Snaps to magnarama for spotting this amazing ebay listing — a big stash of Timo Sarpeneva cookware, unused and in original boxes. I am certainly in love. But, gulp, it’s $3,000 in starting bids to pick up the entire set. According to this biography, Timo Sarpeneva was a Finnish industrial designer most well known for his candlesticks and other glass for the company iittala. But, he also worked with metal, porcelain, wood and textiles. This cookware was designed in 1960 — and you can still get the Sarpeneva cast iron pot, in black, for $265.
Mid Mod Madness
Kitchens – Countertops

This week I heard from Jeff, who uses vintage speckled laminate for his banjo finger boards. I just think that is so cool… you know I am part Kentuckian. P.S. Can someone tell me how to get the accent mark over the ‘e’, as in lame’ … as I am dying to write lame’ laminate? [...]

More today from the Wilsonart laminate history archives. In the 60s, laminate colors got, at one end of the spectrum richer and earthier – and at the other end, pop-art bold. Some of the defining trends from the period, this article says: Color TV was introduced in 1965, bringing us closer in touch with design [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

In my recent story about authentic 1950s 1960s and 1970s kitchen remodeling products still made today, I spotlighted Elkay Lustertone stainless steel drainboard sinks — made back in the day and still available today. Over the past year, I’ve been in touch with a reader who was preparing to install a new Elkay sink top [...]
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Scandinavian modern candleholders by Timo Sarpeneva – still available today
Man gift alert: Timo Sharpeneva pen and card case
Mid mod mint-in-box madness 














And it’s RED.
This stuff puts my beloved Le Creuset to shame!
What great “lines”!
Thanks for sharing this one Pam. Would not have found it on my own.