Your most important mid century accessory: Monsterosa!

I acquired this photo for a post on mid century wall-to-wall carpeting, but that will have to wait 'til later. Today's post is about arguably your most important retro reno room accessory: a Monsterosa Deliciosa plant!

You can see it in the foreground of this image - to the left of the fireplace. When we first moved into our 1951 ranch, we bought one right away, for our large living room.

Our daughter named it -- PAVA, for Plant And Vine Agent. My husband takes care of it religiously and it's thrived. Just recently he made an awesome moss pole for it. PAVA really makes a huge difference in our interior in terms of giving it an authentic retro feel! Mind you, these do get big, so plan for the space.

Wednesday eBay pick of the day: Vintage Ice Crusher

I have one of these, exact same model, in my kitchen - and it is fantastic...really heavy duty, works great, and terrific looking. My ice crusher is white - but I also really love the color described here...sounds like a light chartreuse, which is a great mid-century color. For example -- scroll down two postings and see how well this would go with yesterday's eBay pick, the barkcloth curtains! Buy them both, and you've got a great basis for a new retro reno kitchen look!

Here's the eBay url: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=270174473130&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=017#ebayphotohosting

My first: 'Flashback design tips'!

As a regular new feature, I'll be deconstructing vintage kitchens - usually from vintage ads. I think there's a lot to learn about design from these 50s examples -- given the era, people were obsessed with design so incredible thought went into it!

This kitchen is a favorite, and led to some of my kitchen's features. Let's get to it, starting from the left:

1. Notice how the stainless steel storage cube is built into the wall. You can see it to the right of the curtained window as well. Great use of recessed wall space, but don't overdo it or you could end up with a very cluttered feel.

2. The soffit comes out just a tad beyond the wall cabinet. This is helpful, too, if your room is not square. If you're wallpapering, the pattern should run level on the bottom of the soffit, not the top.

3. Really cool how they raised the soffit above the sink. It creates a nice cozy 'nook' feeling in this much-used work area and moreover, allows for maximum picture window space.

4. Classic window treatments: Pinch pleats over a blind. Embrace your inner traverse rod! Also notice how they've mixed patterns - the fabric drapes are a vertical stripe, contrasted with the geometric wallpaper. Fabric really softens the coldness of steel cabinets BTW.

5. Picture window sets as low as possible. You'll get water on it from the sink, but light reins.

6. Super cool windows below the wall cabinets - if you can do it!

7. Warning: These cabinets hang too low, given the cooking surface below.

8. Warning: Put your HVAC at ground level, not in the soffit.

9. Very nice how the soffit comes out with the oven unit. You can do this above a fridge, too, if you don't have cabinets that work. I did this above my Sub-Zero and it looks great.

10. And of course: The wallpaper treatment. You can see how this clearly adds a sense of height to what appears to be an 8.5' ceiling.

Tuesday eBay pick: 8 barkcloth drape panels

One of the problem with my new eBay picks feature, is that I'm posting things I will probably want to buy - only driving up the price!

Case in point: These great barkcloth panels. You have 8 to work with, which is really hard to find. If you're using them for a bedroom and have, say, only 2 windows, use the other four panels to make pillow shams or even the center part of two twin bedspreads.

The pattern on these drapes is also fantastic - oriental, but homey. And the colors -- chartreuse, red, light and dark grey -- awesome! These are a great find!

Here's the eBay url: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=280159783674&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=018#ebayphotohosting

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/

Monday eBay pick: Beatle Bobble Head dolls

SOLD: For $1019.

Okay, so this isn't about renovation and restoration. But how can you not love Beatle Bobble Head dolls? My single regret in life is that I had a set, which I sold at a garage sale when I was 12. I liked The Monkees better. Alas. Fortunately, I don't think I had the tall ones, like this auction. Let's all watch and see how high they go! Love love me do!




Link to eBay listing: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=140165050841&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=004

eBay pick of the day #3: Cheap and cheerful kitchen ceiling fixture!

This would look great over the sink, in the mudroom or laundry room, or in the center of the room if you have low ceilings and and don't want a hanging fixture over the kitchen table.

I like the sound of the brushed gold tone finish. And, it looks like it takes two light bulbs, which is good for functional lighting. A great little find that could look just right in a number of places in your retro reno!

eBay listing ends during Oct. 11: http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-EAMES-50s-Mod-3-LIGHT-KITCHEN-CEILING-FIXTURE_W0QQitemZ290167726933QQihZ019QQcategoryZ13862QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

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

Faucet for your retro reno kitchen sink

I did a ton of online searching to find the faucet that would be just right for my vintage Kohler sink. I had a one-hole installation, and wanted a single handle faucet as I think it's a lot easier to control the hot/cold mix better. One problem that I found with most other faucets was that the spout was too short - like only 8". This one -- from Chicago Faucets -- is 10" long. And, I'll tell you -- it's a wonderful faucet. It's not inexpensive, in the $300 range -- but it has a tremendous "feel" -- it's nice and heavy and substantial. And considering that you use your kitchen faucet gazillions of times each day, I've always felt it was well, well worth it! Highly recommended!

Here's a link to buy one, you might find better deals elsewhere on the web: http://www.chicagofaucetshoppe.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=831

Not much time left - great barkcloth drapes on eBay now

Sold for $156.49.
Last eBay listing for the weekend! I'll only list draperies if there are several pairs in one lot. That's because I've found that you need quite a few to piece together to fit your actual windows. Even at the starting price of $99 these seem like a good deal - for 10 total panels. The colors are terrific and if the barkcloth as listed is actually quite heavy, they are a great find!



Here's the eBay link, auction ends on Sunday!: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300156788794&indexURL=0&photoDisplayType=2#ebayphotohosting

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

Sweet 50s lighting fixture - chandelier - on eBay now

I'm going to start posting more great items from eBay - hopefully I can figure out whether I can put them in a separate section. This is a great little light that would look terrific in a small house foyer, bathroom or girl's bedroom. Lighting can make a huge difference - like jewelry on a little black dress. Go for it!

Here's the link to the eBay listing:

http://cgi.ebay.com/REALLY-COOL-1950S-CHANDELIER-LIGHT_W0QQitemZ260167480677QQihZ016QQcategoryZ46287QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting

Awesome reproduction barkcloth for upholstery and draperies

I bought one yard of melinamade.com's "celestial aqua" barkcloth to make the valance in my kitchen -- and the fabric was just awesome. It is really nice and heavy-weight...great "hand", or feel...and the colors are rich and beautiful.

In the photos you get to see Melina herself. If you read the "about" section on her website, you can see that she got into the business out of passion -- which we totally identify with!! The site also notes that she was able to identify one of the few remaining companies the still weave barkcloth in the 40s-60s way, so this is the real deal.

Here is the link to the fabric section of her website: http://www.melinamade.com/Store2/vintage_fabric.php3?cookie_set=/+

I think that the "about" section is really great, too: http://www.melinamade.com/about.htm

And, you can read in my February post of about her wallpaper, too: http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=21680917&postID=2945308984387315455

Great mid-century design fabrics to use for upholstery and draperies - from Maharam

This fabric collection from Maharam -- called Textiles of the 20th Century -- is fabulous! It features vintage design fabrics for upholstery and draperies taken from original design classics from mid century designers (and their early 1900s European forefathers) including:

Gunnar Aagaard Andersen, Anni Albers, Charles and Ray Eames, Alexander Girard, Josef Hoffmann, Arne Jacobsen, Koloman Moser, George Nelson, Verner Panton, Dagobert Peche, and Gio Ponti.

This stuff is expensive -- and you must get it from a designer or fabric showrooms -- but it is incredible, really well made, and well worth the investment. If you're on a budget, consider it for some dining room chairs, for example. Or, upholster just one perfectly curved chair for real punch.

The website is very good, it makes it easy and fun to look at the fabrics. Go straight to the "Textiles of the 20th Century" binder.

http://www.maharam.com/maharam.html

50s coppertone kitchen fixtures on eBay NOW

Less than two days to go on these items, which I just spotted on ebay. A GREAT light-clock-range hood set for your 50s kitchen! In particular - I rarely see the vintage Nutone range hood available. And this one has a backsplash - which I've never seen! I'd snap 'em up if I wasn't all set.

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZteresadryer

Heywood Wakefield furniture - made new - still available

It's fantastic that you can still get original-design Heywood Wakefield furniture, built new. In 1992 a Miami company bought the rights to the HW furniture line and began producing it to original specifications.

Heywood Wakefield "blonde" furniture was the epitome of 40s and 50s decorating. If you need a sofa - they have several models from which to choose, and a number of fabric choices. You can also provide your own fabric. I'll do a post on Maharam and melinamade.com fabrics tomorrow - they both have great designs from documented vintage patterns.

Of course, it's still great to buy original vintage pieces - if you can find them. Regarding vintage sofas - it's been my experience that it's very expensive all costs in -- what with the need for the piece itself, the fabric and the upholsterer. In addition, if there have been smokers or pets, you've go to rip the whole thing down to the springs. Perhaps better, with sofas, to buy the reproduction and start fresh.

http://heywood-wakefield.com/

Retro fireplaces, from Malm - I can't believe they still make these!

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

These are fabulous beyond belief -- I am blown away that they still make these great, cone fireplaces! Okay, we're now into 60s style...but I think one of these Malm Fireplaces will look great on the screen porch we're planning out back. Alternatively: In the attic, when we get around to finishing off the space as an all purpose open space for yoga, reading, my daughter's sleepovers and a spare guest room.

You can find cheaper versions of these, originals, on eBay. A company called "Preway" also made them, including in the famous orange. But, I think that buying this classic design but new is a great idea - including going with the gas logs!

http://www.malmfireplaces.com/

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