Retro Renovation

I’m looking for green 1950’s tile. Do you have a contact for Olympia Tile? — Karen
Bad news, friends, but the Maple Leaf tile sold by Olympia Tile has been discontinued. As you will recall, I really liked some of their colors. I am told, that we may still be able to get the tile until [...]

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It seems quite ironic to me, that the U.K. seems be pretty far ahead of the U.S. in terms of embracing the midcentury modern aesthetic. They have English Rose Cabinets, Smeg refrigerators, and now I’ve discovered British Ceramic Tile and their Candy Color collection. At under $1 a tile (U.S., even with the weak dollar), [...]

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Palm Springs Stephan noticed how cool Alice’s blue bathroom floor was, and is now working to replicate it in his California bathroom. He’s using unglazed mosaic’s, I believe, and I can’t wait to see the results. I also think you could use matte finish just fine. Alice was kind enough to send close ups of [...]

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Proving that RetroRenovators are not so uptight that we have to keep EVERYTHING that was original to the house, Palm Springs Stephan has begun his bathroom gut job, and offers up these treasures - free to anyone who wants to pay the shipping, or come ‘n get ‘em:
I have 185 of the 4×4 mottled green [...]

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What a lovely 1953 bathroom. If you prefer to go with white fixtures - tub, toilet and sink - but still want some classic retro flair, choose a 50s colored field tile for the shower surround and/or walls.
Blue tiles are fresh and timeless - I used the Olympia Tile Heron Blue in a bathroom, trimmed [...]

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With so many readers trying to work with their 50s and 60s pink bathroom tiles, I’ve been on the lookout for photos and illustrations to help envision decorating options.
Pink is a wonderfully versatile color, actually. We already know it works well with white, grey, black and even maroon for a 40s deco look. But isn’t [...]

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Sumac Sue, aka Judi, has a 1959 bathroom that features classic retro pink tile (see thumbnail to the left) - and has asked for some decorating suggestions. First of all - great tile, I am totally jealous. Notice also the recessed white soap dishes, and the classic medicine cabinet with sidelights. In response to [...]

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Stephan from Palm Springs is a wealth of info, and provides this info on a Southern California company still producing the 50s pink tile so common during this era. Don’t use any other pinks - they are not right! I am so excited at this find - a big one for the retro renovation community. [...]

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Look at how PINK this kitchen from 1956 is!
It seems to be a good match for Sherwin Williams’ Flamingo Pink, although I’ve never seen anything quite like it for cabinets, and I find it hard to believe it sold in great numbers.
<—— However, I spotted this other 1956 photo with similar “Rose Red” (as per [...]

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Update April 2008: This “Maple Leaf” tile sold by Olympia has been discontinued. However, I am told there is still stock to be sold off. If you want any of this stuff: Get it now. If your nearest retailer tells you that there is none left or you can’t get it — try another location, [...]

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