Wrought Iron Stand

Wrought Iron Stand, originally uploaded by Space Commander.

I've always had a weakness for Modern wrought iron furniture. I picked this up earlier this week for just $10.

... now if I could only figure out just where to put it to use.

Hip to the Jive Cats

Here's the mewest addition - my two ultra cool cats are ready to greet any and all honored guests to the pad. The vintage metal wall plaques were made by Sexton, they are as classic an example of 50's feline art as you can get. These two hip & happening Siamese cats have gold collars and a woodtone finish.

I know, I know... I'm breaking the most basic of the retro decorating rules - Groups of Three." But my set is missing the third smallest figure of the complete group. And I think these two alone fill out their narrow wall space quite nicely. Besides, the other most basic rule of No Clutter is no less dog-matic (err... pardon the pun) to each and every follower of modern style, is it?

My cats are slightly scruffy from age... they could get a breath of new life (one of their Nine lives, perhaps?) Aside from a tin of tuna or a saucer of milk, maybe a sleek smooth coat of satin-finish black paint is just the thing they yearn for?

50's Blonde Cabinet on eBay

This is one I probably will regret not going for. I just don't know where I'd put it!

Nice angled styling, with great leg structure on both sides. Two glass sliding doors with glass shelf on interior. Channeled groove on bottom shelf. Possibly was originally a china cabinet top for a buffet, but works very well independently as a small bookshelf or cabinet.50's Blonde Cabinet

This item is being auctioned by the Modern Line.

What Lies Beneath

Please Excuse Me While I Have to Go Cry

I decided to go through with it. Today I pulled up the living room carpeting. This was it, the big moment, the Big Reveal.

I already had a preview of what lies beneath the hallway carpeting. With some relief I found the flooring there was in fine shape. Some cleaning and filling would be all it needed before refinishing. But I was really dreading what lurked under our living room. Now that the walls are freshly painted, it was time. I started peeling the old blue carpeting back, beginning at the front window.



The flooring was decidedly worse than what I'd hoped for...



This might be a worse nightmare than the bathroom...

Definitely.

Alvar Aalto Vase Competition

Here's one that is too easy to pass up. Lushpad.com is holding a drawing for an authentic Alvar Aalto "Savoy" vase, valued at $145. This competition is open to everyone, and its easy. Just enter a few short bits of information, including how many people you've told about Lushpad, and hit the enter button. That's all there is to it.

Enter HERE - and Good Luck!

June "Atomic Pad of the Month"

1953 Modern, originally uploaded by Space Commander.

Womb chair and floor to ceiling windows.... catch me, I may swoon!

Kitchen Tile Back Splash

Kitchen Tile Back Splash 01
Originally uploaded by MidModSTL

This I like.

I like it enough that I would replicate this in my own unfinished kitchen. The mosaic pattern in late 50's-early 60's 1" tiles would be absolutely appropriate in our little ranch.

Even the colors are perfect-o!

If only I could find a source for tile just like these... who makes the small 1/2 inch size anymore?

"Z" Chairs on eBay

Two "Z" Walnut Danish Lounge Chair Mid Century Modern Eames.

You'll see these chairs quite often on the auctions. Easy on the eyes and the body. I like 'em.

This pair is offered by Re-Mod Control

Meet the New Lounge Chair

It was only a chance side trip I made to the Salvation Army. I wasn't going to buy anything, honest. But there was this one chair, and it had just come in that same day...

It's not all-out Danish Modern. It's not all swooping shapes with parabolic curves. And it sure isn't my dream chair. But, once again, its a Kroehler, and in awesome condition. A little wear on the seat cushion's ribbing is the only issue I could spot.

So, opportunity knocked, it wasn't necessarily what I was looking for, but still it whispered and it spoke to me. Maybe its all the boomerang angles that makes up its shape - but it definitely has a mid-century modern look that grows on you. The price tag was the best part - cheap cheap cheap!

Our living room aka conversation pit is coming together more quickly than expected. Work on the newly painted walls is almost all done too. The old blue loveset is gone, and the hideaway bed/sofa is on Craigslist waiting for a new home.

Looks like Pop has already lost the new seating to Junior before it even has time to gather dust. Well, only one thing to do... better start hunting for a second lounge.

What We Watch - Father Knows Best, Season 3

The Emmy-winning series is back with Season 3. Father Knows Best premiered on CBS in October 1954 and ran for six successful seasons, earning six Emmy Awards from 14 Emmy nominations. This beloved family drama has become part of the American pop culture and continues to find new generations of fans. 37 classic uncut episodes with televisions premier sitcom family.

More details at Amazon.com.

Meet the New Sofa

So, she's not exactly a Zanuso. But she is a '59 Kroehler, and the original fabric is intact. She floats a magnificent 6 inches above the floor on her thin tapered legs. She's long, linear and her slim profile takes up only a minimum of space. She's just what this small living room has been begging so long for.

I came across her on Craigslist the previous night. The timing couldn't have been more awkward. Right now the livingroom is a bit unnavigatable with the walls getting fresh paint over the weekend. The weather was threatening too. With heavy storm clouds looming I rushed over to the seller's residence and brought her home before the rain drops started, and with under an hour to spare before I had to be at work. Whew!

So, she's not a Zanuso. So, she needs new foam cushions. So, she could be reupholstered in some nubbly fabric a bit more to my taste. For now the hunt is over - we finally have our new mid-century modern couch.

PS. Say goodbye to the wall-to-wall-to-ceiling blues. The living room is being adorned in fresh "Whispering Pine" paint with white trim.

Tastee Inn Drive-Thru

Tastee Inn Drive-Thru, originally uploaded by Space Commander.

This landmark endures in Lincoln, Nebraska. One of the first drive-thru's, featuring the world famous Tastee Burger! The place has changed little in 50+ years. There's a car port off the main building and the pick-up window is on the passenger side.

The secret of eating Tastees is not to eat them right away. Let them sit in the bag and wait about 10 minutes. Then try this simple test - pick up the bag. If the grease from the burgers causes the bottom to rip and the burgers fall out, then you know your Tastees are ready :)

And don't forget an order of onion rings!

Zanuso Sofa on eBay!

The Italian furniture designer Zanuso is rarely seen in this country. His painter's pallette-sided chairs are Gold. His sofas are even rarer. The '59 Cadillac of Sofas for Arflex, Italy, this very very very very rare Zanuso curved sofa circa 1951 (did I mention that an item like this is a once in a lifetime deal?) can now be your's for just 75 grand.

Sheesh, my house is valued at 75.

At least the shipping is free :)

The seller is also offering a Set of Six George Nelson Chairs In Knoll Fabric ($2,250.00) and a shot of a classic Zanuso chair below (not for sale).



Aside from all that, who can't resist gawking at the ultra-lush-pad-thing going on in these pics!