Tuesday Kitchen “Flashback Design Tips”

I’ve always loved this St. Charles kitchen taken from a 50s magazine ad. There are at least 11 ideas you can take from it, first up: Noting the mix of cabinet styles – pink steel coordinated with wood-toned. This works really well to break up what otherwise could be an excessive amount of pink. BTW it’s interesting that today’s kitchen designers think THEY invented the idea of mixing cabinet materials!

Ten more tips:

1. Countertop materials also are mixed. This appears to be the basic laminate color (also spotlighted in 9.) but without the steel edging. It’s used in what appears to be a decorative buffet spot.

2. The wall bumps out here to differentiate the stove top area. Doing these kinds of drywall bumpouts is a great solution if you’ve run out of cabinets and need to introduce a new element.

3. Stainless steel countertop on stove top area. SS gets scratched – but it’s a nice patina and you can’t beat the functionality.

4. Really great use of laminate to define a backsplash for the stove top area and to add visual interest.

5. Awesome custom stove-top exhaust fan, and in general, design element. Adding copper or coppertone elements works really well in retro kitchens – warms up all the steel.

6. Soffit ends before it hits the window – allowing window to be even taller.

7. Ceiling beams create visual interest in what appears to be a pretty big kitchen.

8. Very interesting window treatments. I’m not sure how functional this really is – would seem to block the view. But certainly cool! For stability, I think these would need to be made out of metal. Wood would to0 flimsy?

9. Here we see the “traditional” countertop set up – laminate edged in three places with stainless steel. Be sure to see my posting on Dave Sanders company for last place in America to get this great edging material.

10. Floors are awesome. At the far left bottom of the photo you can just barely see that these are regular VCT tiles, with diamond pieces cut into them. I can definitely see this totally glossed up to a high shine!

Okay, another item: Note the patio furniture used for a dinette. Seems kind of uncomfortable to me, and glass topped tables are a bear to keep clean – but the look is great.

And finally: Note in the wall cabinets – how even one glass-fronted cabinet can add visual interest and break up the wall of pink. If you don’t have a corner cabinet, you can replicate this look easily, by constructing a corner shelf – make it in ¾” MDF and use your ¾” stainless steel edging.

Tuesday eBay pick of the day: Coppertone kitchen canisters from West Bend

I am a huge fan of Coppertone accessories for your retro reno kitchen. There is really something about this color that warms up the space. These West Bend cannisters look to be in terrific shape and I love the black detailing!

Here's the direct link to eBay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=120172250441&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=002#ebayphotohosting

New Woodard patio furniture – vintage styles still available

Today is Woodard patio furniture day – with this feature on current styles still made, and the eBay pick showcasing a vintage set. My local furniture store has sets of new Woodard in stock, and I really liked the quality and the look. And to be sure, it’s nice to get the new enamel finish. My only nit with the new stock is that I believe the scale is significantly larger than vintage Woodard. The smaller scale seems better, in my view. But either way, new or vintage, these are great picks for your patio, deck, or porch.

Briarwood collection: http://www.woodard-furniture.com/showroom_prod_list1.asp?hscid=123&gpcid=1&cid=49&mid=1

Windflower Mesh collection: http://www.woodard-furniture.com/showroom_prod_list1.asp?hscid=131&gpcid=1&cid=49&mid=1

Also see the Café Collection, Dining Tables and Tables & Accessories links on these pages for tables and other pieces in the same mesh wrought iron – without the decorative flowers that differentiate the two collections above.

Monday eBay pick of the day: Vintage Woodard patio set

This vintage Woodard patio set is a great find. Even though the price seems high (compared to what I usually post) – it is very fair considering the size of the set, the desirable style, and the provenance.

I LOVE the occasional chairs – note the arms, they are terrific! If you can’t afford it or are too far from Detroit to really consider a pick-up, keep an eagle eye around tag sales where you live. These sets can be had – although it is rare to find so many matching pieces.

eBay url: http://cgi.ebay.com/EAMES-ERA-WOODARD-SCULPTURA-MODERN-12pc-PATIO-CHAIR-SET_W0QQitemZ170157502056QQihZ007QQcategoryZ63592QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

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.

Saturday eBay pick of the day #1: GE makeup mirror - mint in box

Hey, the holidays are just two months away. This is a simply a FABULOUS find for the vintage diva in your life -- sure to make her very, very happy!

eBay url: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=260169880377&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=016

Saturday eBay pick of the day #2: Club/tub chairs

I have a pair of chairs similar in style to these in my house. They are great. They have the right scale for the space, they're comfy, and they can be situated in a variety of locations. I love the upholstery including the fringe, and the great Danish legs, on this Buy It Now @ $315 pair. A good pick especially if you're in the St. Louis area, and can go pick up the chairs, saving on shipping.

Here's the eBay url: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=120136473060&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=002#ebayphotohosting

Saturday eBay pick of the day #3: Starburst clock

Every 50s or 60s home needs a starburst clock! While the "24-spoke models" (12 wood starbursts, 12 metal starbursts) are the most desirable among collectors, this more toned-down model has a really nice look -- and I like the idea that it's like new.

eBay url: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=200161958764&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:PIC&ih=010

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/

Friday eBay pick of the day: Vintage pink Sears hair dryer

If you've got the room in your bedroom or even your bath -- this would make for a fabulous addition. The listing says it's all metal, so it sounds quite substantial. And I love the label! I want it bad!!!

Here is the eBay link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=290168840431&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=019

Mixing countertop surfaces - right out of retro design history

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

In this photo of my kitchen, I want to point out what I think is a great tip about using different countertop surfaces.

To the left of the stove -- you can see we used butcher block. Just to the right of the stove - we used same-sized sheet of stainless steel. The rest of the countertop is laminate (Formica boomerang, in aqua.) The mix of countertop materials really breaks up what could otherwise be a long, boring stretch of same-colored laminate. The stainless steel piece in particular is also very useful - we can set hot pots from the stove or oven right on to it. We don't actually use the butcher block for cutting, it's decorative in nature.

We took this idea straight from 50s advertising, and the '63 Geneva cabinets had countertops that used the stainless steel piece - just as we've replicated it.

This is an easy-to-do kitchen design tip that really makes a difference!

Please also see my previous posts on countertops - go right to them by clicking on Countertops in Labels, at the left.

Thursday's eBay pick of the day: Danish Modern painting

This painting is a reproduction - not what I'd call "dear" in terms of its underlying value. But it's just great as a purely decorate element for a "normal" mid century, retro reno home. I have something of the same vintage featuring an abstract bullfighter, and it just makes the room. I love this one's perfect retro color scheme, the abstract shape, and the size - which is not easy to come by. Would look great in a living room or office.

Here's the ebay url: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=180166500256&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=008

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