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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? Are there a lot of horizontal and vertical lines? So, when exactly did Modernism develop as an architectural style? Modernism

Top Trendy Mid-Century Landscaping Styles for 2025

Mid-century design isn’t just about interiors; it also extends to outdoor spaces with striking landscaping styles that marry function, simplicity, and natural beauty. Drawing inspiration from the 1940s to 1960s, today’s mid-century landscaping trends blend timeless features with contemporary updates to create harmonious and inviting outdoor spaces. Here are the top trendy mid-century landscaping styles gaining popularity right now. Geometric HardscapingMid-century landscaping is characterized by clean, geometric lines that complement the home’s architecture.What’s Trending: Modern

Retro Roadtrip: The Blue Swallow, Tucumcari, NM

We have had the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, NM in our Motel Directory for a long time.It’s as much of an icon along Route 66 as the WigWam Motels. Owner Lillian Redman, a legend along Route 66 ran the motel from 1958 to 1997. By a stroke of luck, owners over the years after she sold the motel managed to restore instead of modifying (and thus destroying the charm) the old motel. The rooms

Modernism Week in Palm Springs: A Celebration of Design and Style

Every February, Palm Springs comes alive with a vibrant celebration of mid-century modern design, art, architecture, and culture during Modernism Week. This highly anticipated event draws design enthusiasts, history buffs, and curious visitors from around the globe to experience the city’s unique architectural heritage and embrace the glamour of a bygone era. With its dazzling lineup of home tours, exhibitions, lectures, and parties, Modernism Week showcases the best of Palm Springs’ retro-chic allure. At the

Backgrounds set the mood!

Presenting pinch pleat walls of drapes! Have you found those in your 1950’s home and wondered why they’re there? Read all about why you use them as a “background” and other 50’s style tips! Taken from the “Better Homes and Gardens Decorating Book” Copyright 1956, we thought we’d turn Mid-Century Photo Friday into a learning experience. As usual you can leave a link to your Mid-Century Photo Friday in the comments.

What an awesome idea!

Isn’t this fantastic! What a wonderful idea! I found this on Manly Vintage and it makes me want to suggest it to anyone with radiators in their home. Run, don’t walk to get one!

A linear time capsule of epic proportions

By Jim Hinckley It is a time capsule of epic proportions with an overlay of Disneyland and America’s longest attraction for a legion of international enthusiasts. It is iconic Route 66, America’s most famous highway. From Chicago to Santa Monica this Route 66 renaissance is serving as a catalyst for the refurbishment and restoration of historic motels, restaurants, trading posts, diners, and even gas stations. For the rare businesses that survived changing times, bypass, and

The Ultimate in Mid-Century cool – a cold war bomb shelter!

Need to get away from it all? Wish we could all be transported back to the days of “duck and cover”? Here’s a way to own your very own Cold War Era Atomic Bomb Shelter in Fort Pierce, Florida. The structure, built in 1967, was built during the Cold War, to “withstand the big blast” and operated as a former AT&T communications Bunker. It’s construction was prompted by the Cuban Missile Crisis and the telephone

Mid-Century Photo Friday: Apache Motel

This photo, taken by a friend of mine (Studio Whimsy) – is of the Apache Motel in Moab Utah – great sign and apparently a fantastic 50’s motel! Be sure to check on older Mid-Century Photo Friday posts to see other photos posted in the comments! (and be sure to link here to any of your mid-century photos you want to share!)

Mid-Century Photo Friday: New Mexico Motel Sign

The fun thing about having a website like this is when your friends travel – they send you photos. This one was taken by my friend Dianna in Santa Rosa NM