by pam kueber on March 5, 2009
There’s nothing I like better than a pretty, midcentury toilet. This 1959 Ellis model from Eljer has wonderful lines, and came in 7 “decorator colors” including this great shade of pistachio green that is heading in a straight line toward avocado.
The text says that the toilet, along with coordinating bathtub and wallhung sink on chrome legs, were designed by the Dave Chapman firm. Chapman was a well-known industrial designer and seems to have had a long career with Montgomery Ward, in particular. See his IDSA bio here. Eljer has existed since 1904 and along with Crane, is today part of the American Standard brand. I keep an eye on Eljer’s product line … As far as retro renovation choices, they have one wall-hung sink (Murray II) and several simple toilets (with some of my favorite names: Titan…Diplomat…Patroit!) worth a look.
by pam kueber on February 2, 2009
Mid Century Modern Megan has inherited a sweet New Jersey ranch house that includes a beautiful 50s bathroom with gray tile … a retro blue sink, toilet and tub … and how about this – a vintage American Olean decorative tile set featuring little fishes on five different tiles. (Identified courtesy Bungalow Bill.) Oh, and Megan still owes us photos of her knotty pine kitchen! 9 photos in all…
Heck yeah there is more…
by pam kueber on August 26, 2008
I was recently introduced to the concept of “bathroom porn.” No, not girlie magazines in the recessed chrome Hallmack magazine rack…rather, mouth-watering photos of vintage bathrooms. If this one does not qualify, I don’t know what does.
This interior design study is from my personal collection of 1954 Armstrong flooring ads produced by Batten, Barton, Durstine & Osborn, Inc. To see more — click thru the Tag below that says ‘Armstrong floors.’
Book pitch…If you like these images, which are chock full of design ideas, there are many more in the anointed retro renovation “bibles”…hours of fun for the whole family, I’m serious!:
by pam kueber on August 14, 2008
A yummy 1959 American Standard bathroom today – fabulous, don’t you agree? I LOVE the vanity – which we have seen before in pink (and which a reader actually told me that she bought!). And that toilet – why did these off-the-floor designs not catch on? Don’t you hate the dust bunnies (or worse) clinging to bottom of your toilet where it meets the floor? Ick. Also, check out the flooring, so emerging-groovy, and of course, the color palette – also heading decisively into the 60s. Ad: 1959 American Standard.
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