THE ESTATE SALE ON FRIDAY was a jackpot — the 1964, single-owner split level house was in gorgeous condition. What I really liked about it was that it was a very middle class, unpretentious house – but it had features that were clearly chosen for their high quality and craftsmanship. It was timeless in the true sense that everything about the house can endure. Oh lordy, I hope that the new owners understand what they have in hand! Today, two slide shows: The first of an awesome midcentury mailbox, recessed into the roman marble brick of the exterior. I know lots of readers will be so envious of this feature, I’ve never seen anything like it yet. And second, a fabulous time capsule kitchen — it includes two-tone cabinetry, a great little breakfast counter with original stools, and yellow GE appliances with gorgeous design features. One of my new favorites ever — like this house. 27 photos in all.
To start: Here’s the mailbox. Fabulous! Click on the first image to enlarge, then proceed through the slide show.
Maryanna says
Wow! I do hope you got photos of the rest of the house. I’m dying to see more of that brick accent wall and the bathrooms!
jane says
hi
I was just surfing and found your incredible website. I have always been crazy for mid century design and have photos and old magazine pages galore to share. I am ten years into my retro renovation of a 60s ranch and I just love it. My heart races when I see lamps in thrift stores, etc etc. and I could cry when I see people ripping out cool kitchens and bathrooms to “update”. Again, I am thrilled to find others with am obcession for kitsch,and I will check back later, but I have to get back to work.
jane
pam kueber says
Holyoke Cindy – I thought of you the very minute I saw that mailbox, I knew that you would love it!
Femme1, nope, I passed on the pope.
But Mindy, for sure I did nab some stuff. My pride of the day: A 1955 Hoover Constellation vacuum, used but still with its original box and paperwork. Mr. RetroRenovation was not pleased with the size … but he thought the vacuum was pretty cool. I’ll try and get a picture up at some point. I also bought some other knick knacks. There was some great Heywood Wakefield modern furniture including a bedroom set with kingsized headboard (hard to find). The prices were great. Sigh.
Miss Jess says
LOVE the floating cabinet and the glass treatment. Just beautiful.
Femme1 says
Pam.
Did you pass up that portrait of Pope Paul VI that was for sale?? It’d be a nice retro touch for a good Catholic home!
Eartha Kitsch says
Oh my goodness! The combo of blue and yellow is so incredible! I believe I would have fallen to the floor and refused to leave.
pam kueber says
Hmmm. St. Christopher, I have been thinking about your comments. Regarding the darker finish on the end of the kitchen – I think it’s a really interesting concept…Why did they do it? I think: To differentiate/transition the space heading into the more formal, adjacent, yet still open-concept dining room.
Regarding the color combo, I agree – not as matchy matchy as we are perhaps used to. But that yellow and green are very close to each other on the color wheel. The wallpaper ties it together. And the photo doesn’t do the whole thing justice – in person it was really quite sweet.
The kitchen certainly gets my thumbs up for its originality and attention to detail – even though some could argue it’s not their cup o’ tea!
Jill Spriggs says
Oh those cabinet handles…they are the same ones that are still in my mom’s 1958 kitchen. That was a pretty good sized kitchen!
scurl says
the retractable notepad/pencil holder thing is a GREAT idea. i’m going to have to see what i can do to make one from some sheet metal to match my cabinets.
Mindy Harris says
Lucky you–have yet to hit an estate sale like that. Did you buy anything?
Love the oven door.