Remember Maribeth and her Brady Bunch kitchen? After I featured her renovation in November, I asked her if I could pitch the story to her local newspaper. Maribeth was game, and it turns out, so was the Knoxville News. Reporter Allison Rupp and I talked for more than an hour, then she went out to visit Maribeth and her family and their home. Meanwhile, photographer Saul Young looks like he had a blast with the photographs. The result: A great story about a 70s retro renovation with a fabulous photo gallery to boot. And — did you know that HGTV is in Knoxville? I bet they will see this, too, including mention of the pink Cinderella bathtub. Thanks, again, Maribeth, for opening up your home to the world all in the cause of preserving and cherishing our mid mod heritage. Thanks, too, to Allison and Saul for treating this story with such empathy and respect. Readers — if you would like to see your completed projects featured in your local newspaper, contact me and we’ll see if we can make it happen. 🙂 Photo: Courtesy the Knoxville News / Saul Young.
Bryan says
to most of America Ignorance is bliss. People dont like what they dont understand. I say their loss, more sweet mid mod stuff for those of us that dont want to live in the now. I guess some people are happier living their live like every one else does.
Wendy says
Hey…wait a minute…I’m from Knoxville! And yes, we unfortunately have more than our share of unpleasant, ignorant folks. (Y’all should see if the paper has a faith or politics article. Those comments are comedy gold.)
So, Maribeth, I’m in South Knox, near UT, and I am about 5 years behind you, progress wise! Have you been in Vintage Living, in Seymour? I love that place.
Also, Maribeth, if someone breaks into your house and steals your living room furniture, I had nothing to do with it. ; )
BungalowBILL says
I think it’s a wonderful article about a family that loves their home and has been able to decorate it within their budget with items they like. I surely understand that some people just don’t “get it”. When I tell people what I do they tilt their heads with a vacant look and say ” You collect TILES? Like on the floor?”
I don’t understand haters though. I think the old adage that “People are basically good” needs to change to “People are basically good when you stand over them, make them look you in the eye and force them to be good”. Without that its Lord of the Flies.
Thank you Pam for standing over us!
gavin hastings says
I registered on the Knoxville site and praised this article.
Annie B. says
Congrats on a great article, Pam and the Kesten family! So heartening to see serious and sensitive media coverage on the things we love and the people who love them. As for those who don’t share our love, you are fine with me, also. That’s why Howard Johnson made 28 flavors of ice cream: not all of us like the same thing. I would only ask for a little
“r-e-s-p-e-c-t” concerning my style choices.
gavin hastings says
I have to comment…
The Kesten home is lovingly assembled, well executed and immaculate! (really immaculate) I think it is beautiful and truly represents a happy family having some FUN in their surroundings.
The comments, however- really cause me to wonder how our society has become so intentionally mean and nasty.
Kesten’s…thank you for inviting us over and sharing your home….and its nice to see a livingroom built for conversation and NOT for television.
Deb says
I didn’t read the comments in the article until I read the comments here, then went back. Pam’s question is perfect – “Why”. People are interesting to say the least…
Kelly says
How cool! A great article and really nice tips there at the bottom. Such a beautiful, inspiring home. Pam, thanks for getting the word out on what’s going on in the retro renovation world and Maribeth, thanks for letting us into your home. These things make me even happier to live in a well loved ranch.
I saw the negative comments too. I’ve noticed that the majority of articles in the online section of newspapers get nasty, mean comments. It always boggles me when they are on a nice, feel-good article too. I think that some people live for leaving mean comments. Plus, those comments are easier to leave when you can be anonymous. We can’t let them bother us.
pam kueber says
Yes, Jen — “venom” is a good word. Oh my. Why.
Jen says
Congrats to Pam and the Kestens for a great article! I think one of the most interesting aspects about it is the comment section at the bottom. What a mix of praise and venom in response to a retro renovation!