From the category archives:
SOMETIMES WITH ALL THE FOCUS on mid-century modern, it’s easy to forget that traditional designs remained extremely popular in the postwar period. Young women still wanted nice crystal to start their married life. I recently came across this ad for Heisey Glass, a name I’d heard before. It’s from 1952, and this Crystolite line certainly is very pretty. I went hunting further for information on the history of Heisey Glass and found a tremendous collector’s resource.
{ 10 comments }
We all love our vintage glassware, I know that. But for everyday family use, especially tall drinking glasses, I use glassware that is less precious. Next time around, I think I am goint to buy this Anchor Hocking “Central Park” glassware in this ivy color – almost an avocado. It has a nice retro feel, and Anchor Hocking is pretty affordable, as I recall. Link here.
{ 9 comments }
I AM AN ADVOCATE OF KITCHEN SOFFITS, or as some readers call them, bulkheads. The postwar era was all about the introduction and spread of “fitted” kitchens. Long runs of base and wall cabinets and countertops, with an integrated stove and sink and fridge. This “scientific” design was an outgrowth of the efficiency movement earlier in the century, married to the postwar industrial economy that needed to find consumer outlets for the built-up wartime production. To me, while they are an additional hassle and expense if you are renovating, soffits are a no-brainer for a 1940s, 1950s or 1960s kitchen.
{ 16 comments }
VINTAGE THERMADOR built-in ovens and stove tops are really beautiful and leading-edge collectible. I see them at the Re-Store occasionally (such as the cooktop above), and am *so tempted* to add them to my collection of cool stuff, now stuffed into my attic. Over at the Eichler Network, Adam Martin wrote an interesting article in 2006 about Thermadors in Eichlers. The occasion was the 50th anniversary of a famous Thermador built-in wall oven, the WO-16A. It was top-of-the-line with straight from WWII aircraft – notice all the cockpit dials. Heck yeah there is more…
{ 15 comments }
A DAY LONG IN COMING: New, retro-style stoves with an authentic vintage look. Big Chill is now taking pre-orders for fall delivery of these 30″ ranges, which run on gas or propane. Eight colors. This stove has a far superior look to all previous attempts, which have been too caricatured, in my opinion. The Big Chills seems to mimic real stoves from back in the day. For example, the backsplash (or whatever you call it) is pretty similar to vintage Magic Chefs, from my recollection. Even at $4,295, I think they should do quite well — not just in the retro renovation market, but among all homeowners. Cozy comfy granny retro will continue to be hot hot hot for years to come, extending deep into the mainstream marketplace, I predict. Many thanks to reader Lisa for sending me this hot off the presses info to share with all! Big Chill website here.
{ 37 comments }
Remember the Sunbeam appliance center (pictured at the bottom) that I bought myself for my birthday? Well, I recently saw this ad for another one, from Westinghouse. Isn’t it just spectacular? Heck yeah there is more…
{ 3 comments }
This beautiful coffee maker is a wonderful accessory for any midcentury home. Designed in 1942 and still in production today, the Chemex® Coffeemaker is so revered that it’s in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art, Smithsonian and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
And guess what – the company that makes it is just one town over from me in Pittsfield, Mass.
{ 7 comments }
Should you organize your spices with a vintage spice rack – or another way? To be sure, this antique spice rack the Three Mountaineers is absolutely charming. Find these on ebay. We use lots of spices at my house, though — and I like our organization method even better… Heck yeah there is more…
{ 13 comments }
Peggy sends this live example of a recessed Ling-Temco dishwasher – how cool! Remember this original post of a Ling-Temco ad from 1961? Heck yeah there is more…
{ 6 comments }
If you are looking for a vintage style refrigerator, the folks at Big Chill now have two sizes. I kind of like the look of the new, little one – it is more in the scale of what I’ve seen on true examples from the 40s and early 50s in particular. And they certainly do have the rainbow of retro colors covered. Heck yeah there is more…
{ 16 comments }
Welcome to RetroRenovation.com -- your daily dose of mid century renovation resources... design inspiration... fun finds... and a growing community of people all interested in restoring, preserving and cherishing their 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s homes. Kitchens like this 1948 St. Charles steel kitchen...well, this family was living the dream!
