks to Whitney, who just tipped me that Wilsonart has introduced 11 new colors of boomerang laminate. There now are a total of 14 colorways — the most of any manufacturer. I am quite liking the “butterscotch” above — looks like you could use this in a kitchen with yellow kitchen cabinets. There is [...]

UPDATE (Oct 2011): Click over to –> this story to get an update on all three sources for boomerang laminate. Here is a third selection of boomerang laminates to consider for your retro kitchen renovation. Wilsonart has informed me that residential buyers can buy from this “Indie” line …. it is just a special order placed [...]

Here is another set of products from the past — still available today — with a fascinating history: ‘Memphis’ style laminates designed in 1978 by Ettore Sottsass, “the greatest Italian designer of the last half century.” These laminates are still offered by Abet Laminati. This is not necessarily a name familiar U.S. consumers, but Abet [...]
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Renovate Safe! Get informed about the environmental & safety issues in your vintage home. #1 RULE: Consult with pros. More info: EPA asbestos website ... EPA lead website ... Consumer Reports safety blog ... U.S.F.A. – electrical fire safety.




232 images in my 1950s slide show
A slide show of 73 pink kitchens 














My gosh, is this all really just one yard? Amazing. Very nice use of various shades of greens and different textures, rather than relying on flowers to do all the work. The house color and trim make a really nice backdrop for the plantings.
Wow! That yard is gorgeous. I love the variety of height and various shades of green with punches of color here and there.