This column first appeared in September 2011.
It was a time many of us recall with fondness. We witnessed the invention of Lifesaver candy, Kleenex, Super Glue and the AA battery. Televisions were black and white and so was the tile on the kitchen floor. Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Elvis blasted from transistor radios and every little girl d0reamed of hearing Burt Parks singing “There she is, Miss America” just for her. Life was simpler, unemployment was at and all time low, and you could buy a home for under $10,000. It was . . . the 1950’s.
Simple, playful and functional the home furnishings of mid-20th Century America are finding a large audience with today’s 25-40 crowd who are decorating single rooms and entire homes with a Retro theme.
Furniture from the 50’s is durable, practical and simplistic in it’s design. Molded plastic sling chairs, white-washed ash and birch (blonde) wood furniture, streamlined upholstered sofas and accent pieces with geometric shapes abound at area antique malls and secondhand shops. For those of you who prefer to shop from home there are dozens of online sources for reproduction furniture and accessories.
June Cleaver would have right at home in the “new” 1950s kitchens. Red, yellow, pink and turquoise are the accent colors in this retro setting. Colorful curtains and black and white tile floors are a must. Satisfy your “need to collect” by looking for accessories like aluminum canister sets, retro red mixing bowls and shakers and Fiestaware dishes. Of course no retro eat-in kitchen is complete without a Formica top kitchen table with chrome and vinyl chairs.
If you are a purist, you will find that many antique malls carry refurbished appliances. However if you are like me, and prefer your range and refrigerator new with a warranty, there are some wonderful repro pieces available from Elmira. Their Northstar 1950’s retro look 18 cubic foot refrigerator and matching range (available in gas or electric) are a great addition to any kitchen and come in popular 50s colors including; robin’s egg blue, flamingo pink, mint green, canary yellow, candy apple red, and of course, black and white.
Attention to small details will add authenticity to your decor. Fabrics for cushions, upholstery and drapes are available at many online sites or check you local thrift shops for bark cloth, chenille and brightly printed cottons. Lighting adds drama to a Retro room. Pendant lamps and chandeliers suspended from the ceiling, ceramic lamps with retro shades, wild geometric shaped accent lamps and at least one Lava Lamp add warmth to the stark nature of 1950s decor.
Walls are usually white in a retro setting so they need a punch of color. A fast and inexpensive way to do a wall grouping is by framing your favorite 50s album covers, old 45’s, or game boards. The trend towards wall poster is founded in the 50s. Marilyn, Elvis, or lobby posters from your favorite old movies can be vintage or repro with the same great effect. A vintage phone, phonograph, and, if your budget allows for it, a jukebox, are also a great addition to any room. Until next time . . . Linda
Linda Kennett may be reached at 317-258-7835 or lkennett@indy.rr.com
