Back to the basics: Bathtubs fit for a 50s style bathroom

See this complete post at RetroRenovation.com.

Lands End towels and rugs – in 25 colors and complete sets -- great for your retro 50s or 60s bathroom

When we retro-renovated our three 50s bathrooms a couple of years ago, I searched high and low – obsessed! -- for towels and matching rugs in the perfect accent colors. The only company that I could find that had complete matching sets at a decent price, was Land’s End. They have giant, large, medium and small towels, washcloths, big rugs, small rugs, contour rugs (the kind that fit around the toilet. Hey, you have to have one of these!)… the whole kit and caboodle.

Even if you decide to go with a “toned down” retro look, vamp it up with the towels. The risk is quite modest – and the payoff immense! For example, in my husband’s bathroom we have a set of burnt orange towels and rugs to match one of the minor accent colors in the flamingo-and-Florida themed wallpaper. In my light brown-white-aquamint bathroom, I have dark brown towels. Our third light blue-and-white bathroom has bright red towels – to pick up on the faded geraniums in the wallpaper. In all three cases, the towels and rugs made a huge difference, they were a big add.

Thanks to Julie Roberts of Land’s End for sending images – great service – just like I’ve always had from the company!

Link to towel sets at Land’s End:
http://www.landsend.com/pp/SupimaZipdryTowels~175841_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::BMT?bcc=y

Luxury Waterworks sink, wall-mount with chrome legs and towel bars

Finishing up my recent series on bathroom sinks matched with chrome legs, I wanted to spotlight this Waterworks model. No doubt, it is GORGEOUS. But, the chrome legs with integrated towel bars do run $1,475... while the sink is $315. If you've got the cash and the desire, this certainly would be the centerpiece of your retro reno bathroom. But, if you just want the look and the basic functionality, see my other, recent bathroom posts on wall-mount sinks from Crane that can be matched with $30 chrome legs from Franklin Brass. Another thought: Think about it, the original fixtures used in our retro homes were NOT luxury. They were stylish...and functional...but, accessible to the growing population. In that spirit, I really prefer to seek out affordable products to complete a retro renovation.

So in that spirit: Try salvage shops...or even place an ad in your local paper. I advertised in the items wanted section a couple of years ago, and immediately turned up a wall-mount sink with fabulous chrome legs with towel bars, and nabbed the set for $65. It had be sitting in someone's basement for 20 years. It was in perfect shape, and looks awesome in my tiny but functional - and beautiful - master bathroom.

Waterworks website, certainly worth salivating over: http://www.waterworks.com/Waterworks/Products/Products.nsf/ProductsCat/02DC9A03EA1C2D6105256D9D00752A2B?OpenDocument

Vintage Borg bathroom scale -- Thursday eBay pick of the day

I am absolutely opposed to weighing yourself - ever! But, I am an absolute advocate of finding a vintage bathroom scale to accessorize your retro reno bathroom! This olive-colored vintage Borg scale is promoted as being in mint condition...to be sure, the olive colors and design are great -- very late 60s, early 70s. Match this to the Olive colored towels (available from Lands End, watch for future post)...maybe even your wallpaper has a touch of olive?

BTW, don't settle for anything less than "mint" with these scales -- they can be had!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Borg-Bathroom-Scale-In-Near-Mint-Condition_W0QQitemZ190133982343QQihZ009QQcategoryZ4115QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

Wall-mount sinks are the perfect solution for small, mid-century bathrooms

Yesterday, I wrote about a new source for chrome legs to go with wall-mount, aka wall-hung sinks. Now that we have that problem solved (thank you, Franklin Brass), I offer several wall-mount sink models to go with the legs.

Another very good alternative is to buy a vintage sink at a salvage shop or tag sale, of course. But if you want to put together a retro bathroom using new fixtures, you can certainly do it, with great results. In addition, these sinks are very affordable.

Remember: You also are going to use Olympia Tile behind them. And see all my postings on retro-styled faucets. Note, some of these sinks are also available with 4"- and 8"-three hole setups.

The last sink photo posted -- the one with legs -- is actually from Waterworks. This is more than $1500!!!!! So easy to replicate this look using more down-to-earth priced materials featured.

I've featured my very favorite models from Crane in the photos. The first photo/sink featured is particularly terrific. There are additional models available online:

Crane Plumbing -- http://www.craneplumbing.com/search.aspx?cat=173&lang=EN

Finally - check your local Home Depot. Last time I was there, they also had wall-mount sinks reach to cash and carry.

Big find: Great chrome legs for your wall-mounted sink, from Franklin Brass

This is a big find for me -- I've been on the lookout forever for new chrome legs that can be used with vintage or new wall-mounted sinks.

The look is a 50s classic -- and great for small bathrooms, as having the space underneath the sink makes the room look much bigger. Just keep on top of all the dust bunnies.

This find would be even better if there were attached chrome towel bars. Even so -- Thank you Franklin Brass for this great product!

Note: You can click right on the spec sheet in this posting - and get a larger more readable image.

MSRP is $28.85. Here's the url to Franklin Brass' website including their store locator. http://www.libertyhardware.com/brands/franklin_brass/

Olympia Tile - the colors are the best for retro renos!

I've moved: Please see my dramatically improved site: RetroRenovation.com

I wanted to do a more complete posting on Olympia tile colors - and 50s tile colors in general - after reading something over the weekend.

On an eBay listing that I featured - the Manchu Yellow bathroom suite - the lister mentioned that Kohler had recently reissued some vintage colors. I went online to look, and must say I don't think much of them at all, they are not true 50s hues. I also went and took a look at the American Olean site, to see if they had anything new to suit retro reno bathrooms; nope. I suspect that Waterworks has some great colors -- that that is really expensive tile.

That brings me back to Olympia. I was fortunate enough to run into this company because I lived in metro Toronto a few years ago. When I was reno'ing my three bathrooms, I located a distributor nearby in the states. They sent me the board of colors - which I've photographed for you, above. Unfortunately, the company does not have any marketing materials -- no brochures, no photos on their website, nothing. Seems like they really only market directly through independent tile stores.

It is well worth the hassle to pursue these tiles, in my experience. The picture shown is our "Heron Blue" bathroom. This bathroom, like my others, was originally plastic tile, which had rotted out the shower walls altogether. I had true 50s color schemes originally - pink/green, green/beige. As you can see I toned the original exuberant 50s look down a little by choosing a blue and white scheme. I replicate the original with use of the contrasting 2x6s, and by tiling up to the original height. The wallpaper is from a now-discontinued Waverly line, Kitchen Kitsch. I hope you agree it all comes together in a perfectly acceptable, cheerful and functional retro reno look.

Finally, the Olympia tile was very reasonably priced. This is not high end. But then, neither were these original 50s bathrooms!

Here's the link to Olympia's site - which includes locations of the retail locations where you can order their tile: http://www.olympiatile.com/

eBay pick of the day #2: Great vintage lights

Lighting is the theme this Sunday, not that I planned it that way! See this eBay lister for terrific vintage lights. I might just buy the bathroom sconces for my husband for a surprise birthday present.

Before you bid - check the completed listings. These lights are the real deal, and the sellers don't give them away for a song.

eBay listing for all items: http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZtrue_2_form

eBay pick of the day #1: Awesome retro medicine cabinet - mint in box!

This is just an incredible find! A 50s cabinet, mint in box, never been used, found in grandpa's attic.

Snap it up.

eBay listing ends Oct. 11: http://cgi.ebay.com/Mid-Century-Modern-Medicine-Cabinet-Chest-Eames-Era_W0QQitemZ190159902219QQihZ009QQcategoryZ38157QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Vintage bathroom fixtures - save tons, get the real thing -- on eBay now

These seem to be a great find at $299 - especially if you're nearby and go pick them up. I ADORE the color! The sinks look best on chrome legs - ask about that. If you're installing these in a retro reno - take a look at the vintage-colored tile from Olympia tile. This might look good with the Heron blue - or even speckled black-and-white! Yes - you can still get it!

Here is the eBay Buy it Now listing: http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-A-S-Manchu-Yellow-Sink-Tub-and-Toilet-Set-1958_W0QQitemZ230176791972QQihZ013QQcategoryZ71283QQcmdZViewItem

Out with the new, in with the old - Rejuvenation Lighting puts retro in new lights

I've had great luck with finding vintage lighting on eBay. I think the prices are the best, and it's great to have true vintage lighting.

But I also love some of the lighting available from Rejuvenation Lighting, a Portland, Oregon-based company that creates reproductions from vintage stock. I've purchased some of their sconces for my bathrooms, and they were great.

As the years go on, they continue adding to their Modern America collection. The pieces featured here are particular favorites of mine.

http://www.rejuvenation.com/collections/Modern_America_Lighting.html

50s style NuTone Ceiling/Wall Fan solves your exhaust issues

Yes, vintage-style ceiling/wall exhaust fans are still available. We installed this model above our kitchen stove, in exactly the same spot we tore out an old, plastic one. The finish is a brushed stainless-style -- and it looks fantastic!

There are enough CFM's (exhaust of air) to meet current code in our state - so we didn't need a range hood, which would have looked out of sorts. Also - this exhaust fan was much less expensive than a range hood! Great find!

Also - I've seen these installed in the wall, where they can also look great. And, they can be installed in bathrooms, but not above the tub/shower, the instructions say.

http://www.nutone.com/product-detail.asp?ProductID=10179

Cast iron shower pan can be fitted for retro reno

I would have loved to use this cast iron shower base for my 50s bathroom renovations a few years ago. In two of my bathrooms I was forced to use Swanstone (fiberglass style) bases because I simply could not find any other materials. I've seen numerous vintage 50s bathrooms with these square style tubs/showers. The porcelain on cast iron finish is GREATLY preferable,. If you use this, though, do not use the Victorian feet. I'd set the base onto a tile base/surround/alcove with the tile base built out along one side created for a glass shower door. Use 4-1/4" tile. Look at Olympia Tiles for some great colorways. I'll do a separate post on that next.

http://www.vandykes.com/product/70011535/

Stainless steel edging for your laminate countertop

I've moved: Please see my dramatically improved site: RetroRenovation.com

My husband hunted down the only place we could find -- in Astoria, Queens -- that still made the exact stainless steel edging that we wanted. We installed this very easily and successfully on our new countertops. We purchased 1.5" U-style eding for the counter edge, a little piece that married the counter to the backsplash, and finally, 3/4" ss for the top of the backsplash. This is EXACTLY what we saw used on the 1963 countertops that we threw out, and the guy from Dave Sanders agreed - they've been making it since the 1950s!

The photo used is from someone else's kitchen that I saw on ebay. The edging is the same... Also see the final product in my kitchen post of 9/16/07.

Here is the url for the company. However, please note, the edging is NOT featured in the catalog, you have to call for information: http://www.davesanders.com/

To anyone near western Massachusetts - I have a lot left of this stuff, as we had to order in commercial quantities. If you're interested in buying the leftovers directly from me, post a comment and I'll be happy to sell it to you at cost.

2" Metal Blinds: The perfect treatment for 50s style windows

When I went to order window treatments for my kitchen, Colleen from my local hardware store took one look and recommended 2" aluminum blinds. "It's what we rip out of every other 50s home," she reassured.

We chose from the Hunter Douglas "Macro" line. The blinds are PERFECT. And I even see that Hunter Douglas has come out with a new color palette with circa 50s colors. I chose a soft neutral metallic, as my window is quite large and I didn't want the shade to overpower the room.

Other tips: I ordered "traditional" slat styling - that is, I wanted the holes in the middle of the blind to show. The alternative is "blackout" style, but that, I believe, is a too-new innovation. Also, I chose the "wand" rather than the cord to adjust the slats horizontally. Finally, you get a self-colored valance free as part of the order. Go for it. However, I am going to add a fabric valance, and will post on that later.

Rubber tile for retro floors

These rubber tiles appear to have the same features as VCT and linoleum - and I really love the marbleized effect. http://www.burkemercer.com/flooring/rt_marble.asp

Azrock Cortina #423 is my favorite 50s style flooring

Forced to make final decisions about my kitchen reno, I have settled on this Azrock Cortina tile - #423 Autumn Haze. I haven't installed it yet, but the sample looks FABULOUS. Very streaky -- rather than "blotchy" like so many of the other VCT tiles today. I am going to install the tile at a 90-degree angle to each other.

In my research - looking through many old 50s kitchen catalogs - I think this particular tile is a great replica. My biggest regret is that I must buy it in 12" squares. All tiles today seem to be in this size, at minimum, it seems. In the '50s, from what I can tell, 9" tiles proliferated. In my home, all the tiles (under carpet in the basement, the original kitchen flooring) were 9" square -- as is the parquet in the dining room and the cork tiles in the foyer and bedrooms. In my back hall, the beige/white/black/coral streaked linoleum (fabulous) is 6" square. Fabulous! Oh well.

I also think that Flex-Tile is worth a look:

- Flex-thru tiles, Architectural series -- http://www.flextile.net/

Here is the url for Azrock Cortina:

- And Azrock Cortina -- http://www.tarkett-commercial.com/floors/site/en-us/topic/azrock/article/12533/article.asp

Note: The Azrock people were great about getting me samples. Give them your business!

A few more retro knobs and pulls

The catalog just arrived and I see that Van Dyke's Restorers also has several good cabinet knobs and pulls in their most recent catalog. I really like one pull in the catalog - p. 176 - an asymmetric aircraft-style design. It's not on the website, and it's not expensive ($5.99). Check it out. I also like the "Diner series hook" pictured above/center. The Diner series appears to me to be more contemporary/2005 than 1955 - but it's a nice tribute for someone who doesn't want to go completely retro. Prices on other pulls look good, too - for example, the waterfall style pull pictured first is featured on a post below, but I think the price is better at Van Dykes. Try their website, search "art deco" and "diner" - but for the complete selection, you'll need to call for their catalog. 1-800-558-1234, or http://www.vandykes.com/

50s style flooring - Linoleum & Vinyl

Looking at photos of interiors from the '50s, it is clear that both vinyl composite and linoleum were used. Here are sources I recommend today:

- Armstrong Commercial floor tile - Standard Excelon Imperial Texture. One homeowner I heard from said the black was identical to what is still in his basement. There are 75 colors, three shown above (the last three, larger images). Note, in my downstairs basement bedroom, the original homeowner used a mix of browns to beautiful effect - so have fun. Note, this flooring will last forever and ever. See more at: http://www.armstrong.com/commflooringna/product_details.jsp?item_id=381

- Armstrong also makes true linoleum -- see their website, and so does Forbo Marmoleum. Note: While these are quite beautiful, and environmentally friendly to boot, they do require more care and are not considered completely waterproof.

- Toli Linotesta - is another product that I have found that resembles the marble-like look of lineoleum, but has the greater durability of vinyl composite. 3 colors pictured above (first three, smaller images). See more at http://www.toli.com/linotst_home.html

- Finally, try cork. It's quite beautiful. It has the same care-ability issues as linoleum. There are many suppliers around.

Stainless steel edging for laminate countertops

I've moved: Please see my dramatically improved site: RetroRenovation.com

This is another alternative for countertop edging -- although I prefer the edging from Dave Sanders (see my other post on stainless steel edging for countertops).

http://www.outwater.com/catalog04/outwater/opi19.htm