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Home / The Museum of Mid Century Material Culture / time capsule homes

The 1974 time capsule house that won the internet this week + four more houses from reader tips

Pam Kueber - Updated: February 17, 2020

Retro Renovation stopped publishing in 2021; these stories remain for historical information, as potential continued resources, and for archival purposes.

time capsule housesThanks to all the readers who continue to send in time capsule tips — there are some REAL BEAUTIES this week, including a 1974 California condo that’s gone viral — click on, and you’ll see why!

The 1974 time capsule house that won the internet this week, Ramona, California “must love green”:

  • Prepare your eyeballs, this one is amazing! (Photo viewing tip:  The lead photo is the first in a slide show — to advance the slide show, look for the forward arrow inside the photo — it’s on the right, about half-way up)

Multiple readers sent me this tip. Because this house was winning the internet. Thank you, all! LOVE IT!

1952 sweetheart in Saugus, Mass.:

  • Lovely classic postwar house — pink kitchen alert… peachy keen bathroom… and oh my that basement! Thanks to Diane on our Facebook page for this tip.

1957 mid century modest with some additional flair in Albany, New York:

  • This house has some really lovely features — thanks to reader Tess for this time capsule tip! 

The house (which has had a few updates over the years) still has some really nice, original features — I particularly love how the ceiling molding in the living room is designed to encapsulate the top of the pinch pleat draperies…the design of the paver patio out back… and of course, that pink and gray bathroom.  

1959 Omaha beauty — gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous classic:

  • One of my new favorite time capsule houses of all time, but then I say that every week. Thanks to tipster Stefanj, I agree with his commentary: 

…find the best wallpaper you have ever laid eyes on and the most and best metal kitchen cabinets of all time!

Not a time capsule, but oh this tiki-decorated condo in 1961 Royal Hawaiian Estates, Palm Springs:

  • This condo in the famous Royal Hawaiian Estates is tiki-tastic. I think I found this one myself, but if a reader sent in the tip, my bad, identify yourself!

I had a few more great time capsule tips that’s I’ll feature next time (this list was getting long). Keep the tips coming, and have a great weekend, everyone! 

Which houses and which features call out you?
Could you live in the 1974 dream house as is? 

CATEGORIES:
The Museum of Mid Century Material Culture time capsule homes

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Reader Interactions

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40 comments

Comments

  1. Liz Sulak says

    February 16, 2020 at 10:43 am

    I don’t mind the green in the 1974 condo but carpeting in the bathroom I just couldn’t handle.

  2. Jane Panama says

    February 16, 2020 at 9:30 am

    Pink kitchen, pink bath what more can one ask for in life….such a Calgon moment!

  3. Bette Jean says

    February 14, 2020 at 11:52 pm

    OK Pammy, I know we can’t say H*** on this site…but replace the acid green h***ed carpet with neutral tile/carpet/wood and lots of us could move right in! Your Pal Who Wishes She Could Go To AZ Tiki Again Bette Jean

    • Pam Kueber says

      February 15, 2020 at 6:35 pm

      You know I LOVE the carpet! 🙂

  4. DayDay says

    February 14, 2020 at 9:46 pm

    These are amazing!
    I could totally live in the 1974 Ramona, CA condo as-is. I’m decorating our newly purchased house in Rancho Mirage, and the designer has marching orders to make this style happen! Endora’s Neptune disco realness here we come! Thanks for providing all the inspiration!

    • Pam Kueber says

      February 15, 2020 at 6:38 pm

      Whoa! Send photos when you’re done! I’d LOVE to see this recreated!

      More inspiration:

      Here’s some more info from Brini Maxwell using vintage Vera: https://retrorenovation.com/2015/12/07/1970s-bedroom-design-ideas/

      See this time capsule: https://retrorenovation.com/2018/10/03/1970-interior-design-time-capsule-house-barely-lived-in-50-years/

      And this one too: https://retrorenovation.com/2013/03/22/sophisticated-flower-power-decor-1967/

  5. Debbie in Portland says

    February 14, 2020 at 8:07 pm

    Lime green is absolutely my favorite color from that era…but maybe not on the walls AND on the floors at the same time. I would definitely keep that luscious carpet and stunning countertop and that fabulous couch, but the green-and-white wallpaper is just a wee bit too much in the main room. Although somehow all of that wild wallpaper “works” for me everywhere else, and how can you not love that spiral staircase?

  6. Lisa Compo says

    February 14, 2020 at 5:54 pm

    Oh, what fun to look at these.
    I want to run barefoot through that green shag! Greentastik. Realtor left off, must like to look at self…a lot. LOL So many mirrors in there.

    But, I’m currently trying to do CPR on myself after looking at the Omaha…..breathless. Boy, count ’em..3 air conditioners to cool that exquisite place.
    Thanks for posting them, best part of my day. 🙂

    • Pam Kueber says

      February 15, 2020 at 6:39 pm

      Yes, isn’t Omaha AMAZING!

  7. Elizabeth Walters says

    February 14, 2020 at 5:18 pm

    Adore them ALL! But I really want to take home the pink apron sink and Cinderella tub from the 1957 MCModest in NY. You just can’t easily buy a pink tub today…sigh! xoxoxo

  8. louiseb says

    February 14, 2020 at 2:31 pm

    The Tiki condo!!! I really love it!

  9. Marie Gamalski says

    February 14, 2020 at 2:21 pm

    I’m deeply, hopelessly in love w/the Royal Hawaiian unit…sigh, furnished of course…sigh

  10. Stephanie in MD says

    February 14, 2020 at 1:18 pm

    EEEK! Another great roundup! Thanks readers and Pam. Please send that St Charles kitchen my way!

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