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!
Pam Hartley says
Another Vegas beauty.
christian iusso says
Hey guys thanks for all the great comments on our home!
To answer some of your questions the roof has about 3.5-4″ of solid material. There is about 3/4″ wood sheathing on exterior and interior and 2 inch insulation material (like rigid foam today) between. When I cut out the skylights I was able to see the roofing, because I too did not think it was insulated.
The restroom is all original except the floor and the sink faucets. Couldn’t touch that bathroom much! I found a device that turns analog to digital technology, meaning I got the rotatory emergency bathroom phone to work!
The kitchen counter-top is also original and is likely a quartz-type of stone. The floor and paint is on the walls is all new.
In the living room the green wallpaper is new, only because the original pink wall paper (like the millwork by the picture window) was damaged during construction. I also added the flooring which is a recycled mulberry branch compressed wood.
I have also added a second bathroom, laundry room, office space and a small foyer, in my recent renovation! Can’t wait to enjoy with friends this summer. Please send me your email if you would like to see any other photos of the home so that I may send them.
pam kueber says
Hi Christian, thanks for sharing your home at the home tour and for the additional information. Note, when I see the words “2 inch insulation material (like rigid foam today” I think: Beware of the vintage nastiness such as lead and asbestos, etc., that can be in the layers of our old homes. Get with your own properly licensed experts to assess what you are dealing with/working with! For more info an links see our Be Safe / Renovate Safe page
June Cahill says
I ADORE the bathroom and it’s ‘fancy’ sconces. Always wanted a bathroom with sconces attached to a wall mirror! Love the wallpaper too!
What a fun place to have a party!