Last July we got our first look at Cindy’s 60s ranch home in Holyoke, Massachusetts. A real midcentury time-capsule beauty that needed some work – and which she has been accomplishing with great sensitivity to its original lines and features. In August last summer, I went to visit Cindy, as we live only an hour away. How delightful to be sitting here today – in my cold computer cave, 20 degrees outside – and see proof that warm July and August will be here soon enough. Several photos from Cindy’s house were featured in an earlier post, but I took a bundle more, featured here today. In particular, I was entranced by the many small, yet very carefully
selected, details within the house – from that beautiful Asian-style doorknob — to the porch light – to the can lighting – and on and on. Oh – the “Goldwater in ’64?” It’s a bumper sticker I picked up at an estate sale and brought for Cindy as a little housewarming. For the graphics, we didn’t talk politics! And wouldn’t you know it, it matches her kitchen.
Click through for 28 wonderful photos in all!
I must admit, right up front, that I am a terrible guest when I go to see reader homes. I immediately become the absent-minded professor eagle-eying every feature outside before I can even get up to the doorway to shake hands. I think Cindy understood, because we’d met before. Apologies again, Cindy, I’m working on my interpersonal skills especially when doing retro recon. But oh my goodness: Look at the pole lamp. A real beauty! Likely from Moe or Progress or Thomas Industries. Fantastic!
And there’s more — a matching outdoor wall sconce. If the tour had stopped right here I’d have been happy.
Walk inside Cindy’s front door and there is delight in every direction. She’s painted her living room walls a lovely butterscotch color. Love the rug, and the modern sofa! Glance at the ceiling, we’ll get a close up of those recessed can lights in a moment.
A fabulous marble brick fireplace separates the kitchen and dining area from the living room. No question, the more I see these gorgeous fireplace structures, the more I want want want. And these white bricks are fantastic. I wonder how much it would cost to replicate this fireplace today.
Cindy added this floor. It is Amtico resilient tile (vinyl, Cindy?), and what I found so cool about it was the flooring contractor used “welds” – some sort of plastic flooring pieces – between each tile – this gives the effect of grout and is an option to butting the tiles up against each other. A really nice look to consider. However, Cindy says that the contractor may have used too much adhesive because it bubbles up and is a bear to clean.
[oopsy, gremlins ate the photo]
We’ve seen Cindy’s bathroom before, but in this close up, I want to point out the recessed metal cabinets right behind the sinks. The long shiny metal installation includes swirl-around toothbrush holders flanking each side. And in the center, a recessed cabinet with sliding mirrored doors. AWESOME! This kind of installation was made by companies like Miami-Carey. I actually bought one on ebay last year. It arrived broken in a million pieces. And then the seller shafted me on the refund even after I sent it back to him. I bet I might be able to replicate/find this product for readers today; stay tuned, it’s on my list. A wonderful way to add space if you have a countertop run. And note: Cindy has made some really well-done cosmetic updates to this bathroom since August. Look for that post next week!
An original 60s chandelier in Cindy’s kitchen. Simply divine.
I believe this was in the hallway.. I love the modern lines in a colonial lantern arrangement. A truly wonderful fixture.
These recessed eyeball cans were throughout the living room. These can still be found among the companies identified in our Lighting Page.
I gotta show this again. Cindy completely renovated her kitchen. The cabinets are laminate – a totally authentic choice, especially as you enter the 60s … she has a granite countertop and it looks great … and she stenciled the backsplash herself (goes under heading of: Some Therapy). Notice the butterscotch ties to the living room, too.
A simple but just lovely hall light with that little added something: Starbursts in the glass.
Even on the patio – a milk glass-meets-disco globe! The people who built this house know how to live – and had some dough-re-mi at their disposal!
Another wonderful kitchen light!
Cindy added these new pendants (from Lightolier, I think she told me) to her kitchen.0
Yes: Wood panelling (cherry, me thinks) in the living room, and a Nutone speaker system.
You’re looking at wonderful vintage 60s Romany Spartan tile — and a laundry chute! I love laundry chutes. Don’t have one, goshdarnit. There was a really cool one in the St. Louis time capsule house – photo coming soon.
Vintage clock.
A real dream house. Thank you, Cindy, for you wonderful hospitality and for finding this great home such a caring owner!
ET says
the flooring appears to be Amtico… they offer a product made out of vinyl that they call “feature strip” it comes in vairous colors and metals to appear like a grout line.. you can order it in any color they make… or you used to be able to.. I am a former employee. I hear they have ceased opertaion in their residential divison but are still operating on the commercial side ( can be used residentially)
pam kueber says
yes, we did a follow up story here: https://retrorenovation.com/2009/12/14/mid-century-modern-flooring-from-amtico/ Thanks for the update!
Sheana says
Amazing job, Cindy! Absolutely beautiful. I am beyond jealous, but I do so love living vicariously though everyone else!
Jason says
Nice home, Cindy….Did you have a cabinet maker build your kitchen cabinets? Materials? Cost? Thanks. Am thinking about re-ding my kitchen and am curious. Thank, jason in Florida
sandy retroSpective says
I’ve just seen this one for the 1st time. Just ADORE the house and how sensitively and exquisitely Cindy has reworked it. I love the new kitchen, and, like her many other admirers here, am in awe of the great stencilling job she did, and gorgeous pattern she chose to do it in! I also envy that beautiful front door. Great house!
Michael Hopkins says
I love the stenciling in the Kitchen. Where did you find the design? I have looked for something like this and am not able to find any retro patterns.
pam kueber says
Michael, I am pretty sure that Cindy made up the design herself. Hey: Maybe she has a new business concept here!
Cindy says
Pam, we could meet in Holyoke, my place,…keep that as an option for anything out this way…also if you’re going to be speaking at the Home Show you’re welcome to stay with me. I think there is one at the Eastern States in West Springfield once or twice a year……
Cindy says
I just saw this last question from Gavin…house was built 1963. Do you live in the area? You should come for a visit!
How about a retro reunion in Lenox, Pam?
pam kueber says
hmmmm, Cindy. I think there are a few readers now in the Pioneer Valley. Let me think about where to have a meet-up.
gavin hastings says
BTW- so tell us…1954, 55, or 57?
and I think it is time to bring back rippled brick.
gavin hastings says
I have friends down the street, and have walked or driven by your home 1 milion times- often wondering if the folks inside realised what a gem they had obtained. Congratulations, I applaud a great job
What I like best is that it is cohesive. When new- it was top of the line, Holyoke executive, stylish and yet home-y. You have kept it as designed without getting kitschy. Your additions look as if they SHOULD have been part of the original design.
It is lovely and I’ll be moving in next Tuesday.
Sherri says
Love your backsplash & cool speakers!!