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Soffits: Midcentury kitchens need them

Posted by: • August 3, 2009

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I AM AN ADVOCATE OF KITCHEN SOFFITS, or as some readers call them, bulkheads. The postwar era was all about the introduction and spread of “fitted” kitchens. Long runs of base and wall cabinets and countertops, with an integrated stove and sink and fridge. This “scientific” design was an outgrowth of the efficiency movement earlier in the century, married to the postwar industrial economy that needed to find consumer outlets for the built-up wartime production. To me, while they are an additional hassle and expense if you are renovating, soffits are a no-brainer for a 1940s, 1950s or 1960s kitchen.

Heck yeah there is more →

Great retro renovation ideas from vintage Popular Science magazines

Posted by: • July 10, 2009

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Here’s another one of those stories that I thought twice about posting for fear that you’d leave RetroRenovation.com and never come back. The wonderful folks at Popular Science magazine have partnered with Google Books and made every issue of Popular Science way back to the early 1900s available online. I am just starting to make my way through these, and already, I can see plenty of original source materials for period-appropriate renovation ideas. I’ll start featuring them over time…Faithful readers, if you spot great stories that should be shared with others, please feel free to send me an email. Oh my goodness, what a treasure trove! Here’s the link. Do come back to me!

17 ideas to add curb appeal to your 40s, 50s or 60s house

Posted by: • April 10, 2009

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Midcentury homes come in all styles and sizes – generally with either “ranch style” or “colonial style” elements. The house above: A real mix of the two, and the exterior touches really give it…stature, even despite its small size – just 1,000 s.f. There is so much you can do to add great curb appeal to your postwar ranch, cape, colonial, bungalow, or split. Read on for 17 illustrated ideas… Heck yeah there is more →

Six great 1961 interiors – floors, furniture, art, outrageous interiors and more

Posted by: • January 6, 2009

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I have been reading everyone’s suggestions for updates to the blog – many thanks! – and keep them coming.

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I already was on course to add many more photo galleries – and I get my fancy gallery tool and tutorial later today.

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Meanwhile, I could not hold off from showing this delicious 1961 eye candy – photos from Kentile and Congoleum Nairn ads during the year.

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1961_kentile-mosaic-santa-sofiaAren’t these so…70s? It is SO INTERESTING, when you start wading through periodicals, that so many trends were foreshadowed a good 8-10 years before they were adopted by the masses and entered our collective memories now active today. I swear, our 1971 split level had features just like those here. I could be wrong. I need to study the 60s and 70s more. That’s coming, too.

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FABULOUS!

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Click through to see these side-by-side in a gallery. Heck yeah there is more →