Today I’ll be featuring my favorite article of the month! Houzz contributor Mitchell Parker waxes poetic about what it is that draws us to the mid-century modern aesthetic. I couldn’t pass up sharing this one. Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing updates to my ever-changing “retro deco.”
Something’s Missing…
I recently began work on my guest bedroom. I’d hoped that someday it would be a nursery, but I’m not sure that will happen for our family anytime soon. Needless to say the room has been largely neglected as a result of creative avoidance and we actually do have overnight guests from time to time. We had the bed and bedspread already. What I needed were basic decorative items and night stands. Today, I picked up some gorgeous solid wood night stands for a great price on none other than Craigslist. The seller was awesome and easy to work with. That’s not always the case. My new little night stands fit the small bedroom perfectly. However, I’m left with the feeling that it’s not quite finished yet. As pretty as the night stands are, and as atomic and fabulous as my new vintage wall clock is, the room is still missing something. Can you help me figure out what that is?
What is it? Something is definitely off, isn’t it? Is the lamp too big for the space? Do I need matching lamps on either side on a smaller scale? Maybe.
I know I’m lacking color for sure. My inspiration is the painting on the wall that I found at a thrift shop in Lake Elsinore for a steal.
And the moulding on the walls? That irritates me too…but I don’t have the time, the means or the time to fix it right now.
So here’s my idea. The same Etsy shop owner that sold me the atomic clock also has a matching set of orange lights. I’m thinking one MUST go on each side table if I can find a home for my ginormous ceramic lamp.
Here’s the question: Can you see these on the bedside tables or am I nuts?
My concerns are: Lighting – the lamps will be the only source of light, so they must give off adequate wattage.
Color- I need a pop of color somewhere, tangerine, yellow, mustard, something from the print on the wall.
Window – Should I pull the faux wood blinds and do drapes(next to the chair) with a pattern?
Suggestions anyone?
California (Airstream) Dreamin’
Summer in California: there is absolutely nothing else like it. Beautiful breeze, sunny skies and kids out of school. Makes me dream about summer things: being near the shore, listening to the calming sounds of the waves hitting the sand and…camping in an Airstream. Before I discovered the world of mid-century modern design I was always drawn to vintage Airstreams and the idea of having one to take to the beach for the weekend, or camping somewhere in the woods thrilled me. (The thought of sleeping in a tent gives me the creeps. I need to be safely and securely separated from anything that can scare, bite or kill me.) The perfect camping companion and-oh-so-shiny impenetrable fortress of fun just happens to double as an icon of mid-century pursuits: The Airstream.
Finding an aluminum dream on wheels to rehab for someone of my limited means seemed more attainable when I spotted this inspiring post on Houzz.com. It tells quite a story in pictures about a family who completely gutted and remodeled an Airstream they found on Ebay:
I fantasized about finding an old, slightly rotten and even more forgotten Airstream on Craigslist, or Ebay and bringing it back to life alongside my loving father, who would show me how to re-finish the wood and replace a few things. Together, we would restore our family camper to its original glory and create cherished memories on the vacations we’d have together. Perhaps we’d even lend our silver treasure to extended family for their camping trips! I’d mentioned this to my dad who said, “those things are extremely expensive.” Always up for a challenge, I later took to the world-wide web just to have a look-see.
Do you knoooooooww what I found? Just one such Airstream, 30 feet in length, built during the 60’s, for under 5K, OBO. In the vein daydreaming, do you remember the movie Field of Dreams with Kevin Costner? One of the famous quotes from that movie was, “If you build it, they will come.” Now…lately it seems for me, “If you search it, It shall be found.”
Now forget all the time and money it would take to get it ready for the road. Don’t rain on my parade! A girl can Airstream dream!!!
Design Post of the Week
I subscribe to many mid-century blogs, and always appreciate great material and inspiring photos. This week, I’d love to share with you this post featured on houzz.com that’s overflowing with both:
Lookie Loo & The Emporers New Clothes
Got an email this week from Jonathan Adler appropriately titled: “Liven Your Loo.” How do those advertising campaigns always come exactly when I need them? I was just thinking this morning how very dull our downstairs bathroom is. It’s our guest bathroom, and it’s one of the few spots in the house I’ve yet to tackle. I’m still thinking about color scheme and trying to find ideas…
How quirky and cool would one of these rugs be?
Being that I’m ALWAYS on a budget, I decided to check out what else Jonathan Adler had to offer me at this “bath sale.”
Love the rugs….I get the price tag on those ($88). I wouldn’t pay that much for a bath mat but I get why someone else might: they’re one-of-a-kind!
However, the more I perused the site, the more I wondered if I could find affordable equivalents at one of my usual haunts…..say….Target?
Target carries designer items….certainly I could find something there. Well, friends, you know I did! Target’s version was their own basic brand “Room Essentials.” Not designer, but my in humble opinion, comparable.
JonathanAdler.com
No comparison you say? Well, maybe this one’s a stretch. The Jonathan Adler version is better looking. I’ll give you that. But stay with me for a moment: remember we’re talking about bathroom accessories here. I won’t remind you what goes IN TO the trashcan. When you remember its’ primary function, the materials and finish don’t quite seem to matter as much.
Check out this close call:
This $48 bath tray reminds me of the story, The Emperors New Clothes.
The difference between the above bath trays (besides the glaringly obvious difference in price) is materials. Target’s tray is made with plastic, J.A’s with acrylic.
Do you think your bathroom items will notice the difference? Do you think your guests will turn the tray over to determine it’s maker? Um…no.
Will your bank account notice the difference? It certainly will.
My little adventure in comparisons this week serves as an excellent reminder that you don’t have to spend gobs of money to dress up a room. Don’t be a dumb diva. Shop around. 😉 A friendly reminder from my home to yours.
Finders Keepers Estate Sale
Earlier this week, I blogged about Finders Keepers Estate Services and how I was honored to get to preview a very upscale estate’s sale they were hosting. I’d like to give you more information on how to get there for yourself.
It’s where I got this beauty:
Here are some pics of what has already been snapped up by an out-of-state company who KNOWS it’s value: (P.S….If I were the owner of the estate, I’d be delighted by the clout this sale has brought out)
NOW! There is more to be had and seen….the sale begins tomorrow, Friday the 21st in Hemet, CA. Property will be shown by appointment only and you should email Finders Keepers for best results in obtaining an appointment. Make it happen! These guys are waiting for you:
For more information, photos and how to schedule an appointment, please visit: http://www.estatesales.net/estate-sales/440382.aspx
Seeking Solace
Where do you want to go most when the world chews you up and spits you out? For me, it’s home. Lately I’ve felt that way. I’ve desperately needed a place to curl up and drink my tea, read a book, and otherwise tune-out the rest of the world. Sometimes people can help us do that. But…when your 4 year-old tires of your pathetic neediness, who will cuddle with you?
This chair.
I prayed for this chair. No seriously, I did. Here’s the scoop: I was absolutely honored to be invited to preview an estate sale hosted by Finders Keepers Estate Sales. Thank you, Finders Keepers! The catch was (much to the estates’ delight) that everything was off limits until the big out-of-town buyers came through; claimed and paid a high price for the fabulous furniture they wanted. Walking through this home was like being in another time. A better time. A fashionable time. Absolutely everything was in mint condition and the owner had impeccable taste. As I walked through, I spotted the orange chair. I coveted it…just like the bible says we shouldn’t. I’ll admit. So I said a little prayer. “Please, God….have ’em leave that one behind, will ya?”
And so it was…I mentioned my prayer, made my intentions known and much to my delight and surprise, the chair was left!
So this beauty has been keeping me company during my time of need. I’m ever so thankful….and ever so in LOOOOOVE.
“No one else, can make me feel, the colors that you bring….” la la la la lah! La la la la lah!!!! Dooodundoooo dooo deeee dooo! AHHHHHHHH aaaaaahhhhhhAAAAAAAH!
There’s more lovin’ and story tellin’ to follow….la la la lah! For now, enjoy the music and the view. Click on the link above. It’ll take you back. Thank me later.
If you’d like to attend the Finders Keepers Estate Sale-it begins later this week. For more info visit:
Modern Updates
If Chalkboard paint had been in existence in the 50’s, it most certainly would have been a trend. Recently, I was inspired by an article I found featuring Rust-Oleum Chalkboard Paint. The article mentioned that Rust-Oleum now features a tintable chalkboard paint. I’d been wanting to do this somewhere for my son and our kitchen seemed the obvious choice to allow for scribbled grocery lists and kids’ drawings. I was intrigued by the fact that not only could the paint be tinted to a color of my choosing, but that it was a cheap and easy project as well: 13.95 at Home Depot. I’m an instant gratification type of girl…..it’s something I must work on, but I have to say I do enjoy projects that can be done in a day!
I have to admit when I opened this, I got a little scared. I love color….but man, that paint looked pretty bright.
Another recommendation: If you’re painting a wall using the basic black chalkboard paint, use paint – not the available spray cans for better results.
Jonathan Adler a Happy ChicK Makes
If you love mid-century modern décor but are anything less than wealthy, shopping for it can be at best: lonely. Most of what is contained in my home has been found at a thrift store, estate sale, or on Craigslist….most of these acquisitions can be made in your pajamas. Big box furniture commercials such as “Mathis Brothers” “Rooms To Go” “Living Spaces,” etc. etc., compound the lonely island feeling. No one (save those pricey boutiques) seems to share my love for mid-century modern. One can tire of endlessly scouring the internet and burning up gas to get to far-away flea markets. Wouldn’t it be nice if there were a convenient and reasonably priced place to get MCM décor?
I am only too happy to report that I think I may have found it, but you must first endure my story of discovery. My family and I were recently in Newport Beach, investigating how the other half live. While walking through Fashion Island, we happened by the Jonathan Adler store. I’d never seen anything like it. I actually stood at the window mesmerized and salivating like a penniless child outside of a candy store, longing to go inside, but knowing I didn’t belong. It was too gorgeous….too perfect. It had to be too expensive as well. After a nervous lap around the building and some coaxing from my husband, I ventured inside. As chance would have it, they had quite a few big-statement items I would absolutely save up for. These beauties hung from the ceiling….and they were everywhere, in every finish and size.
http://www.jonathanadler.com/Meurice-Chandelier/?cat=1006&initial=4129
Then I spied this book. My thought was….it’s almost Mother’s Day. Do it. Do it. Do it. You can take it all with you! And so I did….
100 Ways to Happy Chic your life
24.95 on Amazon.com and jonathanadler.com
Loving the book and it’s tragically hip photos, I decided this relaxing and reading thing is where it’s at! Then one lazy Sunday I fatefully picked up this month’s Martha Stewart Living magazine. I still don’t know how I got this subscription. Anyone who knows me knows I really don’t like Martha Stewart, and that’s putting it nicely. I tend to avoid people who make me feel like an inferior homemaker AND cook. Martha is one of them. Anyway…..I was flipping impatiently and rolling my eyes at the “easy” recipes I know I’ll never try whose ingredients I’ve never heard of when I stumble upon the JCPenny insert. It tells me that Jonathan Adler’s Happy Chic housewares line is now featured at JCPenny of all places. (jcp.com/happychic)
So there you have it! It isn’t vintage, but it goes very well WITH vintage, and it certainly is mid-century modern-esque. Better news is: there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a lonely MCM’er like me or you loved that Gatsby movie and have decided to go Art Deco, it’s all in there. If not…try Jon Jon’s website. You won’t be disappointed.
Thank you, Jonathan Adler. I feel alone no more.
Mid-Century Modern – Doesn’t have to be stuffy
I see so many mid-century modern homes that look, well, cold. Cold, and stuffy. Here’s a perfect of example of how mid-century modern design can be clean, but fun and colorful.
midcenturyobsession 