Retro Renovation» tiki and bars

Witco Map of the World

pam kueber — Thu, 20 May 2010 10:00:55 +0000

Tiki goes amazingly mid-century modern in this vintage Witco map of the world. This wonderful item was on ebay a few months ago. As I recall, it was quite large — like 5′ wide… And as I recall, it sold for over $600 with a chunk of shipping on top. I had saved this image at the time of the auction and came across it yesterday. Today I am KICKING myself for not buying it. I have a place for it, and the husband would have love love loved it (even though it would have been yet another vintage item bigger than a breadbox coming into the house.) Alas. Sigh. Arggggh. Drats. Click the globe image above to see it bigger… and click through to the jump to see the original J.L. Hudson’s price tag, too.

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Random multi-color slate flooring — an authentic mid-century choice

pam kueber — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 11:00:45 +0000

Jeff recently reminded us that random multi-color slate flooring is a wonderful choice for a mid-century home. To be sure, I see this floor all the time in homes I visit from the 40s 50s 60s and 70s. It’s usually in porches, breezeways, or foyers — spots that require a very durable, waterproof flooring material. (But, I do not see this in kitchens and bathrooms. This floor is, I believe, traditionally used as a transition between the outside and inside, rather than a floor you’d want to live on all day long. That said, in a big open concept contemporary in a hot climate, I can see it being used throughout the house.) Jeff is purchasing his at Vermont Slate Depot, where as today, 10 sq. ft. costs $16.75 plus shipping. I also have seen this floor at my big local stone supply store, the same place everyone buys their patio pavers. So, you may be able to get it locally, as well, and save on the shipping. Design tip: That white grout shown in the photo is not what I’d choose. It will show dirt instantly. I’d have to eyeball it, but at minimum would start with medium gray.

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Vintage barware for a picnic

pam kueber — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:59:07 +0000

My friend Therese found these vintage glasses at a local junk store. They came in a basket with a handle with space for each glass and on the side, spaces for your napkins and silver. Like, you would keep these handy to tote to the patio. Aren’t they magical?

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