Reader Tara is also a filmmaker for etsy. She produced this video — “There’s No Place Like Home: A Retro Renovation at Luxton Lake with Tina Spangler” — and says that indeed, the title of this latest video in their continuing series was inspired by our blog. The video is a very happy piece – great for this Saturday summer morning. Take a look at the linoleum rug – fabulous. You can also read more about the film here. Thanks, Tara!
Mid Mod Madness
Kitchens – Countertops

A few years ago I saw my first bathtub and shower surround tiled in with a “crazy quilt” of all different tiles, and it was love at first site. If you love color and pattern, heck, going crazy quilt means can have it all. Designer Amy Mescia — with her new company Oscar & Izzy – now [...]

I spotted this vintage salesman’s sample showing different styles of metal edging for a kitchen countertop, and it reminded me that I wanted to do a story showcasing some other varieties beyond the stainless steel edging that I used for my kitchen. First off, thanks to Hard to Find House Parts for letting me share [...]

Another first for the blog and our Retro Renovation journey: Last night I spotted vintage Geneva steel kitchen cabinets in a Target commercial. Don’t they look fantastic! Continue on for the close-up and more play-by-play commentary —> I think the countertop is some variety of solid surface material – a very sleek, modern look. And, I’m guessing that [...]

A reader wrote to ask how to bring the luster back to her vintage laminate countertops. Paste wax, maybe? To get the answer, I turned to expert Grace Jeffers. She is the writer, design historian and materials expert responsible for restoration of the Ralph Sr. and Sunny Wilson House – including its gorgeous Mondrian-style kitchen, [...]
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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.




10 reasons I’m glad I don’t live in the 50s: A Retro Renovation re-run
Retro Renovation TV: Laminate countertops for your mid century kitchen
Retro renovation resolutions – 2009 















Fabulous home, great sense of living with what she loves.
What a gorgeous home!
There was a linoleum rug in one of the homes I grew up in (bedroom) and I remember mopping it every Saturday when I did my chores.
Absolutely Charming !
Thanks for sharing.
Maryann
Such a pretty home I love it! Lots of charm and coziness.
I swear I have that same or else similar hibiscus barkcloth from the 40′s that she has hanging in her doorway between the living room and kitchen, I made valances and pillows from it and I am going to use it in the bedroom, if I ever get it done someday, lol.
People are constantly breaking up those linoleum carpets to get them out the door and then dumping them in the trash around here.
( I’m the only one who seems to appreciate them. Or I was. I have indocrinated a few friends on their beauty, and now they at least claim to appreciate them while I’m in the room.
Linoleum, should anyone care to read about it, is a natural alternative to vinyl floor covering and is making a comeback. It’s just jute backing, a mixture of linseed oils and sawdust, and then pigments. It biodegrades in landfills and does not emit all the nasties that PVC does, both in your house and eventually in the landfill. It’s durable and easy to clean. Hurray for lino!
That was NOT supposed to be a smily. It was one of these:
Great video. I’m drooling over the Fire King collection. The addition of the front porch really made that house look great!
Thanks for this video. The history of the house is so interesting, and it’s wonderful that the house is so well loved and cared for.
Good stuff. Good, good things.
The Paintings are so lovely! I googled Joseph Unger and came up with nothing.