Woo hoo. Here I am live on WCNC-TV’s “Charlotte Today” noontime show, talking about mid-century style with Dayvee Sutton, who was just wonderful to work with. I can’t tell you how weird this all feels. Have you ever seen anyone who grins so much — I am such a dork. But it sure was fun. tee hee.
Mid Mod Madness
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 [...]

“Fake butcher block countertops” are another one of those original vintage house features that I often hear called “hideous” on other websites. (Crikey, how I have come to despise that word — it is overkill, please refrain.) I, on the other hand, not only have “no problem” with butcher block laminate, I am 100% on [...]

For either kitchen or, especially, bathroom countertops, I believe that Carrara marble laminates are an authentic vintage choice. I blinded myself searching for them among the 8 retailers of laminate in the U.S. today. The number-one choice, I think, is going to be from Wilsonart — their White Carrara, shown above. Read on for some [...]

Over at her blog The Home Project, reader Linn and her husband continue to chronicle the remodel of their adorable bungalow kitchen. Recently, they rolled up their sleeves and installed a stainless steel countertop right over the old, existing laminate countertops. The headline: When first considering the stainless steel countertop option, Linn contacted a big [...]

UPDATE (Oct 2011): Click over to –> this story to get an update on all three sources for boomerang laminate. If you are planning Formica Boomerang countertop in aqua for your kitchen renovation, you’d better order now. Alas, if you were planning the skylark (light blue) or coral, it’s already too late. Following up on [...]
MidCentury Marketplace Advertisers
-
I need speed and up-time — so I use WP Engine
Renovate Safe
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 readers’ Charlotte road trip
ReStore Habitat for Humanity, Charlotte, N.C.: Mom and I do some retro recon 














Nice job Pam. So well spoken!
Good job, Pam! Hope you’re having fun.
You fit right in with the Subject matter.The dress,or “Shift” as it was often called,is so Retro,and looks so great on you.Enjoy the rest of your time there,and surely we all wait for your report.
Loved it! You were so poised and articulate, and obviously full of love for your subject. Bonus points for the adorable dress.
Woo hoo! Design expert! I love it!
You have a voice!! Great to hear you!!
We miss you Pam so it was great to see you live and providng your expertise in mid-mod! Great job and you are so not a dork!
Good Job! Wish I was in Charlotte!
Done like a pro! You were great: informed, articulate and nicely modulated. As a Toastmaster, I think you made an excellent presentation. Wish I could be there to hear you speak!
Nice job Pam. You should have a show on HGTV.
So glad to have you as our spokesperson! Great display. I hope you will be doing some info on how to inject a little of this style into a new home. Think we have a basic house plan and DH on board with a timeline. I’d be thrilled to find a time capsule, but we’ll be building an L shaped ranch d(+ barn & shop) on our mini ranch with split rail fence up the driveway. western/California ranch/mid century yet built for today kind of feel. Man I wish I could’ve gone to that show! good to have you back though.
You look great Pam! I love to listen to you explain, too! I wish I could be there it all looks to amazing and I would so love to hear your Talks!!! Thanks for the video!
Great job, Pam! Will you be sharing any of your talks on video? Hope so!
Very nice Pam. I’ll have to sew myself one of those retro shifts for Spring! And I love that red door with the little windows. My first home project when we moved into our 50′s split level in Dec. was to paint the front door red. But I wish mine had those cool little windows!
Take it from someone who has been a professional broadcaster for nine years – you’re a natural and someone I’d be relieved to interview!!! You may have a second calling on TV
Hey Pam! Max and I watched you and loved it! He’s on his way to Restore to buy cabinets and I’m eager to hear about landscaping designs from you. Keep up the good work!
Fantastic! Wish I could’ve been there!
Pam, you are awesome! I hear your own show calling your name!
Hi Pam, I’ve been watching your blog for some time now and you really gave my wife and I some great inspiration in doing our renovation. Thank you! I enjoyed your interview. I have to commend you – GREAT answer to the, “Is this just the latest trend?” question!
Great job, Pam! I hope you have video of your presentations for those of us who couldn’t make it. Looking forward to your new inspirations!
Pam you have what I would consider a “soothing” presence & I also sense
a future for you in design/appreciation for mid-mod either on HGTV or web-
only??
You are our avatar!
Oh gosh Pam you look beautiful! Love the dress, and your grins are great! :O)
You did an awesome job, you are a natural at speaking, especially since it’s something you truly love.
That house set is AH-mazing! The detail is wonderful! I would love a house like that, it reminds me of one by my grandparents house that I have loved since I was a kid!
I agree with Frank…I think a show on HGTV is in order!
Love the dress Pam – Is that vintage Lilly Pulitzer?
Great job!
You are a shining star! Great style! You do need your own HGTV show. Hope you enjoyed your visit in NC. I know you knocked ‘em out at the show! So glad you were dressed in vintage. You’re a doll!
Well said Pam, the dress you picked out is super. Love the Eichler. . . great someone else out there gets it. Looking forward to reading all about the ideas you picked up at the show.