Day #2 of my coverage of the Nevada Preservation Foundation’s 2016 Vintage Vegas Home & History tour and oh happy day, let’s take a look inside this just-about-perfect Desert Modern midcentury modest house. Isn’t the kitchen adorable — and just wait until you see the blue bathroom, complete with vintage foil wallpaper that the new owners were oh-so-smart to keep!
About this house, Nevada Preservation said:
This home belonged to Las Vegas showgirl Billye Long, whose husband was reportedly a Mob connected pit boss at The Flamingo. The house remained in the Long family for over fifty years until the current homeowner took over. With original kitchens and bathrooms, period wallpaper and exposed beams, this 1955 Desert Modern ranch is mid-century at its finest!
Above: The kitchen cabinets are all original. And dig those wood beams tracking the roofline — in most of the post-1955 or so houses we saw, this was a regular feature. I think that historically, the roofs were not insulated. The solid surface countertops are newer, as are the floor tiles, I am sure.
NorthStar refrigerator.
The new owner, shown here in the foreground with my wonderful guide for the day, Michelle Larime of the Nevada Preservation Foundation, explained that the kitchen had originally been enclosed with a wall. You can see where the wall ended — at the edge of the tile. The owner took down the wall and braced the part avoe with wood and steel. The open-ness was quite nice, and I like how they added that splash of retro-industrial feel with the steel post. Oh, and the cookies and lemonade came in handy, too — it was a busy day!
A big picture window in the living room brought the outdoors right in….
And oh how I hyperventilated when I saw this bathroom!
There were two sinks, around the corner from each other.
Hollywood Regency sconces and wallpaper.
A recessed tub. Note: I wore a vintage Lanvin shirtdress, purchased at Retro Genie’s in Northampton, for my remarks and the tours. It was outrageously loud. I love it!
And the floor!!!! I did not ask if it was original. I tend to believe it was. But even if not — they did a great job! Penny round tiles with little blue flowers inset. ADORABLE!
Another look at the floor with my toesies, requisite shot.
Out back: Kinda heavenly.
Along with a place to do some serious bbqing, of course!
And I also liked the lamp out front!
Thanks to the owner of this fun Desert Modern house for sharing the love on the Vintage Vegas Home & History Tour!
Candace K says
Ok, this one is my favorite!
Pam, I hate to ask since you put so much work into these, but, did you get any photos of the exterior? Curious peepers would love to see! Thanks so much!
judy h. says
That bathroom is divine. Looks like a spa!
Joe Felice says
Love the robin’s-egg blue bathroom! Were the wallpaper and sconces original? They are a little loud, but, given the home was owned by a showgirl, understandable. I’m sure the penny-tile floor is original.
That’s ONE big plate-glass window in the living room??? OMG, I hope it never breaks. Would cost a fortune to replace, and they didn’t have tempered glass for homes back then.
I like the floating shark chlorinator, too. That’s my kind of kitsch.
And the post and beam in the kitchen where the wall was is a great solution. I think the kitchen would have been pretty confining without opening it up.
pam kueber says
I think the bathroom sconces would be considered Hollywood Regency.
Frances says
In California in the 70’s it was normal to take a long bubble bath with music playing and sipping a glass of wine while chatting on the phone with one of your best girl friends.
It was great fun but I honestly can’t imagine doing it now.
Paula Treadwell says
Lovely! They did a great job updating while keeping the retro groove! I LOVE those tile baths, too!
Carolyn says
Ok, I’ll be the one to ask – what up with phones in the bathroom? Uncle Jack from yesterday has one too…
I’m surprised at how well that wallpaper has remained after all these years. I take baths hot enough to drip down the walls.
pam kueber says
musta been “a thing”
Jukesgrrl says
Can’t keep the mob boss waiting! Phones in every room, of course.
CarolK says
Considering how often I have to answer the phone when I’m in the bathroom, an extension there would be handy. I’m old school and still have a landline.
Mary Elizabeth says
My DH is a retired phone company guy. In the day, chic people had phones in every room, including the bathroom. Must have made for some awkward conversations! 🙂
Neil says
Phone in the bath….made oh so au courant (if duplicitous) by Joan Crawford in “The Women”. Now THERE was a tub to swoon for…
Mike S says
Love love LOVE counter tops which go around the outside of corners in a room. Looks like some pretty good living, that.
Dan says
Regarding the roof insulation: Typically these homes were designed to “breathe” rather than be completely air-tight. Hence, the roof was generally not insulated. there were usually grills in the external soffits or gaps between the vertical wall and the eaves to allow air to flow. Given the age, its possible the home was originally built without A/C, which makes airflow necessary.
pam kueber says
Thanks, Dan. Obviously, anyone living in these houses who wants to alter the original construction — such as adding insulation to a ceiling/roof — should consult with the proper professionals to assure they are taking the right approach.
Ken Borne says
My dream bathroom
Barbara Tarvainen says
That bathroom is perfection.
Mark McCormick says
A bathroom totally fit for a showgirl!