Retro Renovation

It’s coming up on the one-year anniversary of RetroRenovation.com — and what’s especially exciting, is that reader projects are coming together — you are sending in “after” photos! Yes, we all know it takes that long for the decorating gods to deliver us their solutions. Here’s an update from Lawrence Bill and his floor-tiling projects: 

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This bathroom from last week’s Austin mid century time capsule has an interesting detail that I want to point out: You can clearly and easily see the 1″ or 3/4″ square mosaic tiles bridging the shower/tub and toilet. But look in the mirror above the vanity: You can also see the same mosaic on the [...]

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There definitely seemed to be this whole Roman thing going on in the early 60s. When did Spartacus come out? Vegas had Caesar’s Palace. Was everyone travelling to Italy?
Today I am traveling over to Cindy’s in Holyoke to see her house, then we are going to the Restore. To heck with Bergdorf’s and Nieman [...]

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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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