Update Tuesday morning: I’ve picked a winner, but I’ll leave Comments open in case more folks want to pipe in with ideas for me to work on… Thanks to everyone for all your suggestions, I’ll see what I can do! Stacy was the April winner of our monthly “Love the House You’re In” custom collage made by Mel Kolstad. Another beautiful collage, Mel. Woof! Meow! Readers — this month’s contest will end on Tuesday morning just as soon as I get to my computer, so click on through for this month’s question — and you could win a piece of artwork commemorating your own little castle. Jeez, I need to win my own contest and get one of my house!
To win our May contest:
Leave a Comment answering the question, “What else should Pam write about on the blog? Or, What would you like to read/see more of?” Please read all the rules here before entering, they all apply.
Look at Stacy’s beautiful house! When I was re-creating it for her in the collage, I could almost hear the birds singing and those peaceful “woods sounds”. Her house just feels like one of those homes that would be so comfortable and relaxing on a warm spring day, hanging out on the rooftop terrace.
Thank you, Mel. You can experience more of Mel’s world at her blog: Ephemeraology
Susan K says
Hi
Another great collage by Mel–dreamy skyline!
I’m NOT ELIGIBLE for the contest–already have a cool Mel collage–but have to speak up for those of us who live in a retro fantasy land and don’t really have the wherewithall (sp?) to deal with practical things like lanscaping. Put up a few tiki lights or other party favors & be done with it!
Love the forum idea and maybe more tchochke-specific posts or threads. swanky-swigs? tea towels? McCoy planters? etc. Also like the 40s style more than ranch 60s & 70s.
I’ve noticed that some homeowners live the MCM dream in their wardrobes too, so maybe some calls for asking readers in what areas–beside their homes–they promote mid-century style!
Thanks for being so open and letting us all chime in!
Mel Kolstad says
Thank you all so much for your very nice comments about this collage! I had a wonderful time creating it (and all of them!)! My fave part about the process is seeing the house that I will have the pleasure of re-creating in paper! 😀
lady brett says
ooh, i especially love this collage!
my personal interest leans towards the earlier mid-century, so i love to see more about that – especially the 40s, and the simpler post-war housing before the real mid-century modern boom.
Margaret W says
I also just love to see what other people are doing/have done with their homes…….I have a MCM house but I don’t furnish it that way……do other people understand that or am I a “trader” to my home…..I’m 70 years old and I lived the 50’s and have a “collection” of all my years…… it’s not a “granny” house but it’s “bright” and comfortable…….
Betsy Ward says
Pam, You really have covered just about everything. I can’t tell you how many times you’ve posted something on your ebay carrousel that I had just looked at on my own. Great minds….
Maybe because it’s almost summertime but I, too, would love to see more mcm patios, plantings, outdoor furniture, curb appeal, etc. I’m sure there are many sources for reproductions that I haven’t discovered yet. Thanks and keep up the great work.
Marion Powell says
As I’ve mentioned before, I don’t have an old ranch, etc. My house is a two-story brick and vinyl “transitional” style. Somehow, I don’t think anyone will be blogging about this style home in fifty years!
I just love the decor, the cozy feel, the homeyness of the retro ranches, etc. But I can only try to replicate the decor, so I would like to see more on the brands and styles of furniture. Also pictures of placement in various rooms.
Jason Durand says
Hi Pam,
the patio idea would be great as I am extending my patio at the moment and basically rebuilding it. I am curious to what people are using for roofing material. Also patio and outdoor lighting and plants. Indoor plants would be good, types and maintenance as I have these beautiful anodized pots but afraid to take the leap as I have seen so many dead indoor plants. Garages as well as I am currently building a double garage for my old cars, your garage door articles have been very useful. Keep up the great work.
Jana (Berniecat) says
Wonderful collage, Mel! Love the pets (especially the black kitty – looks like my Squirty) 🙂 In keeping with the themes of the previous comments, I would like to see more of: (1) readers and their retro projects (befores and afters) (2) features about retro landscaping and outdoor decor/design. I would also like to add my own 2 cents and see: (3) some type of feature on a regular basis (maybe twice a month?) where you solicit reader suggestions & comments about creative and/or thrifty suggestions/solutions they came up with to certain problems they encountered while working on a project . And, if that wasn’t enough, I enjoyed the time when you asked readers to submit pictures and brief descriptions of their recent vintage “finds” when you were going through flea market and estate sale withdrawal. If that could be a regular feature (monthly?), I would be tickled pink! Can we hear it for Fantastic Finds Friday? 🙂
I really enjoy your site and have learned so much from from its family of readers
gsciencechick says
I’ll chime in in that I’d love more outdoor decorating and landscape ideas. We have beautiful trees, but that means that grass doesn’t grow that well. Don’t know what to do to make those backyard areas more aesthetic.
Elizabeth Mary says
As you probably remember, one of my first communications with you was about my house style — is it a Cape or a ranch. After looking at pictures you said it is a Cape Cod ranch. Yea, it made such sense. So, I would love to see stories about the different types of ranch houses with examples of them and what makes them fit the category. Illustrations with pictures of readers homes would be great too.