10 bathroom vanity designs from Formica — “Vanitory” ideas from 1951
I recently added a 1951 Formica “Vanitory” brochure to my collection. A Vanitory is a lavatory (to wash your hands) and a vanity (to powder..
W
Whitehead steel kitchen cabinets — 20-page catalog from 1937
In the early days of steel kitchen cabinets — the 1930s — the cabinets had a “deco” or “streamline” look… they were always white… and..
V
Vintage Lane Acclaim catalog — showcasing 48 pieces in this classic furniture design favorite
The vintage Lane Acclaim line of furniture seems to have been very popular in mid century America. We speculate that — much like the popular..
T
Terrific curb appeal ideas from Swift Homes 1957 house plans catalog
Thanks to reader Cat, who spotted this terrific 1957 catalog of Swift Homes. This catalog is typical of others we see from many home manufacturers..
1
1940s decor — 32 pages of designs and ideas from 1944
We know that many of our readers love 1940s decor. To be sure, there’s a lot to like! For example, this 1940s kitchen — with..
1
112 patterns of mosaic floor tile — in amazing colors — Friederichsen Floor & Wall Tile catalog, 1929
Lovers of vintage tile — get ready to count the ways that this Friederichsen Floor & Wall Tile Catalog from 1929 illustrates the many patterns..
V
Vintage Virden lighting — 52 page catalog from 1959
Wow — 52 pages of vintage lighting in this delightfully illustrated Virden Lighting Catalog from 1959. Virden was one of the big name manufacturers of..
F
Factory built houses: 28 pages of Lincoln Homes from 1955
The idea of building the shell of a house in a factory has entranced American home builders for decades. Hodgson Houses claims to have made..
2
24 pages of vintage bathroom design ideas from Crane — 1949 catalog
Who were the leaders in mid century bathroom fixtures? We tend to think: American Standard and Crane. Seems like we see these the most. We..
1
1958 Sears kitchen cabinets and more — 32 page catalog
One of our resolutions for 2013 here on Retro Renovation is to start featuring more fabulous vintage home improvement catalogs — featuring kitchens, bathrooms, decorating,..
B
Broyhill Premier Chapter One furniture — 1970s dream design — 20 photos
My 2013 Color of the Year choice — Broyhill Premier Chapter One Lime Green — was inspired by a particular line of Broyhill furniture that..
B
Broyhill Brasilia and Sculptra — pictures from a vintage furniture catalog
Our recent post, Vintage furniture — 10 of our favorite midcentury designs and brands inspired Pam to contact Furniture Brands — the folks who produce..
B
Built in bathroom scale that folds down — among the three most collectible vintage Hall-Mack & Nutone bathroom accessories
Every week I seem to be getting a new message from a reader — someone who has just made an offer on, or bought a..
T
The history of porcelain light fixtures — classics for 1920s, 1930s & 1940s homes
I love porcelain bathroom sconces of all colors and designs. I had a sense these were popular in the first part of the 20th century,..
1
18 midcentury modern vacation homes — including a “Homarina” and a Japanese-style tea house
Snaps to Sarah for spotting this 1960s catalog of vacation houses promoting the use of Douglas Fir Plywood. It includes some pretty snappy — and..
D
Decorating a 1960s kitchen — 21 photos with even more ideas from 1962 kitchens
The best way to get ideas to decorate or remodel your mid century kitchens is to — go back the experts who designed them back..
Crane is one of our all-time favorite brands for their beautiful and very desirable bathroom sinks — the Crane Criterion comes immediately to mind, and..
A
A short history of Hudee Rings from the president of Vance Industries. Including: Sex sells!
After reader Jon tipped me off the retro-fabulous products available at Vance Industries here and here and here, I was contacted by the CEO and..
S
Satin Glide steel bathroom vanities, 1963
Now here is some serous vintage bathroom porn: Satin Glide bathroom vanities, medicine cabinets, shelving — and even a Relaxion Unit to compete with Hall-Mack..
&
“Dental sinks” in mid-century bathrooms
I have a confession to make: All these years, I have not really been reading all my vintage marketing materials much — I have been..
1
15 pages of Brady Bunch house colors – 1969
The Brady Bunch began airing in 1969 — their birthday was just a few days ago, Sept. 26. This 1969 paint color brochure from Benjamin..
Begin typing your search above and press return to search. Press Esc to cancel.
