Reader Kay sent in this fabulous resource: Ranger Doug, who reproduces these gorgeous WPA-era travel posters.

Kay writes:

Hello Pam,

I just found your blog in the last few weeks and I am really enjoying it. I live in a 1952 house that seems to be in the style of a Frank Lloyd Wright house. Though I am not going totally 50’s I am trying to keep that 1950’s feel. I am currently working on my Yorktown kitchen cabinets that someone repainted with house paint. Sigh. Big job and having them repainted by the car restorers is not in my budget.

Any how the reason I am writing is I found some wonderful reproductions of the WPA posters for the National Parks. These are posters that were printed in the 30’s and 40’s, so I think they might be found in a 1950’s home. And have that retro feel. I think they are wonderful.

Click here for the linkto Ranger Doug’s complete line.

Thanks, Kay!

I went right away to this website — and what a fabulous story! You are absolutely right — these are wonderful.

Seems Doug — aka “Ranger Doug” — became interested in old WPA travel posters, and has scoured the U.S. to un-earth the few remaining examples, and reproduced them. Go read this, everyone — really fascinating and in the true retro renovation spirit!

This post originally ran on Dec. 6, 2007

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The discovery of vintage English Rose cabinets, covered in a recent post, was great. But get this: A company in England is actually reproducing these for sale today. John Lewis of Hungerford’s Creme de la Creme cabinets look to be authentic reproductions. An article from two years ago, says that a mid-sized kitchen redo would cost about 15,000 pounds – that’s about $30,000 in U.S. dollars today – not including shipping and any inflation that may have taken place.  Here is their website.

So…if you are wealthy enough and have the desire — here’s another alternative to the new St. Charles’ coming out this month. Or – go vintage and keep your eye on the Postwar Steel Forum on upper right of the nav bar here.

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Drum roll, please: Announcing 4 new vintage 1950s Atomic wallpapers from Bradbury & Bradbury, launched on RetroRenovation.com today. Finally, our days of wallpaper deprivation are coming to an end. The images speak for themselves: These papers — along with Atomic Doodle, Googieland and the four 1940s papers that B&B introduced last month — are a tremendous addition to our postwar decorating arsenal. And, they couldn’t be coming from a more respected company. While I am not going to classify them as inexpensive, they are certainly a value well worth it… silk screened by hand in the U.S.A.… a true Art treasure that will endure in your home for generations to come.

Be sure to read on to the next post, a special interview with Stephen Bauer, artistic director and owner of Bradbury & Bradbury. If you’re into mid century – which you must be if you’re reading this blog! – I think you will find it fascinating.

Enjoy — here are each of the new papers, in all colorways, along with some context from Stephen:

Boingo:
“A slightly conservative pattern, but still with that casualness and playfulness that many patterns from that era exhibit. It is peppered with metallics so it has a nice sparkle to it as you pass by.”

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click on thumbnails for larger image

Interlock:
“This is our nod to the strict Modernists in the house, being very clean in feel and silvery. I think the pattern might have been inspired by Japanese patterns as it resembles some I’ve seen.”

click for larger image

Island:
“Well what’s a self respecting Fifties interior without a tropical tiki inspired room? And what’s a tiki room without a beautiful tiki wallpaper in it? Nothing but mosquitoes and humidity. The various coloring combinations of “Island” also will really complement the vintage rattan you’re decorating with.”

click for larger image

Gee-Gee:
“Fun for the Modernists, but with a little more sense of humor to it…which we like.”

clickaroo

Samples available from Bradbury & Bradbury.

And, be sure to read all my wallpaper posts for the full range of 50s choices.

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A friend of my husband pointed us to these “Case Study” fiberglass side chairs available in 12 colors @ $239 plus $35 shipping. I’ve certainly seen both of these styles (and there are more on the website) on ebay – these look to be terrific reproductions. From modernica.net.

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