Welcome to Retro Renovation® — your regular dose of mid century and vintage renovation and decorating resources… design inspiration… fun finds… and an archive of stories from an enthusiastic community of people all interested in cherishing their mid century and older homes.
Our focus here, first and foremost, is to help you find the products and sources you need to help remodel, renovate and decorate your house in authentic mid century style. We feature some sources for pre-war and post-modern homes as well. We’re here to help you get the job done — doing the research so you don’t have to.
Note: After 15 years — 3,000 stories! — this site has entered a new stage. Today, my focus is working to keep existing resource stories up to date so the site remains a solid reference. And, I want to continue to improve the site as an historical reference around things like steel kitchen cabinets, a longtime passion. To make time, I don’t blog as much, and comments are closed.
How can you make the most of the blog and its archive of 3,000+ stories about resources & inspiration:
- Dive into all our categories (in the navigation along the top of the page) and you will see, we have lots of research into all the products you might need to remodel and decorate. Along the way, we have lotsa other fun, too — always showing great gratitude and respect for the houses — and their owners — who came before us.
- And, important for anyone taking on an older home:
Renovating, remodeling and living in our midcentury and vintage homes can be gratifying, but please always remember, there can be safety and environmental hazards in the surfaces, layers, materials and products in our homes. Anything old, even New Old Stock, that you buy also may have issues. We all care very much about managing safety and environmental issues properly, so when moving into a home … when undertaking cleaning, repair, remodeling or restoration projects … or when adding old materials (salvaged, used, new old stock, etc.)… be sure to get with your own properly licensed professionals to determine what you are dealing with/working with so that you can make informed decisions how to handle, become familiar with and use recommended best practices, and also learn about the proper disposal of debris, etc. Read more: See our Be Safe / Renovate Safe page … the EPA hosts a website on lead paint in the home and a website on asbestos in the home, etc. Consult professionals regarding these materials, and also about the proper disposal of debris, etc.
<– I’m Pam Kueber. That’s me with my crazy wallpaper office … that’s my kitchen above — and this my blog, oh I luv it so. Doing all the research to find products to backdate my 1951 colonial-ranch house in Lenox, Mass., is what got me into this online escapade. In the course of my endless hunt to find products and design ideas sympathetic to my house’s undeniable mid-century bones, I got…. obsessed… I learned a lot… and I figured, why not share all my finds with other folks undertaking the same journey. And now – you have arrived!
This blog has lots about *modest, mid-century, middle-class* homes — ranches, Capes, Colonials, split-levels, contemporaries, bungalows. I also write about sleek *mid-century modern homes*… I love them all, but admit that I tend to worry more about the modest homes (themselves full of charm) being at more serious risk of being gutted, with regrets to follow later. Interestingly, both mid-century modern and mid-century modest homes shared many of the same technological features and design cues (like pink bathrooms) inside. For further info see my Mid-Century Modest Manifesto and my micro-site SaveThePinkBathrooms.com.
What’s covered here? Well: The design aesthetic of retro interiors, exteriors, culture, people, steel kitchen cabinets, colors, pink kitchens, pink bathrooms, hudee rings, pecky cypress, illustrations with people playing accordians, wallpaper, pinch pleat curtains, mint-in-box items — and readers’ fabulous jewel box houses, too. Get ready to be sucked into the retro vortex.
More info:
Above: As featured in the New York Times — yup, read all about our escapades in this 2,200-word feature story that appeared on p.1 of the Home & Garden section on Aug. 18, 2011.
Fast forward 10 years and another New York Times story called me “…the godmother of midcentury kitchens and baths, steering a new generation of homeowners to the four-inch square tiles that dominated homes for decades.” teehee
Oh, and here’s me showing off one of my office remodel. My friend Denise and I pasted about 200 squares of vintage wallpaper on the four walls, creating a crazy patchwork quilt (note: there is method in this madness) of 18 different designs of wallpaper. We celebrated by getting all Love American Style Gothic with the photo.
Hey, see me talkin’ about Mid Century Modest in this etsy.com video:
Press Coverage
2018 … I kinda stopped keeping track
2017
- Wall Street Journal: Big story on time capsule houses. I am the “subject matter expert.”
- Washington Post: Hey, we got a shout out!
2015-2016…
- HGTV.com: In Defense of Pink Bathrooms — A Q&A with me
- Chronicle TV: Big story on my house and my kitchen and the Retro Renovation Revolution!
- Washington Post: The TV-watching public’s long love affair with tray tables
- The Times of London: Something is happening in smart bathrooms — Designers say pink is back after a long absence.
- WFMJ-TV: Effort to Bring Back 1948 Youngstown steel kitchen cabinets
- Ummm: I got out of the habit of updating press coverage of the blog…. I’ll work on it again at some point… maybe.
2014
- New York Times: “When Blogging Becomes a Slog” (but not for me — I am the wise old owl)
- Huffington Post: The 10 Best Renovation Websites for Living out your Dream Home Fantasies.
- Der Standard newspaper profiled the blog. It was in German, so I’m not sure what it said. But I asked on Facebook, and a reader told me it said that, “You are now as loved as David Hasselhof in Germany.”
2013
- Fixing to Die: Retro Renovation® and a reader remodel featured on the blog inspired the setting and story line for Elaine Viets’ “restoration comedy” murder mystery, Fixing to Die. The book debuted #9 on the Barnes & Noble paperback list.
- Yankee Magazine: Six-page story in Sept./Oct. issue — 1.7 million readers! — about the blog and my house. “Fifties and Fabulous.”
- Globe and Mail: Loud and proud 1970s chalet
- Columbus Post-Dispatch: Back to the bones: Restoring ’50s homes
- California Home + Design: Celebrating Midcentury Modest
2012
- Ft. Lauderdale Magazine: Midcentury Modern Architecture Makes a Comeback
- Minneapolis Star-Tribune: Vintage Vibe
- Hamilton (Ont.) Spectator: Kitchens Cook Down Memory Lane
- msn.com: What we can learn from 1970s homess
- The Daily Mail (London) online: Give your Home the Mad Men Look! How one blogger inspires retro renovating tips.
- Blog Aids in Renovation of ‘Mid-Century Modest’ Homes. Nationally syndicated story appeared in newspapers including:
- Akron Beacon Journal
- Seattle Times
- Miami Herald
- Detroit Free Press (twice!)
- Palm Springs Desert Sun
- San Antonio Express
- Baltimore Sun
- Kansas City Star
- Toledo Blade
- Eau Claire Leader-Telegram
- Ogden (UT) Standard-Examiner
- canada.com
- …and more.
Summer 2011
- New York Times 2,200-word profile about Retro Renovation and its readers: Restoring the Retro House
- St. Louis Post-Dispatch — Preserve the Pink (bathroom)
- msn.com — New Respect for the Ranch House
- Portland (Oregon) Monthly Magazine Online — Sofa Shopping
- The Oregonian/Oregon Live — The Retro Queen
Feb 2011
Jan 2011
- Minneapolis Star-Tribune: Bathrooms Still In the Pink
- Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Name that Home Fad
December 2010
October 2010
- AP interviews Pam for story, Used Building Materials a Hit Among Home Owners, that runs in news outlets nationwide.
August 2010
- Arizona Daily Star: That 50s Tile with Style
- Home is a Four-Letter Word: Penny Pinching with the Stars
- Home is a Four-Letter Word: Lovin’ the 50s
April 2010
March 2010
February 2010
- Etsy.com video profile.
January 2010
- Knoxville News – Maribeth’s 1970s retro renovation
- Finalist and 4th place winner in Apartment Therapy’s annual contest to name the best home design blog of 2009
June 2009
April 2009
March 2009
- Eugene, Oregon Register-Guard on retro revival and home show talks
- Our tour of the St. Louis 1995 time capsule home covered by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch
- Desert Living Magazine
Dec. 3, 2008
- Pam talks with the National Kitchen & Bath Association about retro kitchen design popularity
Sept. 29, 2008
March 2008
- Pam’s kitchen on Apartment Therapy
Winter 2008
Fall 2007
November 8, 2007 — News Release, PRWeb
Thanks and Credits: Many thanks to the many folks who have helped, and continue to help, make this blog possible. Including:
- The rockin’ readers who help feed the blog day in and day out with their tips and projects!
- All the advertisers who make doing this work fulltime possible.
- Margaret Roach, for all your support. AwayToGarden.com, Margaret Roach Media.
- Brad and all the Webdev and Maintainn team, for keeping the online bogeybots at bay. WebDevStudios.
- Erica Berger, for making me look good. Erica Berger Photography.
- Kit Latham, for helping me get into the dot.com world. KitLatham.com.
- Suzy Massey, for design support. PhoenixMassey Studio.
- WordPress, for a great blogging platform that has made it possible for so many new voices to find their communities. wordpress.com
onanomad says
I am looking for “real” linoleum tiles in black and white. Not vinyl. Any ideas? Marmoleum’s white marble has too much blue………….
Thanks
pam kueber says
Try Armstrong, they also make linoleum. I can’t recall right now whether it’s sheet or tile or both…
Cherie Fitz-Gerald says
Hi Pam,
I am just starting to restore a cabin that was my husband’s parents. Built in 1959. I will going on a trip to Albuquerque, New Mexico and wonder if anyone knows of any great antique or vintage stores in that area. Also wondered what years the bakelite and chrome kitchen handles were in style
Margot says
Hello, We are remodeling our kitchen in our 1960’s ranch in Atlanta. We plan to take out the original appliances: aqua colored GE stove, hood, oven and matching sink. They all work great and are in good physical condition. I was wondering if there was a market for these vintage appliances. Can you suggest any where to post these for sale? Any idea what they might be worth? Thanks!
pam kueber says
I have a story on this, Margot: https://retrorenovation.com/2011/12/30/the-3-most-common-questions-on-tile-on-plumbing-fixtures-on-steel-kitchen-cabinets/ Good luck.
Cherie Fitz-Gerald says
Margot, I am remodeling a cabin built in 1959. I have not commited on a color yet so am interested in pics for your aqua appliances. I went to Pams forum and did not see them listed.
Pam not sure how to get connected with this blogger. Help! I know you don’t sell here so don’t want to leave my email but I believe you might have it from me registering. Thanks for your help.
Margot says
Hi – I’m happy to send pictures – just need to figure out an email or place to post them.
pam kueber says
Margot, please use the Contact box on the site — we can establish a connection and I’ll give you my email. Many thanks, Pam
pam kueber says
Cherie, Margot needs to post these on the Forum. Sorry, I cannot help mediate. Good luck.
Carla2 says
Hi! I have a 1956 suburban modern ranch, with cathedral ceiling, exposed beams and I need lighting fixtures, other than floor lamps. Where can I look for ideas?
pam kueber says
Hi Carla, see my category Remodeling Basics/Lighting. We have lots and lots of stories and ideas there. Good luck!
Carla2 says
Thanks! I am getting ideas & having fun!
robert cleaves says
Can you recommend someone to repair 1960 decorative block walls in Hollywood FL. Thank you.
pam kueber says
No, sorry, robert, I do not know the resources in all localities…
Joe Knaeble says
Hi Pam, I collect reusable building materials in the Minneapolis, St Paul area and every once in a while come across some really unique items that I don’t know how to market very well. For example I currently have a set of St. Charles cabinets, probably from the 70’s or 80’s that are in very good shap with all kinds of pull outs and extra features. Color is terra cota. I also have a Fridgidaire Custom Imperial stovetop/double oven also in very good condition. I would think these items would be interesting to your crowd. Any ideas on how to market them? Joe
pam kueber says
I have a detailed story on this in the FAQ, Joe. It’s also featured prominently on the Contact page – since the question is so common. Good luck.
Laura says
Hello Pam ~ my husband and I just bought a 1966 time capsule in Cape Coral Florida. Do you know if there is a market for blue toilet, pink toilet, yellow, pink, and blue cast iron sinks in Florida. What would be the best way to promote them? We have specifically asked the contractor not to destroy them, perhaps there is some way these beauties can be in another home.
P.S. I am new to your site, and really find it quite interesting and informational.
Thanks from a new mid-century home owner novice,
pam kueber says
I have several stories about this – go to FAQs. Basically: Craigslist and my Forum https://retrorenovation.com/forums … But, maybe after becoming familiar with my site, you will consider keeping your priceless time capsule bathrooms???? See my other site as well: http://savethepinkbathrooms.com/
Robert cleaves says
I have a need for the colored toilets. Please email me. Thanks
pam kueber says
Robert, I do not sell anything on this blog. See my category Bathrooms/Toilets for tips on where to find these. Good luck.
Jay says
Pam, check out today’s NYT – on line; they have a B & W video of Ice Cube extolling the virtues of the Eames house. I played it without sound – there are some neat shots of other bldgs. Have a nice day!
pam kueber says
I saw the newspaper… will go online when I get a chance. It’s a mid mod mad world and getting mid mod madder every day. I predict a solid 10 more years of it…
Curt says
we have a vintage 1950s GE kitchen unit with stainless steel seamless countertop sink, dishwasher, oven, stove, push-buttons, etc. great condition. Is there a market place for this?
pam kueber says
Curt, see FAQs and also Search – I have several stories about this subject. Good luck.
ray adamik says
Live in Elkins Park, Pa – suburb just north of Phila. (Frank Lloyd Wright’s Beth Sholom Synagogue is about 500 feet from my house). 1950’s 2 story house, kind of colonial but with mid-century detail – LUV my wrought iron and brass stairway railing and metallic bronze ceramic tiled walls in the powder room. Lots of great houses here, Victorian, tudor, colonial, and of course 50’s and 60’s mod houses with great detail (one presently for sale has a stair railing of walnut that looks like bamboo, another had a white vinyl foyer with an abstract fleur di lis in the center inlaid in brass! (not a realtor, by the way, just hoping people don’t buy these houses and “update” them to death with all the boring mainstream stuff)). Love your kitchen: would love to see what the original kitchen in my house looked like. SO many cool details in these homes and actually, since the houses in this area were fairly upscale produts when built, much of the original stuff does remain unless worn out (who would replace solid teak built in cabinets – hopefully no one, though some people have tried to do country colonial in mid century homes (what ARE they thinking!). I’ve always loved all design from the 50’s forward. One of my eccentricities: did you ever see how the ocean liners (not cruise ships) of the French and Italian lines were decorated? The ill fated liner Andrea Doria that sank in 1956 – interior was GORGEOUS! Another great one was the SS France of 1962: some cabins had something I’d love to put in my house – modern bureaus of lacquered aluminum that looked like tortoise shell – unbelievable!! . Anyway, new to your site, so let me explore it further…so glad I found it.
pam kueber says
Welcome, Ray, your house and your neighborhood sound fabulous!