Daniel is a college student in California and already a longtime fan of mid-century architecture, decor and collectibles. He wrote in to share his story. I’m impressed!
Hello!
My name is Daniel and I’m a 22 year old college student in CA! I’ve been collecting mid-century furniture and ephemera since I was 14 or so. I visit your site everyday…
I love all the information you give out and all the great pictures… Most people my age don’t appreciate this kind of stuff, so it’s nice to finally find people who do. I’d love to show some of my finds if you’d like!
Sure, Daniel, I say… and can you tell me more about your story? He zips right back:
More about my story, hmmm…Well I’ve been passionate about the 1940s/50s/60s since I can remember! It’s my dad who really got me into it, with music such as Frank Sinatra, Glenn Miller, and Tommy Dorsey. From there I started buying and restoring vintage cars in high school, and would frequently go local antiquing.
I also was good friends with an antique radio repair store owner, and he gave me all the radios he no longer wanted for free! I received 8+ mid century radios from him all in working condition! That really started me saving up and going out to the antique stores to buy different things for the home.
I figured that sooner or later I would need something, so I bought everything from lamps to a vacuum cleaner haha. I’ve kept most of my stuff, giving some things away to make room for others, but I’m continually expanding my collection. My dream is to own or rebuild an Eichler home and fill it with nothing but original furniture, appliances, and fixtures.
There’s something so special about home living in that era, that’s no wonder people are going crazy over it. And although its become a fad again, I feel like I, and people like me, are living in the wrong era in someways, you know? Well I hope you enjoy these pictures, and I’d love to hear more about your story as well!
P.S. If you have any questions about the items in the pictures feel free to ask! Hope to hear from you soon.
I get the photos and I think, oh my gosh, is that really an apartment? Of a college student? It is way tidier than I remember my college apartment. I had, like, a TV, an army trunk, a portable stereo, a wastebasket, and a ratty sofa. Ah, the traveling light years. But, you are way waaaay ahead of me, Daniel. So… I ask Daniel, is that really an apartment and oh, do you have a photo that I could use, if you want? I forgot to ask him – is that a hamster cage? What is the name of your hamster? He zips back:
Ya it is a rental apartment probably from the early to mid ’60s. Unfortunately it has gone through many renovations since then, so its original charm doesn’t show all too well. I’m a Graphic Communication major concentrating in Print & Image Management…. Funny, I don’t have any pictures of me in the house on my computer haha!
But here’s a picture from last year from a WWII dance my friends and I always go to, hope that’s OK!
Sorry the pictures are such low quality, I took them with my computer because my camera had died. I can retake them for better quality if they didn’t turn out so good. Talk to you soon!
Actually, Daniel, I like the grainy dreamy quality of the photos. And, I didn’t even know you could take pictures with your computer. Like, you walk around with your laptop pointing it and hitting the enter button? I call myself a Geek Girl, but I am such a poser.
Daniel, once you get your diploma, I think you should set the graphics communications thing aside for a few months — you need to be on Design Star. We’ll all vote for you. I’m serious. BTW, is that a hamster cage? What is the name of your hamster?
St. Charles steel kitchen cabinets are restored to Frank Sinatra’s Palm Springs home, Twin Palms 
My kitchen is in a museum video – and on YouTube, too. Thanks, Daniel, for spotting it! 
Mint-in-Box Miller Studios chalkware & more 
Become a fan
Oh my gosh…can you pass along a question for me? WILL HE MARRY ME?!
I’m 23, and I’ve never met anyone, male or female, anywhere NEAR as obsessed with mid-century/earlier things than myself. I’m always the youngest at antique shows and stores and my friends I drag along never know what I’m exclaiming and babbling about. This boy is fantastic! Also inspires me to spiff my place up with a good cleaning and send you some shots too…mind, my stuff is awful scattered from 30s-70s.
Oh, Hubby and I love Frank, Tommy and Glenn too! My Dad was really into Jazz and I grew up with that and other old music, I was the only little kid who knew who Dizzy Gallespie was, lol.
Gorgeous apartment! Wow! Love the decorating and furniture, especially that chair. Great job!
I gotta get Hubby one of those WW2 uniforms, he would look so handsome! ;O)
Daniel’s story has me misty-eyed. He’s definitely worked wonders on that apartment. Great furniture and great style, Daniel.
My college apartment was already furnished (as opposed to decorated) by the landlord in Scary-Mediterranean. And, if that weren’t enough, our art major roomie took it upon herself to cover one of her bedroom walls with head and shoulders of Jimi Hendrix in pastel chalk; for that, we lost our deposit. The salad days in Athens, Georgia.
I love the photos! I especially like the photo of Daniel. It looks like it was direct from the 1940s! I’m impressed.
The apartment is great and years from now you will look back on it and think: “Wow, wasn’t I busy little bee?” You really need to print and keep all of these pictures- 20 years from now you will remember only half of how it appeared.
My only burning question is….What is the hampsters’ name?
Enjoy your dream!
Thanks for all of the wonderful comments guys! The hamster’s name is Pip, haha he’s a miniature hamster, I should probably find him a mid-century cage!
Where did you get the awesome orange chair?!? I have started ot similar to you, and i have a vintage danish modern dresser and pictures and magazines framed from 1934 to 1969. I would like to replace a gaming rocker with a chair just like that, but i cant find an affordable one or where to buy it!
Cheers to Daniel and Pip! Your apartment is fabulous and Pam is right, you have quite the eye for design. I have no doubt that you will live out that Eichler dream one day. Thanks for showing us your home. : )
p.s. Let us know if you and Carla (above) get married. I just know it would be a smashing styish affair!
So if anyone ends up getting married because they *met* via Retro Renovation, I will get my justice of the peace license and do the honors. Okay?
Amazing — continue to do what you love, Daniel!
I love you, Dan! I love your new coffee table!
I had one of those shadow boxes in my bedroom when I was growing up. I wonder what happened to it and I wish I had it now. I kept my “little animal” collection on it. I still have the collection stored in a shoe box.
I have to thank my wonderful roomate Sophie too who has put up with all my collecting and furniture swapping : )
The photos and your story are awesome! The bedroom dressers that we bought and carried up your endless apartment steps after making 2 trips back to the antique shop are looking fabulous! It was well worth it! You have s fine sense of style!
And I did not know that you have a hamster…
Dude, you were wrting my story about growing up! LOL While everyone else was listening to AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, etc I was listening to Frank, Dino, Perry Como, Jim Reeves! By the time I was 14 it led to Doo Wop which is the biggest part of my collection. First it was old cars, then ANYthing vintage! I’ve settled into the post War – ’64 era. Rock on!!!
Wow…and I always thought I was the only one who was stuck in the wrong era. I’m only 26, but I’m obsessed with everything from the ’30s and ’40s (but the ’50s is really starting to grow on me too!). I recently bought a house built in 1940, and I’m doing a “retro renovation” on it. A lot of people listen to classic rock while doing construction. Not me – it’s big band all the way! Estate sales are the best. I’ve been able to outfit my whole house with good quality mid-century furniture and housewares for under $2000!
I’m really impressed, Daniel! You’ve got a great eye for style. I wish I had your knack for pulling it all together. I like the old TV in your bedroom and the pair of vertical wall shelves above the blue plastic chair. Good luck with your Eichler dream!
Happy Daze–I’m stuck in the wrong decade too! I love Perry Como & Mel Torme etc. In fact, around Christmas time, I put in my Perry Como Christmas dvd’s and relive the magic. I’m 47 and think I got my retro vibe from my folks. Now..do you have cookbooks & can you cook from the 30′s-40′s? I have the cookbooks and it’s quite a difference (like what’s a moderate setting for the oven?).
Daniel….you’re a sweetie to embrace this life style. ‘Cause it is a Style!
It’s so cool that there others out there that feel the same way! Usually you only come across a few people who kind of get it, but when you meet someone else who shares the passion, it’s truly special! I hope to see all your guys’ home as well, especially that 1940 reno. Happy Daze!
Great apartment Daniel! I am so glad to see that there are others my age that like mid-century style. The dresser and chest of drawers in your bedroom are great, and you really got a great find with those antique radios!
I love big band music, my grandparents got me started on it when we would take road trips with them in the summer while I was growing up. With Christmas coming up faster that I want to think about, I need to get out my Glenn Miller Christmas CD and tapes. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Michael! I really like your site as well, I can’t wait to see more progress of your home!
Hey, not alot of us are done with the interiors, but what about the exteriors? I think it would be kool to see our houses. Who’s working on what, etc. My house was built in ’54 and is currently covered in a celery green and white vinyl siding. That’s good because it has protected the soon to be exposed original cedar siding. I’ll send my pic! What about you guys??
You have done a wonderful job with your apartment. Very impressive. All those years of collecting certainly have paid off. Loved the photos and all the responses on the site.
I’ll send in some pictures when I’m a little farther along. My house is a disaster area right now. I’m currently repairing water damage from some roof leaks. Next, I plan to repaint the interior (I can’t afford wallpaper right now), then I’m having the wood floors re-done.
That sounds awesome, can’t wait to see! Ya, I agree with Shane, I wish my place had an interesting exterior haha
Your apartment looks awsome. Great photos. I’m curious where is the WWII dance held? I love Swing dancing and always looking for new places to go dancing.
Here’s the link for the WWII dinner/dance held every year in Dos Palos, CA.
http://www.eaglefield.org/index.htm
Danny i looooove the photos! you always have had the cutest apartments. i miss going antique shopping with you! can’t wait for the WWII dance!
You truly are my hero!
Danny, Love your Apartment. Is that Marilyn’s Beatle poster up on your wall? And Ruthie’s picture? I am so farklempt, Aunt Carol
Daniel,
WOW!!! Im so jealous of your chiar!!!! Thats a lie…im jealous of EVRYTHING!!!! haha You’ve done an amazing Job! Im so glad to meet some one else out there (being a fellow college student) that is int to the 1940′s, 50′s and 60′s. Its a realife to knwo im not the only one! lol Send my your email please at JahJah_jordan@hotmail.com ,Id love to show you my little 1943 Lake home! I live in the dorms and DONT trust my roommates at ALL haha so all my treasures are kept there.
-Mick-
Hi Aunt Carol! It is Marilyn’s Beatle Poster, but the picture is of my dad’s mom Patricia. There’s some pictures of Ruth in the living room : ) Hope all is well, miss you!!
i was wondering where the dances are held? i am 25 and i agree with “our” generation not appreciating vintage styles. i have always felt that i was born in the wrong era. maybe i am reincarnated from someone living in the 50′s? anyways any info on the dances would be great. My girlfriend and i are looking for dances like that. i have my grandfathers wwii uniform i can wear for that event. thanks
Ps i love this site!
Hey Douglas,
The dance is held in Dos Palos, CA. You can find the event online by searching Eagle Field Dinner/Dance.
You and your gf should come out, it’s a blast!
Hope this helps!
I LOOOOVE the light in the last photo. I would love to see a better photo of it when/if you get a chance. And, the dance photo-too cute!
Pams grandfather lived next door to the Dorseys when he was a kid. Love you mom
Wow, Mom, I never knew that. In Shenandoah?
Wow, what a blog. I think Daniel should be a regular contributer to your web site. He has a lot of fans already.
Wow Danny! What a nice little journey this web site has afforded you and all of the other nice folks here. I’m very proud of you. You have a real eye for good design and a wonderful passion for “the spice of life”.
Dad
Hi Daniel – I’m in the same category as you, young and loving a decade that is far behind my time of birth. I’m 29 and have been in love with all things mid-century for as long as I can remember!
That uniform you’re wearing in the photo – where did you get that?
Pam, any chance of sharing my parent’s love story during WWII that I sent you with these young people? My dad passed away last month and it would be a nice tribute. I know everyone would be inspired/touched by it. And I too used to steal my parent’s big band albums and play them up in my room when no one was home. And there’s nothing like the Andrews Sisters to keep you moving while cleaning the house!
Sara in WA, let me pull it up out of my email and take a look. I am so sorry to hear about your dad.
This apartment is so very cool, great furniture, great lamps, and such a big splash of colors with the pink? red? and blue chairs. I love that little bookshelf with hamster cage..with legs meeting legs? Great finds!
You can’t see it in these pictures but the best room in Daniel’s flat is his closet.
Word!
No, the question is, will he marry me?! Wow, awesome taste! I love your apartment. I am working on the same thing myself. There is just nothing better than mid-century design and fashion.
No there’s not! What’s your apartment look like Aaron?
Daniel – I know I keep bugging you about it but where on Earth did you get that WW2 uniform? I love it and absolutely must have one! Email me if you could!
Hey Brian,
It’s actually party of my dad’s WWII uniform collection. He has a ton of them, and has picked them up anywhere from army surplus stores to ebay. I was lucky that this one fit me to a tee!
Hope you can find one tailored for you!
Im just wondering if you know anything about the red chair in your living room, I have a couch and chair that look almost the same, except the arms of the chair are not slanted and or not as thick. ours are kroehler but I have no idea what year they are from