Googie and neon sign preservation and museums

One of our favorite mid-century things are Googie signs. There are plenty of photos out there, but one thing is certain and it’s that they’re a dying breed and ripe for preservation efforts. In case you’re not familiar with the term, “Googie” architecture, approximately from 1950-1970, is a futuristic or ultramodern derivative of art moderne […]

The Historic Boots Motel, Carthage, MO

If you’ve been a regular reader, you probably remember our articles in 2011 about saving The Boots Motel in Carthage Missouri. Save the Boots Motel In 2011 the bank put the property on the market, and it was snapped up by the current owners, sisters, Debye Harvey and Priscilla Bledsaw. Fans of old Route 66, […]

Retro Roadtrip: Little American Hotel Resort in Cheyenne Wyoming

What we love about Mid-Century travel is feeling you’ve been thrown back in time to a period where motor travel was cool, lounging by the pool was the most fun you could have as a kid and Motels took guests seriously and didn’t just provide you with an impersonal place to sleep. Little America in […]

1950’s Modernism: A guide for the clueless.

What is characteristic of Modernist architecture? Do the major design features involve steel and glass? Was the design machine-inspired? (does it look somewhat like a machine?) Do the upholstery’s and fabrics look like those found at www.maharam.com? Does the design lack unnecessary details? Does its form follow its function? Does the design emphasize linear qualities? […]

Name this Architectural style

One of my readers, Brian, wants to know if this is Mid Century Modern? I’m not familiar with the style, so I thought I’d throw this out to all of you, my brilliant panel of experts! The house was built in 1957, so at least it’s the right time period! If it helps – he […]

A couple good reads for Mid-Century fans

Was just surfing the midcentury lifestyle and found this nifty site: http://www.midcenturymodernist.com/ – LOVE the article on the offices (esp if you’re a Mad Men fan). Then my friend Staci sent me this rocking little article on a groovy 60’s Rambler in the Seattle area – neat find! My only complaint is that there aren’t more […]

Wow, where to start….

It’s been over a month and nope (especially to “Red” – who didn’t leave me any contact info! 🙂 ) we have NOT measured and replaced the window and put in the air conditioner. Many other things have stepped into the way of it happening. Not the least is our complete fear of measuring – […]

If you're sick of our patio, imagine how we feel!

Well, you’re probably sick of our patio, but it’s done! Hooray! And for a more traditional view, see our Flickr Houseblog photos. No cover yet, but we’re working on it! I’m busy working on a midcentury style surprise that should be ready by – at the latest – next weekend…so stay tuned!

Patio progress!

We’re so excited to make progress (compare to the photo in the previoius post). Now we can’t wait to finish it. There was weeding to do and flagstone to move – I’m sick of moving the stuff! Because of water run off issues, we had to grout in the row of travertine (weird choice, but it […]

In a mad rush to finish a 4 year old project

If you’ve read my blog for very long, you know that our back yard has looked pretty much like the photo below for 4 years. We got that far in a mad rush 4 years ago for my son’s 2nd birthday celebration and the project stalled. Lack of time, energy (have you hauled around that […]