Retro Renovation» paneling

Wood paneling — time for a comeback?

pam kueber — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 08:00:02 +0000

I‘ve been holding off for a while on posting this incredible 1966 wood paneling, thinking I could find some today-sources for this stylish material. Click the images to enlarge and see the wonderful decorative detail. Alas, nothing on the internet. Does anyone have any other ideas…sources?

It’s so interesting – that this was so popular…then so unpopular. Please don’t rip yours out unless it’s truly pedestrian! When we bought our 1951 “colonial-modern embankment ranch” seven years ago, another of the selling points was its original cherry paneling in the basement. The room itself needed some work – insulation, better heating, lighting, ceiling, carpet…but there was never a doubt about the paneling. Today, it’s the favorite room of my husband and his guy friends — a classic.

Methinks it’s time for paneling like this, to make a comeback.

This post was first published Feb. 19, 2008

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Colors for a 1956 Motorola tv console – a good reference for midcentury wood paints, stains and finishes

pam kueber — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 07:59:18 +0000

Oooooh, look at this great color chart – for Motorola television consoles in 1956. Click directly on the photo to get to the flickr photostream of What Makes the Pie Shops Tick – who has some additional images of vintage Motorola’s straight from the 1956 catalog. But back to the color chart — I liked this in particular, because it provides a good reference for paint, stain and finish options for anything wood – furniture, cabinetry, even paneling. Thanks, Pie Shop!

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Decorating ideas from a retro 60s avocado and orange time capsule basement

pam kueber — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 13:00:43 +0000

How to add light to your basement? This wonderful 60s room spotted by reader Tom B., ready with the camera for retro recon, provides a great example.

Tom writes:

“Pam, My wife and I hit up an estate sale late yesterday and stumbled across a “time capsule” room I just HAD to share with you: Get a load of the green stained walls, built in seating nook and orange tweed carpet!!! and look at those windows!

Tom continues:

“a closer view-

“get a load of the sweet little handprints in the stain on the right-And a closer look at the windows-

“did i mention that this room is in THE BASEMENT!!!! there is about a 10″ gap between the walls with lighting along he ceiling:

“and here’s the next room over, similar windows and a false fireplace. (i loved this basement!!!!):

“The rest of the house was pretty unremarkable, just a normal, late 60′s ranch home. The kitchen had a wierd combo- the original wood cabinets/appliances with new beige/white corian countertops/backsplash. it was an, er, interesting look… (sorry no pics of that)

“I also picked up a new in box, ceramic doorknob escutcheon with gold fleur de lis printed on it along with a grocery bag full of other stuff for a whopping DOLLAR (like i said it was late) Anyway, i hope you enjoy the pics, feel free to use them however you want.
your faithful reader,
TomB”

Thanks, Tom — great green paneling, wonderful carpet! And just to be super clear, readers — those are fake windows in the basement. Built out from the wall, with lights behind them, to simulate daylight at the touch of a button. Pretty nifty!

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