Too much fun, we almost missed it: October 26 is our birthday — RetroRenovation.com has turned eight. In addition to shaking up a Shark Bite, we want to celebrate by asking all our dear readers:
- What would you like to see more of on the blog?
- What burning questions do you have that we might be able to get all Brenda Starr about?
- Any other suggestions… comments… encouragement?
Proceed to the comments section, then go find a cake, cookie or cuppa and join us in a toast to more fantastic years ahead!
Wendy M. says
Happy Birthday! I’ve been coming to your site regularly for the past five years and have found the information here incredibly helpful and inspiring. Thank you for encouraging the preservation of all things mid-century!
I like many of the suggestions already listed in the comments (more themed uploaders; landscaping advice; interviewing people about the era as they remember it.)
I’d like to share a comment I’ve heard twice from friends recently, “Your house reminds me so much of my grandma’s house.” They say it sort of apologetically, but I take it as a huge compliment! I figured you and your readers would understand. 😉
Rickie says
Congratulations! I love your site. I wish it were easier to find your list of eBay finds.
pam kueber says
Rickie, this one is eBay’s fault. They changed their code, I can no longer get you there with one click.
BungalowBILL says
Happy Birthday! Hope you have many more years of success!
Carolyn says
Rec/rumpus rooms. Been to estate sales where items were displayed in the basement – what a revelation! A whole ‘nother world down there! Watched WI comedian John McGivern talk about his dad, a bricklayer, and his buddies work on each others’ basements to make them living spaces instead of just where the furnace, washer (wringer, of course!), and food storage was housed.
AND (don’t ask for much, do I?) interviews with people from that era on what it was like during the ’50’s, ’60’s, and ’70’s…I know we played outside…a lot…partly because our house held 8 people even though we shared bedrooms and only one bathroom (no shower!) and the house was definitely less than 2000 sq ft. Questions like how much of it was DIY, what economic class were they (Ford vs Buick) and how did that influence what they were able to do, was it Mom’s idea or Dad’s – anyone else want a living history lesson, please add and then you could narrow it down to 10 questions.
The thing I like about Mid-Century is the “can do” and the problem-solving (think that toilet paper hider thing), and efficient uses of their space. Well, I guess now I’m preaching to the choir!
Mary Elizabeth says
Carolyn, I’m with you. I’d like to see open discussions and/or interviews with (1) other Baby Boomers and (2) younger people who remember stories from grandparents or parents who were BB’s. Mostly, I’d be interested in how they used their spaces–rec rooms, baths (I could tell you stories about growing up with four kids and one bathroom), kitchen appliances and so on.
Also, I’d like to see people’s collections of artwork, melamine dishes, Pyrex containers, etc. For example, I have a collection of framed painted art tiles by Aida Whedon, and I would like to see if others have similar collections by one midcentury artist and how they display them. The uploaders at Christmas time gave us an idea of what holiday memorabilia people collect, and the redo kitchen stories often feature homeowners’ collections, and I love that. I’m sure there are other types of collections we haven’t even thought of.
Cindy T says
Happy Birthday! I have been a frequent visitor over the last few years, and really appreciate all you share. I have learned so much. My remodel of a cute little 1 bedroom farmhouse is being sourced now for the work to be done next summer. I would love to see some more step by step info and I would like to have you do a picture remodel of my little house to make it all go together. It is a poor man’s
craftsman and I can’t wait to make it grand.
Lynne says
Happy Birthday!
I’ve always enjoyed the stories about readers’ home projects. The before and after kind of thing. Keep those coming!
sherree says
Happy Birthday! And thank you Pam and Kate for all of your hard work and dedication. I discovered your wonderful site a few days after moving into our 1952 ranch home in December 2010. I did not know anything about Mid-Century decorating but your blog inspired me to love where I am. I am a daily visitor now! You have helped me to source period appropriate paint, lighting, hardware, flooring, counter tops, furniture and more for our home. As far as suggestions, I love the uploaders (maybe that is just me) and would like to see more “themed” ones? And maybe more basement ideas. Since many ranch home basements of this era tended to be utilitarian (for the most part) I would like to see how readers have made them more cozy and livable without breaking the bank 🙂
ineffablespace says
High/Low features:
Paul Evans/Adrian Pearsall
Knoll-Saarinen/Burke
David Hicks/Op-Art
Dunbar, Directional/Lane
Lacquer/Kartell plastics
Curtis Jere-Design House/ Syroco
Architectural Digest/Better Homes and Gardens
ineffablespace says
James Mont, Michael Taylor/Union National
Shannon says
I would love to read more stuff about Outdoor subjects, landscaping and outdoor decorating. More things for kids? Like retro playhouses or toys. I am trying to cute up a basic wood playset with retro fabric and colors… so I am in that vibe right now. Happy Birthday to RetroRenovation!!!
Barbara says
I started reading RR to get ideas for our 1960s split level. Life has gotten busy and we haven’t done the big stuff yet. However, inspired by the blog, we did save the kitchen table and chairs from my in-laws house. My six year old told me last night that dinner is his favorite part of the day. Needless to say, we’re keeping the eat in kitchen.
pam kueber says
🙂 There is just something about those vintage dinettes! 🙂