Home improvement and remodeling for midcentury homes
I’m a huge fan of Saarinen tulip tables – so of course, took a liking to this Ada table lamp by CB2. In case you don’t know, CB2 is the separate mid mod line by Crate & Barrel. They have a lot of great stuff for 60s 70s and 80s retro renovations. This lamp is only $60. One caution: Don’t overdo the tulip shape – one application (a table & chairs OR pair of lamps) is likely enough.
These illustrations from the National Plan Service courtesy Indiana Coal & Lumber companay are idealistic – picture perfect – to be sure. Even so, they all include great little ideas to scrutinize and consider replicating in our own little jewel box 40s 50s and 60s ranches, colonials, capes, splits and contemporaries.
Scathing Jane spotted this Crane sink set into a custom-size metal cabinet, on craigslist. In my vintage marketing material, I definitely have seen examples of this this kind of installation. This is the first we’ve seen live, though! And boy…the more I see of these Crane sinks, the more in love I fall. They are so beautiful!
I’ve traveled down to Kentucky to spend Thanksgiving with my kinfolk: Mom, Dad, Aunt Mary Anne & Uncle Bob, David & Patrick & Kyle & Andra, Jenni & Matthew & Jackson & Justin & Sara & Lily, Ricky & Alison & Luke & Isaac & Emerson, Sara & David & Stephen & Nicholas. Have a great turkey day, everyone. Take a nap after, I’ll sure need one!
1947 Kelvinator kitchen
My basic goal right now in life is to know-all, see-all when it comes to mainstreet middle class mid century modern. So imagine my surprise and delight to bump into this source for new-old-stock mint-in-box rotary dial telephones — the real deal — while I was on a separate, very silly quest.
This is a hot topic: Readers are hearing from floor sales people that they need to polish and buff their newly installed vinyl composite floor tiles like the professionals do in office buildings.
My name is Carrie, I was not born (actually 1976) during the times you mainly discuss on your blog; however I have been very fond to all things vintage instead of new. I have been an addicted reader of your blog for more than three months now. It is nice to know there are so many others out there who are just it in awe of the 40s 50s and 60s especially mid century modern. I am very much inspired by all the things you have written about, and everyone else who contributes as well. Especially real estate time capsules. I have just purchased a house where I live and it is a time capsule. The house was build in 1964 and has only had one owner….
Carrie’s 1964 Storybook Ranch — aka “Cinderella Ranch” or rambler — is a real time capsule purchased from the original owner who never changed a thing – and Carrie pledges not to, either! Speckled laminate…knotty pine kitchen…original pinch pleats… Sears lights… just look at those awnings! This house is terrific! 14 photos.
I’m down in Kentucky, visiting family — and having a few retro renovation kaffee klatsches, too! Gearing up for Thanksgiving: Ann Landers – who definitely made a huge imprint on me growing up.
Dear Ann Landers: I hope you will print something a friend in Australia sent me. I think it’s perfect to run on Thanksgiving. — Bee in Fairfax, Va.
Dear Bee: Please send my best wishes and warm thanks to your friend in Australia. Here’s the thoughtful piece she sent:
Things to Be Thankful For
~ Taken from Ann Landers’ column—11/22/01
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