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?
Pam, Best suggestion is to keep up the good work! I am hopelessly addicted to your site. I wish I had found it sooner. I certainly love seeing pictures of before/during/after renovations, as well as vintage inspiration photo’s. My favorites are the time capsules. It’s wonderful to see things that have survived the test of time, as well as the HGTV fashionista remodeling crowds. Christopher’s idea on more of the vintage patio stuff could be a lot of fun. TIKI PARTY!!!!(Yeah St. Louis winters are horrible; can’t wait for spring)
Tikimamasays
Hey Christopher – the movie is Sabrina, and I think you are maybe remembering Bogart’s character’s office. I love when he demonstrates the strength of their plastic (?) product by balancing it on two chairs, then jumping up and down on it.
And if you love 50s fashions/hair/makeup – this is a drool-inducing movie! Plus, it’s a great story, very romantic.
Mayasays
Landscaping, Landscaping, Landscaping. Not just plants, but patios/outdoor furniture/etc. I need this info so badly. The inside of my house is in good shape, but the patios (there are several) are a disaster and we don’t really know what to do with them.
Before/afters and house tours are a big hit with me
Please don’t stop providing the heavy-duty practical info on flooring, fixtures, etc.
Would welcome less glamorous stuff too on things like maintaining your retro home, dealing with low-pitch roof, etc.
Maya, thanks for these suggestions. I’ll keep my eyes peeled. While I may not have the first-hand experience, I’ll watch for good information, put it out there, and we can all share.
Christophersays
Ooooo…and how about a “Favorite Movies” section or thread. I love old Audrey Hepburn movies. What’s the one with Humphrey B.? That one has GREAT mid-cent/danish mod furnishings!
tailfinsays
I too am a huge fan of this site. Mid-century modern is my true love, yet I really appreciate that Pam includes all of the different styles from the mid- 20th century. You never know what interesting details (trivial or not) may show up on these posts.
I agree with those above who want to see more floor plans, more reader submissions and more miscellaneous posts. The more photos, the better! But Pam, you have my unending appreciation just for what you’ve done so far!
The enthusiasm that Pam and all of the participants show is something I really enjoy. I also like the respect that everyone who posts here seems to show for differing opinions.
Tailfin, thanks for your comment, and I really want to applaud and affirm what you said here in particular: “I also like the respect that everyone who posts here seems to show for differing opinions.”
This is really really important to me. That on the blog, no one trashes others’ opinions, and that we remain mutually respectful – of the period we are studying – each others’ choices – and hey, even the TV makeovers. An again-goal of mine this year: If I don’t like it, I say “hmmm, not my cup of tea but here’s what’s interesting…” or some such. It’s only decorating. And I don’t know of too many people who make their decisions lightly – it’s almost always with a spirit of love and wanting to make a nice place to live.
wendysays
In answer to what would I like to see on your fantastic blog this year – I would love to see some exteriors that are in keeping with a retro style. I’m interested in seeing how others have handled exterior paint, landscaping, hardscaping, patio spaces and outdoor decoratives.
Thanks!
Wendy, thanks for your comment. I have some great exterior planned – closer to spring. But I forget sometimes, it’s always summer out west!
retropposays
Hi Pam, I’d like to see a section on more readers homes & as I’m a collector of mid-century ceramics etc. more on accessories to compliment the retro renovations, cushion covers, vases, wall art etc. to help complete. As you know, I’m also an aussie so I’d like to see more local suppliers too, as our house is always a work in progress! x
Hey retroppo, I’ll try to find out more about retro-Australia, but you and PugFreek are going to have to help me!
Coraliesays
i would love more on how to do more retro with paint and accessories, things that can easily be updated to sell. we aren’t in our ‘dream house’ and are renovating the whole thing, but as much as i’d love to add more retro touches, i have to go traditional for the resale value.
PugFreeksays
More Auzzie stuff, more radios, ideas to make ect
Christophersays
Spring’s right around the corner…well it will be right around the corner…sometime, so I’m thinking PATIO PARTY!!! Mid century patio furnishings, grills, MUSIC!, libations, heck…even perhaps fashions. I am also all for Vacation stuff. I have lots of pictures of mid century hotels and stuff from my various vacation/roadtrips to offer. There are lots of great ideas here!
NorthsideCJ says
Pam, Best suggestion is to keep up the good work! I am hopelessly addicted to your site. I wish I had found it sooner. I certainly love seeing pictures of before/during/after renovations, as well as vintage inspiration photo’s. My favorites are the time capsules. It’s wonderful to see things that have survived the test of time, as well as the HGTV fashionista remodeling crowds. Christopher’s idea on more of the vintage patio stuff could be a lot of fun. TIKI PARTY!!!!(Yeah St. Louis winters are horrible; can’t wait for spring)
Tikimama says
Hey Christopher – the movie is Sabrina, and I think you are maybe remembering Bogart’s character’s office. I love when he demonstrates the strength of their plastic (?) product by balancing it on two chairs, then jumping up and down on it.
And if you love 50s fashions/hair/makeup – this is a drool-inducing movie! Plus, it’s a great story, very romantic.
Maya says
Landscaping, Landscaping, Landscaping. Not just plants, but patios/outdoor furniture/etc. I need this info so badly. The inside of my house is in good shape, but the patios (there are several) are a disaster and we don’t really know what to do with them.
Before/afters and house tours are a big hit with me
Please don’t stop providing the heavy-duty practical info on flooring, fixtures, etc.
Would welcome less glamorous stuff too on things like maintaining your retro home, dealing with low-pitch roof, etc.
Mid Mod Pam says
Maya, thanks for these suggestions. I’ll keep my eyes peeled. While I may not have the first-hand experience, I’ll watch for good information, put it out there, and we can all share.
Christopher says
Ooooo…and how about a “Favorite Movies” section or thread. I love old Audrey Hepburn movies. What’s the one with Humphrey B.? That one has GREAT mid-cent/danish mod furnishings!
tailfin says
I too am a huge fan of this site. Mid-century modern is my true love, yet I really appreciate that Pam includes all of the different styles from the mid- 20th century. You never know what interesting details (trivial or not) may show up on these posts.
I agree with those above who want to see more floor plans, more reader submissions and more miscellaneous posts. The more photos, the better! But Pam, you have my unending appreciation just for what you’ve done so far!
The enthusiasm that Pam and all of the participants show is something I really enjoy. I also like the respect that everyone who posts here seems to show for differing opinions.
Mid Mod Pam says
Tailfin, thanks for your comment, and I really want to applaud and affirm what you said here in particular: “I also like the respect that everyone who posts here seems to show for differing opinions.”
This is really really important to me. That on the blog, no one trashes others’ opinions, and that we remain mutually respectful – of the period we are studying – each others’ choices – and hey, even the TV makeovers. An again-goal of mine this year: If I don’t like it, I say “hmmm, not my cup of tea but here’s what’s interesting…” or some such. It’s only decorating. And I don’t know of too many people who make their decisions lightly – it’s almost always with a spirit of love and wanting to make a nice place to live.
wendy says
In answer to what would I like to see on your fantastic blog this year – I would love to see some exteriors that are in keeping with a retro style. I’m interested in seeing how others have handled exterior paint, landscaping, hardscaping, patio spaces and outdoor decoratives.
Thanks!
Mid Mod Pam says
Wendy, thanks for your comment. I have some great exterior planned – closer to spring. But I forget sometimes, it’s always summer out west!
retroppo says
Hi Pam, I’d like to see a section on more readers homes & as I’m a collector of mid-century ceramics etc. more on accessories to compliment the retro renovations, cushion covers, vases, wall art etc. to help complete. As you know, I’m also an aussie so I’d like to see more local suppliers too, as our house is always a work in progress! x
Mid Mod Pam says
Hey retroppo, I’ll try to find out more about retro-Australia, but you and PugFreek are going to have to help me!
Coralie says
i would love more on how to do more retro with paint and accessories, things that can easily be updated to sell. we aren’t in our ‘dream house’ and are renovating the whole thing, but as much as i’d love to add more retro touches, i have to go traditional for the resale value.
PugFreek says
More Auzzie stuff, more radios, ideas to make ect
Christopher says
Spring’s right around the corner…well it will be right around the corner…sometime, so I’m thinking PATIO PARTY!!! Mid century patio furnishings, grills, MUSIC!, libations, heck…even perhaps fashions. I am also all for Vacation stuff. I have lots of pictures of mid century hotels and stuff from my various vacation/roadtrips to offer. There are lots of great ideas here!