Readers: This is how timeless midcentury modern design IS DONE! What a fantastic amazing mind-blowing find: After the New York Times story ran last week, I was contacted by a realtor who has listed for sale a 1962 house in Montclair, New Jersey — with original interiors, still in place, by the renowned and super important midcentury interior designer William Pahlmann.
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These interiors are a veritable primer — a treasure trove of inspiration and ideas — about how to create stunning — yet timeless — interiors for your midcentury home. Linda, the real estate agent, writes:
Hi Pam,
I loved reading the article in the NYTimes! I’m a Realtor in Montclair NJ and have a house listed that is the most amazing home that I have seen in 25 years of real estate. Built by the owners in 1962 and decorated by Wiliam Pahlmann, a Manhattan decorator w/a newspaper column in the ’60s. The house is exactly as decorated when new… It looks as if it was done yesterday! The jelly beans in the bowls in the living room are color-coordinated to the “summer” slip covers and they will change with the season!
-Linda
Now, I must admit: Until I received this email, I didn’t know anything about William Pahlmann. I am sure that students of interior design must study him. But his name does not seem to be mainstream widespread like many of the most famous architects from back in the day. By the way, I find this to be true time and time again — the names of many professionals who were incredibly influential in the world of interior design and consumer goods in the postwar era have faded — and it’s time that they are resurrected! Another of my goals!
I started to do some online research, and quickly found that Pahlmann was incredibly important in the history of interior design.
He is credited with launching the “eclectic style” that, for the most part, permeates our culture today.
That is: Mixing modern pieces with vintage and exotic pieces. I think these interiors are ALL incredibly livable. And, they look as current Today as ever!
I will write more about Pahlmann coming up. He is someone We Need To Know!
Sigh.
Yvette says
I am dying over that kitchen wallpaper!! Love it.
Jan says
I’m in love with the yellow striped hanging light fixture in the breakfast room. I found a metal light fixture at a garage sale over the weekend. It’s black.
I would never have thought stripes, but I’m inspired now. Maybe that turquoise/teal color that’s so current as well as retro these days.
So inspiring!
Jan
Brenda Nelson says
I LOVE those chairs in the dining room and that cream rug with the orange and blue stripe!!
pam kueber says
Yes, the rugs are fabulous! I bet that William Pahlmann designed them all!
Megan says
Wow! I love all the green furniture and the carpet in the first picture is to die for! I think that is the best house I’ve ever seen in New Jersey!
Jeff says
As a dealer in mid century modern objects, I’m quite familiar with Pahlmann’s designs, and he was certainly a giant in his field.
He was using color combinations Lily Pulitzer was using in clothing during the same period, bright, mixed, and always tasteful.
I’ve had the pleasure of owning items he selected for homes over the years, as well as an entire David Hicks interior in Florida I purchased a couple of years ago.
Mark P. says
Great house.
Sara Tinkelman says
GASP!
JKaye says
This place looks great, inside and out.
ElizaJane says
All I can say is, the owners must not have had either kids or pets. How is it possible to keep a place in that condition for such a long time?
RetroSandie says
Oh, my! It IS breathtaking! I love the serene blue and yellow bedroom, and the kitchen wallpaper is truly timeless. If you click on the realtor’s link, there is a nice video and you can see the JELLYBEANS that match the green sofas! Awesome home and a treat to see. Thank you!!! 🙂