Open thread: What would you like to see at Retro Renovation this year?
pam kueber - January 25, 2009, Updated: April 13, 2020
Retro Renovation stopped publishing in 2021; these stories remain for historical information, as potential continued resources, and for archival purposes.
Do you have ideas… questions… suggestions… wants… and needs… that you’d like me to research and write about this year?
Unsure if this thread is still active–but I will post my hopes for helping to “unify mid century decor confusion.” I have recently acquired a post war, two-story home. I am only the second owner. The front entry and living room are squarely art deco (heavily sculpted walls, Moorish influences, etc.) The kitchen was redone in 1965 (veneer cabinets, dropped ceiling). The basement in the mid 1950’s (knotty pine, shuffle board under the sculpted, tri-color carpet). Most days I can take the whiplash–but I’m really at a loss as to how to unify? Do I even try? (p.s. I removed the 1980s beige vertical blinds and consider that a major victory!) I can’t be the only one so well represented in 20th century decor in 1300 square feet….
lizvocalsays
Mid Mod Pam,
I was hoping to find a site about recommendations for selling a Mid-Century home.
We are selling my husband’s childhood home (finished in 1959) after the death of his parents. The place is in terrific shape, a Mid-Century split level with one pink bathroom and one blue.
Sadly the first real estate agent we talked to recommended replacing original fixtures and using Pottery Barn colors (!)
We would really love to see the home bought by someone who can love and appreciate it for it’s unique design. Do you know of any websites for selling a Mid-Century home?
We are in Glenview Illinois, a suburb north of Chicago.
Thanks!
Lizvocal
pam kuebersays
Gosh, Lizvocal, no, I don’t know of any specific sites. And I don’t know of any agents in your area who specialize in midcentury homes, although I know of some on some other cities… it’s growing. I guess I’d suggest really doing your research into real estate agents locally who CARE about vintage homes and spotlighting their special characteristics… they ARE out there. Good luck!
katie says
Unsure if this thread is still active–but I will post my hopes for helping to “unify mid century decor confusion.” I have recently acquired a post war, two-story home. I am only the second owner. The front entry and living room are squarely art deco (heavily sculpted walls, Moorish influences, etc.) The kitchen was redone in 1965 (veneer cabinets, dropped ceiling). The basement in the mid 1950’s (knotty pine, shuffle board under the sculpted, tri-color carpet). Most days I can take the whiplash–but I’m really at a loss as to how to unify? Do I even try? (p.s. I removed the 1980s beige vertical blinds and consider that a major victory!) I can’t be the only one so well represented in 20th century decor in 1300 square feet….
lizvocal says
Mid Mod Pam,
I was hoping to find a site about recommendations for selling a Mid-Century home.
We are selling my husband’s childhood home (finished in 1959) after the death of his parents. The place is in terrific shape, a Mid-Century split level with one pink bathroom and one blue.
Sadly the first real estate agent we talked to recommended replacing original fixtures and using Pottery Barn colors (!)
We would really love to see the home bought by someone who can love and appreciate it for it’s unique design. Do you know of any websites for selling a Mid-Century home?
We are in Glenview Illinois, a suburb north of Chicago.
Thanks!
Lizvocal
pam kueber says
Gosh, Lizvocal, no, I don’t know of any specific sites. And I don’t know of any agents in your area who specialize in midcentury homes, although I know of some on some other cities… it’s growing. I guess I’d suggest really doing your research into real estate agents locally who CARE about vintage homes and spotlighting their special characteristics… they ARE out there. Good luck!