Daniel is a college student in California and already a longtime fan of mid-century architecture, decor and collectibles. He wrote in to share his story. I’m impressed!
Hello!
My name is Daniel and I’m a 22 year old college student in CA! I’ve been collecting mid-century furniture and ephemera since I was 14 or so. I visit your site everyday…
I love all the information you give out and all the great pictures… Most people my age don’t appreciate this kind of stuff, so it’s nice to finally find people who do. I’d love to show some of my finds if you’d like!
Sure, Daniel, I say… and can you tell me more about your story? He zips right back:
More about my story, hmmm…Well I’ve been passionate about the 1940s/50s/60s since I can remember! It’s my dad who really got me into it, with music such as Frank Sinatra, Glenn Miller, and Tommy Dorsey. From there I started buying and restoring vintage cars in high school, and would frequently go local antiquing.
I also was good friends with an antique radio repair store owner, and he gave me all the radios he no longer wanted for free! I received 8+ mid century radios from him all in working condition! That really started me saving up and going out to the antique stores to buy different things for the home.
I figured that sooner or later I would need something, so I bought everything from lamps to a vacuum cleaner haha. I’ve kept most of my stuff, giving some things away to make room for others, but I’m continually expanding my collection. My dream is to own or rebuild an Eichler home and fill it with nothing but original furniture, appliances, and fixtures.
There’s something so special about home living in that era, that’s no wonder people are going crazy over it. And although its become a fad again, I feel like I, and people like me, are living in the wrong era in someways, you know? Well I hope you enjoy these pictures, and I’d love to hear more about your story as well!
P.S. If you have any questions about the items in the pictures feel free to ask! Hope to hear from you soon.
I get the photos and I think, oh my gosh, is that really an apartment? Of a college student? It is way tidier than I remember my college apartment. I had, like, a TV, an army trunk, a portable stereo, a wastebasket, and a ratty sofa. Ah, the traveling light years. But, you are way waaaay ahead of me, Daniel. So… I ask Daniel, is that really an apartment and oh, do you have a photo that I could use, if you want? I forgot to ask him – is that a hamster cage? What is the name of your hamster? He zips back:
Ya it is a rental apartment probably from the early to mid ’60s. Unfortunately it has gone through many renovations since then, so its original charm doesn’t show all too well. I’m a Graphic Communication major concentrating in Print & Image Management…. Funny, I don’t have any pictures of me in the house on my computer haha!
But here’s a picture from last year from a WWII dance my friends and I always go to, hope that’s OK!
Sorry the pictures are such low quality, I took them with my computer because my camera had died. I can retake them for better quality if they didn’t turn out so good. Talk to you soon!
Actually, Daniel, I like the grainy dreamy quality of the photos. And, I didn’t even know you could take pictures with your computer. Like, you walk around with your laptop pointing it and hitting the enter button? I call myself a Geek Girl, but I am such a poser.
Daniel, once you get your diploma, I think you should set the graphics communications thing aside for a few months — you need to be on Design Star. We’ll all vote for you. I’m serious. BTW, is that a hamster cage? What is the name of your hamster?
Shane says
Hey, not alot of us are done with the interiors, but what about the exteriors? I think it would be kool to see our houses. Who’s working on what, etc. My house was built in ’54 and is currently covered in a celery green and white vinyl siding. That’s good because it has protected the soon to be exposed original cedar siding. I’ll send my pic! What about you guys??
Daniel says
Thanks Michael! I really like your site as well, I can’t wait to see more progress of your home!
Missouri Michael says
Great apartment Daniel! I am so glad to see that there are others my age that like mid-century style. The dresser and chest of drawers in your bedroom are great, and you really got a great find with those antique radios!
I love big band music, my grandparents got me started on it when we would take road trips with them in the summer while I was growing up. With Christmas coming up faster that I want to think about, I need to get out my Glenn Miller Christmas CD and tapes. Thanks for sharing!
Daniel says
It’s so cool that there others out there that feel the same way! Usually you only come across a few people who kind of get it, but when you meet someone else who shares the passion, it’s truly special! I hope to see all your guys’ home as well, especially that 1940 reno. Happy Daze!
nina462 says
Happy Daze–I’m stuck in the wrong decade too! I love Perry Como & Mel Torme etc. In fact, around Christmas time, I put in my Perry Como Christmas dvd’s and relive the magic. I’m 47 and think I got my retro vibe from my folks. Now..do you have cookbooks & can you cook from the 30’s-40’s? I have the cookbooks and it’s quite a difference (like what’s a moderate setting for the oven?).
Daniel….you’re a sweetie to embrace this life style. ‘Cause it is a Style!
tailfin says
I’m really impressed, Daniel! You’ve got a great eye for style. I wish I had your knack for pulling it all together. I like the old TV in your bedroom and the pair of vertical wall shelves above the blue plastic chair. Good luck with your Eichler dream!
Happy Daze says
Wow…and I always thought I was the only one who was stuck in the wrong era. I’m only 26, but I’m obsessed with everything from the ’30s and ’40s (but the ’50s is really starting to grow on me too!). I recently bought a house built in 1940, and I’m doing a “retro renovation” on it. A lot of people listen to classic rock while doing construction. Not me – it’s big band all the way! Estate sales are the best. I’ve been able to outfit my whole house with good quality mid-century furniture and housewares for under $2000!
Shane says
Dude, you were wrting my story about growing up! LOL While everyone else was listening to AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, etc I was listening to Frank, Dino, Perry Como, Jim Reeves! By the time I was 14 it led to Doo Wop which is the biggest part of my collection. First it was old cars, then ANYthing vintage! I’ve settled into the post War – ’64 era. Rock on!!!
Aunt Didi says
The photos and your story are awesome! The bedroom dressers that we bought and carried up your endless apartment steps after making 2 trips back to the antique shop are looking fabulous! It was well worth it! You have s fine sense of style!
And I did not know that you have a hamster…
Daniel says
I have to thank my wonderful roomate Sophie too who has put up with all my collecting and furniture swapping : )