Retro Renovation

So it’s all Atomic Addiction Brian today! I went to see what was new on his site and spotted this craigslist find. I have to agree wholeheartedly - this is one of the most amazing items that I have ever seen and I want it very very badly especially as it seems to promise [...]

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It seems like most every owner of a 40s 50s or 60s home ripped out their stylish, original electric switchplates at some point, and replaced them with innocuous ones. It is great fun to try to find these - and to replace them throughout the house. I think they a terrific touch.

There are actually quite [...]

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I saw this lovely photo of a starburst mirror on Design to Inspire, and recognized it immediately as the same one I’d bought from Ballard Designs about two years ago. We have it above our fireplace, against our grasscloth-covered walls, and it looks great - modern and serene.
I am a big fan of having one [...]

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Palm Springs Stephan responded to the call for info on my recent post on Chinese artwork that seemed so popular in room interiors of the day. This was so interesting, it seemed like it should be a full post in its own right. I want one of these SO MUCH! Stephan writes:
“On the Chinese paintings [...]

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“Yes, you will find that the right door can add an extra touch of beauty to any home.”
This 1945 advertisement spotlights a very under-appreciated design feature — the interior, flat panel birch plywood door. The ad points out that these doors are easy to stain to match your paneling… or they can be easily painted [...]

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click image to enlarge

Goodness, the copywriter sure had fun with this one.
In reality, he (I’m pretty sure) was pointing out that in 1945, lovely bedroom carpets could be made in all your very favorite colors: “…Colors that make you look your loveliest. It stands to reason, if your husband says nice things when you wear [...]

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I wasn’t going to do any holiday posts, until I saw Mitzi of Vintage Goodness‘ post about this great website, wishbookweb.com. Scans straight out of old Sears Wishbooks, and Spiegel, too. What memories - of days when shopping wasn’t such an everyday affair. The photo below is from Speigel 1955. Dig the slipcovers, matching [...]

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Is anyone else in love with these? I am sure that the same instinct that makes me want to buy many useless but wonderful house things, also makes me want to buy every vintage charm bracelet that I come across. This one has a couple of little kitchen fixtures and accessories on it - even [...]

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In vintage ads from 1957 and 1961, I picked up on these awesome Chinese Emperors as decorative art for living rooms. Aren’t the colors and graphics extraordinary? To be sure, Asian influences became very common around this time.
Palm Springs Stephan clues us into their history, and where to get them. Very cool.
Note, I swear I [...]

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Update: Sold for $34.99
Who says that midcentury design has to be all googie…or colonial? Let’s not forget: Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.
Hey, I even like the fact it’s missing one rhinestone. The (decorating) gods do not want us to achieve perfection, they will become jealous and smite us.
Just two days to go on this [...]

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