Retro Renovation

Remodel & decorate in Mid Century Style

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Open thread: What would you like to see at Retro Renovation this year?

pam kueber - 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?

Add your Comment — and I’ll work on it.

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77 comments

Comments

  1. Darlahood says

    I love the time capsule pics!

    Tired of the pushing of stainless steel cabinetry.

    How to find contractors who are willing to work in older homes? (i.e. not a newbie plumber or electrician who only knows how to deal with houses built after 1998)

    Where can I find replacement casement windows?

    How do I take care of my asbestos tiles?

    How do I deal with friends who actually think IKEA is fun and their products are wonderful?? (The cafeteria is good; I give ’em that.)

    So glad I found your site; I check it daily. SRSLY, you are heaven sent.

  2. Sara says

    I would like to echo what Tikimama said about the affirmation of knowing I’m not alone and that there are real people out there besides the snobby princesses on HGTV who just can’t imagine life without granite this and stainless that. (OK I’m fine now) 🙂 I think you are fabulous and I appreciate everything you do Pam. Personally I enjoy helping others with their reno/decorating decisions + hearing what others think too. I ADORE old house plans (find me a 2000 sq.ft. long ranch please as we plan to build in 2 years) and I’d also enjoy seeing both modern and traditional styles from the midcentury (cause I can never decide). But most of all I am so happy to know that there are wonderful, down to earth, interesting people like you and all the rest of ya out there! Landscaping ideas/photos would be great too. Your red geranium thing has me totally inspired to only do red geraniums this year in my window boxes, etc. Fun.

  3. Palm Springs Stephan says

    Before and after photo sets. And include the “in progress” stuff so Renovators can see what kind of mess they can anticipate during the process. But I say all this for selfish reasons: I have lots of photos and no place of my own to post them.

  4. Joe says

    I’d like to see a more active user forum. Somewhere that I can create a topic and get feedback or input. For example, I’m looking for some wallpaper but can’t afford Bradury & Bradubury. Maybe someone knows of a less expensive outlet for this type of material.

  5. Eucritta says

    I’d like to see more on how to cope with poor past remodels when we lack the funds to restore — what can be done with just paint and fabric, for instance, or what comparatively small changes would pack the most punch.

    And definitely, more photos! I’d especially like to see more photos of actual interiors, particularly during transitions and of common modifications. I adored the post on white-painted fireplaces, for instance, and I’d love to see more on popular redecorating and remodeling choices in the 50s and 60s.

  6. Tikimama says

    Oh Pam, you know you are a goddess to us! How could we give you any suggestions?! I just think more, more, more of what you already do so well!

    I vote for more reader photos, which is more up to us than you (your hands are pretty tied until we actually send them). I’ve been meaning to for months! I not only have photos of our house, and many questions that I’d like reader input on, but lots of vintage resources that I think “I should dig that out and scan it” when I see another reader asking for ideas. Landscaping, for example! I bet I even have directions for pinch-pleats in one of my vintage sewing books.

    I love the newer highlights on furniture and other household “pieces” (art, dishware, collectibles, etc) because they are things I can satisfy my midcentury cravings with while I wait to be able to afford the larger projects.

    Probably the most important resource this site provides to me is the encouragement, and the knowledge that I am NOT ALONE in my love for keeping things original in my house, restoring what has been changed, and for valuing things from the past. I love that we are all “green” before everyone else, too. Long live RetroRenovators!!

  7. Mandi H. says

    I would love to see a slide show of before/after pink bathrooms. I have a 1956 pink/mauve tile bathroom and am at a loss at what to do to make it fabulous. I need ideas!!!

    Love this website-its really helped me out since we bought our home!

  8. Femme1 says

    I’m also interested in more landscaping ideas, not necessarily following exactly what people did back in the 50s/60s, but some ideas about how to capture the look without the intensive labor involved (huge lawns to cut, better water-saving methods, etc.).

    And it’s always great to find out about sources for stuff—although Pam already does a great job of that, so just keep up the good work!

    I love seeing what real people (on budgets) are doing to restore their houses, too.

    • Mid Mod Pam says

      PugFreek, Can you help me out with scouring for retro-Australia posts? Send me recommendations and I’ll be happy to do more. Did I ever say: I think I was meant to be born an Australian!

  10. Anita says

    1. I would love to see some info on the mid-century ranch style motels that are kept up that would be fun destinations throughout the country. Places that are as good on the inside as they are on the outside.
    2. More tiki! Tiki destinations around the country.
    3. Photos photos photos!
    Thanks for the great site!