Of course, I would love a vintage 60s wall hanging of a house. It occurs to me that during my life, all I ever doodled were: Houses. I have a very deep rooted pathology. This is another treasure that I purchased from the fabulous estate sale time capsule. The photo above shows it handing the home’s entry way, so welcoming. Click through for a close up.

I am not sure yet where this will go in my home. But it will, I love it so.

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Finding quirky accessories can be the most fun (and never-ending) part of owning an eclectic mid-century modern or mid-century modest home. Here is my vintage Stangl wigstand, purchased 15 years ago, well before I lived the retro life. Isn’t she beautiful? She’s a blond, circa 1950. I think we named her Betty. Well, Betty sits on our built-in bookcase and always has a vintage hat of some sort propped on her head. This one is an amazingly lovely antique crocheted lace night cap (I think) lined with satin — one of my many wonderful finds from the time capsule estate sale last week. Peeking from behind — a vintage Shriner’s hat I bought 10 years ago at a thift store in Canada.

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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.

It looks like Daltile is specifying these for living area floors  — not bathrooms or kitchens or places where water would likely spill and the terrazzo could get slippery. And, you can put them on walls. Remember, this is essentially polished marble — the terrazzo are ‘marble chips’. In my mind, terrazzo always has been a floor most appropropriate for warm climates … it’s a cold surface. In fact, get yourself a 24″ square of this tile – and you could use it to roll out pie crusts, I bet! Many thanks to reader Kimberly — a new homeowner (woo hoo!) for spotting these tiles first, I saw them in her flickr photostream. Can’t wait to see your house, K! Here’s the link to the Daltile page.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Detail of “Trailways.”

This one is absolutely classic. It gets an exclamation point!

These are all current day wallpapers. They are $40-$50 per double role at the discount online place. The ones that are black and white are from a collection called Designing in Black and White, here is the link to this collection on American Blinds and Wallpaper.

To see the names/collections, just scroll your mouse over them and the name will pop up in “alt text”. The papers here with color are from a collection called ‘Echo A Collectors Home’ – here is the link on American Blinds and Wallpaper.

I think these wallpapers would be perfect for a powder room, in particular…

…In your powder room, your guests would see them and really wonder whether you were insane. They would say to their significant other afterward, “Did you SEE that bathroom wallpaper?,”  squinting confusedly.

This one would be good for the kitchen, of course — or for the basement if you have a retro soda shop going on.

P.S. While I was on my dreadmill today, watching that decorating network, I saw a stylista declare:  “Oh, yes, white appliances are in again. It’s not just about stainless steel anymore.” Is that enough said, or do I need to do more to convince you to choose your own path. Which also means: Take every single thing I say with a honkin’ big grain of salt, too.

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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.

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I found these poodle wallpapers at American Blinds Wallpaper & More and the Wallpaper Connection. I guess if you have a pink bathroom…and put up this wallpaper…then you might as well get a poodle…and name her Fifi.

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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.

Natural meaning – virtually no color. Matte or gloss finish. Gloss, though, would show more scratches. When we refinished the oak parquet floor in our dining room, above, the floor guy said, “All the old floors were done with a natural finish.” We chose matte finish and have been very happy with it. Our oak is getting a nice golden hue as time goes on. Under all the carpets, it’s a lighter color — the sunlight is affecting the color.

I think I may consult with some mid-century historic homes to discern the proper academic answer. But meanwhile: Readers — what do you think? What are you finding in your homes, with original wood floors, including what may have been hidden underneath carpet that’s been there for ages? What is the “authentic” color for mid-century oak flooring?

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