I sent a newsletter yesterday that spotlighted my four favorite time capsule houses from 2011. Reader Joe took a look at the four homes, and mused:
OK, the problem is “How does one know when he has something worth preserving?” We all admire those select-few geniuses who kept their mid-century homes in mint condition, but I suspect most of us went with the flow and re-decorated as periods changed. I mean, we, too, had a 1964 home, but by the ’70s, we had to redecorate, because it seemed so gross. Fast forward 50 years, and I would give anything to have that house back in its original condition! (I’ll bet the original GE appliances would still be working!) Maybe it’s that we become smarter with age, or maybe we are just washed over by the wave of nostalgia. Memories do seem to become more important as we get older. Those of us in the retro movement certainly do have a keen appreciation and vivid memories of “back then,” but which of us was brilliant enough not to ever touch a thing and to preserve our mid-century glamour? I mean, pink? Turquoise? Who would have thought?
If we keep everything as it is in our homes today, is it possible that, in 50 years, people will be dying to have what we got? ….
I definitely have strong opinions on this question. But I’ll put the question out to readers first:
Brenda N says
As I read through many of the posts, several of you have dilemmas about how to install dishwashers in narrow cabinets, do you tear down this wall or that one, how do I make it functional for me yet keep the style.
Please don’t ever be afraid to consult a residential architect or interior designer to help solve those problems. They’re also great resources for helping with leaky window and other energy inefficiencies.
Many of you talk about major renovations like a kitchen…costly. And everyone here seems to be saying one thing in common…do it right! If you’re stuck with a problem during your costly renovation a few more dollars to hire the qualified professional is never a bad investment and don’t assume that they cost more than they are worth or that they cost more than you can afford. Many residential architects will work with projects from closet renovations to brand new whole houses.
To add my comments about what to keep? Keep what you can not replace with a quality item of the same style (regardless of age). Ask yourself, does this tiny item actually make this house a bit unique (light switch plates for example). Many things in a home that make it wonderful are not always the placement of walls or how big the kitchen is…pay attention to every tiny detail and look at how connections are made between walls and countertops, how does that baseboard sit against the wall, what does that trim around the door look like?
Also, to follow up on Pam’s comment in her question…as we all toss out the “80s crap” from our mid century houses, I wonder…in 30 years will the next generation want all of that? I’m already finding myself thinking about the “cool” factor of the mid 70s houses, something I wouldn’t have dared to do even 5 years ago.
Renee Kleck says
Check out this event in Denver about how to preserve your midcentury home:
http://www.modernindenver.com/events/event/heritage-homeowners-workshop-series/
A preservation for Living Program focus on Mid-Century Modern.
The schedule of workshops for the evening is:
3pm-4pm: Historic preservation basics and available tax credits
4pm-5pm: Energy efficiency for the older home
5pm-6pm: Window restoration and weatherization
6pm-7pm: Masonry and wood trim repairs
Joe Felice says
Here I live and here I go to community dinner every Wednesday, and I knew nothing about this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Laura's Last Ditch--Vintage Kitchenwares says
My vote is, if you do change something, throw it in the attic. Someone might love you for it later. But, keep in mind, everything you think is awful today, in 30 years will be retro-wonderful, and everything you change now, in 10 years will be ugly. So, sit tight, and wait for it to be neat again!
We did change our front door (boo!) because it was warped and I had to swing my hips against it and quickly turn the latch in order to get it to close. It made me feel bad, but I at least tried to choose a style which fit the house. Nothing as ugly as a faux Victorian door on a Mid-century house. Yuck.
daniel says
Does it work well?
Is it well-crafted?
Is it aesthetically pleasing or is it utilitarian?
Just take a look at it— is it a Cadillac or is it a Honda?
Melanie says
Without having read anyone else’s comments yet, I’m going to say that good quality is always worth preserving. Cheap shoddily made crap needs to go out no matter what era it’s from.
Cynthia says
Great question and responses. I often feel intimidated posting here, because it seems like so many other posters are much more the purists that myself and my husband. For us, and our beloved 1958 Denver tri-level, it’s about what works, what we like, and what is practical. We have three kids aged 7 and under — and frankly, we are not interested in raising them in a museum. 😉 So first and foremost the house has to work for our family. Beyond that, it is all about what we love and what makes us smile every time we walk in the door.
Previous owners put a small addition on the house 10 years ago (they used it as a dining room; we use it as a playroom for the kids, and it also includes a covered porch). And we did another addition last year (first floor master bedroom and bath, and an office). Both additions, I believe, respect the integrity of the original house. Our primary goal with our addition (beyond simply making the space work better for us) was to make it look as if the new part of the house has been here for the last 50 years, not like it was smushed onto the house just to add square footage. I think the previous owners did a good job of that when they added on, and I think we did, too. One of the best compliments we got was when painters were here working on the new part of the house, and they thought it was a remodel, not an addition.
That being said, there are a lot of things I would change if money were no object. I would love to have a truly retro-looking kitchen…I see kitchen photos on here that make me just drool! Maybe someday… 😉
pam kueber says
Hey, Cynthia — your renovations sound lovely. Don’t be intimidated — I do not consider myself a “purist” either. What you say about: “respect the integrity of the original house” — that’s the starting point and to me, most valuable lesson of all. 🙂
Cynthia says
Thanks, Pam! 😉
Just another Pam says
Another thank you from me as well, Pam!
I’ve felt a quite guilty from time to time when reading posts here. Some things I tore out but other things I put in that should have been here, ceilings and light fixtures especially. It’s just a wee place so I sacrificed a bedroom to open up the living dining kitchen area and let some more light into said kitchen though you’ll still never need sunglasses in there.
When I finally get through all my junque I’ll send you some photos and see if I’m doomed to decor purgatory ;o)
daniel says
this sounds really cool— can you post pictures of the addition? i’ve seen so many bad additions i can’t count them all, but i’d love to see one executed beautifully.
J Chris Mobley says
That is a really good question. We bought our home (Krisel) last year here in Palm Springs. It was built in the 60’s, is mid-century modern architecture and has the original kitchen. Formica counters, formica cabinets, terrazzo floors and the original double Imperial 900 oven. Aside from wanting to keep the floors, we have gone back and forth about whether or not to upgrade. Hmmm
Denise Cross says
Easy. You keep everything that will be replaced with anything Made In China. Pretty much .. e v e r y t h i n g that still works.
Terri says
Our home is 60 years old. We did replace the windows…the brick had shifted and the aluminum windows refused to open and the glass would crack – fire hazard. The company didn’t hard the marble window sills or the plaster walls. Stripped & painted door/garage doors – to the original color!
We removed a lot of interior doors – 29 doors in an 1800’sq house!
The kitchen was remodeled beautifully in 1969 – colonial with high end wooden cabinets. Those were removed and repainted. Removed the icky kitchen drop ceiling and discovered an amazing curved soffit. It’s mint green with white cabinets and black formic counters (original color) The floor is bamboo – not really retro, but liked the look/feel and the remainder of the house is hardwood. Replaced fridge – it was a huge pro model circa 1969, with very little inside space. (it was a space & energy hog) Gave the General Motors electric oven away. I really didn’t like the electric cook top. We did go stainless steel – but I’m 50 years old and I grew up with a stainless kitchen, so it just seems normal to me.
Basement was a Brady bunch dream, but water damage caused the basement kitchen to be replaced with flat paneled cabinets and Flor tile squares. Kept the knotty pine, removed the daisy wall paper. Small kids in house and had to adjust the rathskeller for our needs. The color is grey/blue – the original color!
Now…on to the bathrooms! I’ve been combing this site for period appropriate fixtures. Our tub is strangely small, it’s not a princess, though many neighbors do have these. The sinks have chips and the giant walk-in shower leaks. I’m interviewing tiles people who can re-do the whole rooms. Our bathrooms are much smaller than most neighbors. I am doing the heated floors beneath the basket weave tile.
What to dump, what to keep is always hard!
Ann says
I suppose everyone has to answer this question for themselves. As the owner of a mostly intact 1940 minimal traditional, we purchased the home because it hadn’t been remodeled very much. I would definitely make improvements behind the drywall or plaster (i.e., update plumbing and electrical, remove any asbestos insulation, etc.). In front of the drywall is a harder question.
As much as I consider myself a purist, I have a contractor in my mud / laundry room as we speak building a new cabinet after having torn out the existing one (of nice pine with mortise and tenon joinery – that thing was built to last). Our house never had a dishwasher. Our original 1940 kitchen cabinets are only 19″ deep and any standard size dishwasher needs about 23 inches cabinet depth. As someone who cooks a lot and works more than full time (knock on wood), I was really feeling the strain of not having a dishwasher. The only way to have one without tearing out the lower kitchen cabinets was to demo and rebuild with more depth a smaller stand alone cabinet (that had the necessary plumbing nearby, fortunately).
As much as I am looking forward to having a dishwasher, I do have mixed feelings about taking out a such a sturdy and good quality cabinet. At the same time, you can’t live in a museum and you have to make your house work for you. On the other hand, if one had to perform a significant remodel (taking multiple rooms down to the studs for cosmetic reasons) to make the house work for him / her, perhaps that isn’t the right house?
pam kueber says
Reminder folks: Consult with professionals regarding safety environmental issues such as how to handle asbestos…
Denise Cross says
I have the same dishwasher dilemma Ann! I think I’ve come to the conclusion that I’ve never had a dishwasher, why now,… kids are long gone?
Justin says
As far as the dishwasher problem, and not wanting to demo the cabinets for a new dishwasher. I know they used to make portable dishwasher. I remember even up into the 80’s having a dishwasher unit that had a butcher block top and had wheels to roll it around. And you just rolled it over to the sink and hooked it up to use, and then when you were done using it you just moved it back into its spot. Do you know if they even make the portable ones anymore? If not you might consider an older portable one as well. Just a thought.
gsciencechick says
Yes, Sears still makes them! Also check to see if there is a Sears Outlet near you.
Rita@thissortaoldlife.com says
Oh, this brings back memories. The first dishwasher my parents had was one of those rolling ones. I’m sure that was the choice because a built-in one would’ve required major renovations in the kitchen of our ’59 ranch. It was my dad’s Christmas present to my mom, in probably ’78. I thought it was very cool!
Dianne says
We must be sisters, Rita! My dad gave my mom a diswasher for Christmas in 1978, too! And she got ticked. Back then, cleaning house was the woman’s job, you know, and she took this gift as an insult that she wasn’t keeping up with her end of the chores. So, she never used the darn thing. And, in fact, stopped doing dishes altogether. Dad loved it….every time he loaded and unloaded it. 🙂
Rita@thissortaoldlife.com says
That’s hilarious! My mom loved it because it made life much easier. Once my dad brought home some kind of joke goo slimey stuff and made it look like it was coming out of the bottom of the dishwasher. She got so upset when she thought it was broken. In my childhood, there would have been no going out and charging a new one (and no money to easily replace it), and the idea of going back to hand-washing all those dishes was too much. We are spoiled now, I think!
Sarah says
I’m starting to think dishwashers are overrated. I am a chronic pre-rinser, so maybe I should just wash by hand. My mother is actually taking her dishwasher out of their 1981 kitchen in an upcoming reno. She talked to appliance repair man regarding problems with her fairly new (and higher end) dishwasher. He said the government restrictions on detergent ingredients as well as water volume limits coupled with her hard water leave her little hope for a machine that could work better. I say if handwashing is part of your routine I wouldn’t bother putting a dishwasher.
JKaye says
A favorite family memory is of me and my sister singing Creedence Clearwater Revival songs together as we washed dishes back in the 70s. (We discovered that she had a great voice, and she majored in vocal music in college.) However, we were thrilled when our parents got one of those portable dishwashers that rolled up to the sink and attached to the faucet. We still did some singing as we loaded and unloaded that hulking thing, but it wasn’t quite the same as having our hands in soapy water as we sang, “Rolling, rolling, rolling on the river…”
pam kueber says
I always love your memories, JKaye! Me, too, I remember an old house our family had… no dishwasher… and even though I am sure I griped at the time, it was an invaluable bonding experience…