Take a neighborhood full of cookie-cutter tract houses … let their owners fuss with them … and 50 years later photographer Julia Baum finds that they have been “transformed from modest white cubes into a vibrant display of personality and present a rebellion against conformity….human individuality cannot be contained. Inevitably it shines through even the most average facade.” I love her study, which demonstrates again that their is so much to love about our jewel box mid-century homes. No matter how small, the opportunity is there to make them our own. Read more about Julia’s project and see her slide show of 13 same-yet-different homes here.
Guest post today from Dave Stuhlsatz, architect with Royal Barry Wills Associates, and my main contact there for all things RBW. I am very pleased that Dave will contribute an occasional article on mid-century architecture, design and related issues. – Pam
The time seems appropriate to revisit Cape Cod House design as it was promoted by a pioneer of their twentieth century revival, Boston architect Royal Barry Wills. When Wills started out in his architecture career he established himself designing English Tudor inspired homes in suburban towns around Boston like Newton and Brookline. But, it was his rigorous examination and subsequent success with the Cape and Colonial Revival homes that cemented his reputation as one of the most influential residential architects in America. Heck yeah there is more…
You know I’m excited about the big day. Here are me and my brothers and sisters, all babies, I’m the oldest. I like the part where I get to jolt them with electricity. Wuuuhaaahaaaa. Today is Ricky’s birthday — he’s the werewolf here, while in real life he has transformed into a marathon runner this year. Happy birthday, Ricky!
Today is RetroRenovation.com’s second birthday. And on this occasion I would like to introduce something I’ve been noodling for the better part of the year — an all-new term that I have invented: “Mid-century Modest.” I first used the term at my home show talks in Eugene in March…and then again when I met with the wonderful Portland MCM League group for dinner right after. I believe that author Cara Greenberg is credited with coining “mid-century modern,” in 1985, with her book of the same name. A mere 24 years later, let me introduce “Mid-century Modest” and along with it, the Mid-Century Modest Manifesto. Heck yeah there is more…
Here are some really terrific items: A vintage Early American style mailbox in its original gift box… A mint-in-box 1964 rooster cupola…. a pair of Lilly Pulitzer collapsible suitcases…and a large, gorgeous set of pink enamel Woodard patio furniture for the tony set.
TGIF, everyone. Here is my new favorite song of all time — Digitized Happiness to get you goin’ and make you smile. . Sorry, I cannot embed it so you need to jump over here to YouTube to see it. peace.
Have I ever mentioned that in my next life I want to be the person who picks out car colors? And gives the colors their names, too. I actually knew the head of car colors for Ford Motor Company when I worked there. I coveted her job. Next time around. Of course, there is actually a company called The Color Wheel Company. They sell this interior design color wheel for either $9 or $7 dollars (I think it may be on sale right now, I’m confused) including shipping. If you have anxiety about putting colors together — or, if you are really interested in learning more — this could be a useful tool that helps you try out some bolder things that you might not normally try. Check it out here. READERS: What are paint colors that have worked out super well for you – brand/color – and for what rooms (or exterior)? And – have you put two colors together with unexpectedly awesome results? This kind of info is golden to share. Let’s hear it.
Suzy is my graphic designer. She helps with things on the blog, like making Hallowe’en headers. This is her favorite salt and pepper shaker. It’s a MIB “Tiny T-V.” I don’t quite understand where the salt, or pepper, comes out. Suzy likes retro stuff and has other wacky habits. I like her a lot.
Are you looking for creative ways to show off your collections? How about this inspiration from Jonathan Adler. He created this starburst mirror… composed of 64 Barbies (I counted). It was for the real-life Barbie Malibu Dream House, which he decorated when our favorite girl turned 50 back in March. At the extreme, this example shows how to pull a collection into a whole that’s greater than the sum of its parts. A tried and true trick of decorating is to group items together — rather than scatter them throughout the room. The mass creates power and graphic appeal all its own. Have fun with your collectibles, readers. Don’t store them away in the basement or boxes. Photo courtesy Jonathan Adler Interior Design – see more of the Barbie House and other Adler interiors here.
What is old is eventually new again... and yes, retro design is back in style today. Whether you already have a 1961 Hotpoint kitchen like this one and want to spiff it up... or if you want to get this look anew but with your own spin ... here at Retro Renovation we discover, uncover and share all the resources, inspiration and community to get the job done. You are gonna have fun!
. Sorry, I cannot embed it so you need to 
Have I ever mentioned that in my next life I want to be the person who picks out car colors? And gives the colors their names, too. I actually knew the head of car colors for Ford Motor Company when I worked there. I coveted her job. Next time around. Of course, there is actually a company called The Color Wheel Company. They sell this interior design color wheel for either $9 or $7 dollars (I think it may be on sale right now, I’m confused) including shipping. If you have anxiety about putting colors together — or, if you are really interested in learning more — this could be a useful tool that helps you try out some bolder things that you might not normally try. 
Suzy is my graphic designer. She helps with things on the blog, like making Hallowe’en headers. This is her favorite salt and pepper shaker. It’s a MIB “Tiny T-V.” I don’t quite understand where the salt, or pepper, comes out. Suzy likes retro stuff and has other wacky habits. I like her a lot.
