by pam kueber on November 1, 2009
Daltile snuck these in on me: Authentic terrazzo tiles. Terrazzo is a wonderful authentic retro product for mid-century renovations — and this is the first product of its kind that I have seen. To be sure, buying terrazzo tiles is gonna be a lot easier than trying to find someone to lay a complete (albeit seamless) terrazzo floor. These terrazzo tiles are available in 19 color ways, as either 12″-, 16″-, or 24″-squares. The 24″ squares are almost an inch thick. Heck yeah there is more…
by pam kueber on October 28, 2009
Here is a link to a Retro Renovation classic post from the early days, Dec. 2007. I found numerous rose red wallpapers from Thibaut that are excellent proxies for the vintage wallpaper that you get a peek of in the photos above. Rose red is a classic 50s color that you don’t really think about much…I’ve even spotted it in kitchens (click on thumbnail) which is quite something. Even better, I think the color — especially in those wallpapers! — would be wonderful for dining rooms — very convivial. Good for dinnertime cheer, although maybe not for your waistline.
by pam kueber on October 24, 2009
When it comes to bedroom rugs, I’m a big fan of Capel braided rugs. I have two braided rugs from Capel, which I originally purchased about 15 years ago. I’ve been in three houses…and was always able to find a perfect spot for them. You can get them on sale for great prices, in all sizes, in a gazillion colorways, they last forever, and because they are multicolored they can fit with many different color schemes — they give you flexibility…these things have legs, you will be handing them down to your kids. You can get them in all-wool, in chenille, and in blends that would work well in a basement where it may be damp. They are also totally authentic retro, and it seems, made in America. These things are nearly perfect. One thing I will add is that, even with all the color, they read kind of “neutral” once you get them onto the floor. Once they are loaded up with furniture, lamps and all, they kind of blend right into the floor. They also hide dirt exceedingly well. See all the Capel braided rugs here.
by pam kueber on October 18, 2009
A 73-page mid-century Lightolier catalog — now that is some serious eye-candy for whiling away a few hours on a sleepy Sunday. The awesome Gretchen has scanned this entire catalog and posted it as a set on Flickr. Go take a look, I promise it will blog your mind. Also be sure to check out Gretchen’s Eiclerific blog.
by pam kueber on October 9, 2009
In case you have not figured this out, I derive immense joy at thumbing my nose at reigning mass-market stylistas. If it’s “out” — I ask, “says who?” — and declare it “in.” Today: I declare that these novelty wallpapers are the cat’s pajamas. Heck yeah there is more…
by pam kueber on October 8, 2009
This is my husband’s favorite catalog — and favorite company: U-Line. If you need packing or shipping boxes…or any kind of organizing box or wrapping or a gazillion other things…check this catalog first. The prices are a gazillion times better than retail places like U-Haul (for moving) or Staples (for organizing.) They claim over 950 box sizes always in stock. Of course, you must buy in bulk but generally not 100’s – more like 10 or 25. And U-Line has great service, will deliver right to your door. The print catalog is free, and tons of good reading. Of course, the catalog is also online if you need something in a pinch. With all the online commerce going on today and into the future, my husband wants to buy stock in this company. I think he’s on to something. U-Line online – order print catalog there.
by pam kueber on September 30, 2009
by pam kueber on September 13, 2009
A reader recently wrote to ask, “What color stain would be most appropriate or authentic for a mid-century oak floor?” Drats, I cannot find the email. And, I am not academically sure what the correct answer is. I would guess… a “natural” stain. Heck yeah there is more…
by pam kueber on August 17, 2009
I have two large brochures of mid-century window treatment designs, published by Conso, the Consolidated Trimming Corporation. The booklets are not dated, but based on the furnishing and other hints, I put them early to mid-50s. Following up on the mega-post last week about fabrics for kitchen curtains, I scanned the brochures for design ideas. Above: Very classic… A picture window flanked by two double-hungs gets an austrian style cornice at the top, and pinch pleat cafe curtains below. The orange trim is terrific. Heck yeah there is more…
by pam kueber on August 16, 2009
HAPPY SUMMER SUNDAY, everyone. Here’s a little reminder to take a moment today and celebrate the teeny tiniest little details in your home. These vintage plastic bellflower curtain pulls must have been pulled up and down a million times since they were first installed. You can see how the oils on the Mrs.’ fingertips have left their mark. I find them amazingly beautiful. Maybe it’s the small stuff that is the most important of all. Thanks to flickr friend fancymefoxy for seeing this detail, and capturing it to share. You can see her entire photostream by clicking directly on the photo.
I found these poodle wallpapers at 
