Mid Century Color – or why 50's TV was black and white

Mary-Frances O'Dea

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I can hear Pam screaming in argument, but I really think one of the issues with incorporating TRUE 1950’s decorating styles into our lives today is that the colors were SO bright. In their defense, I don’t even think these two rooms are really that bad. The bottom one is supposed to be a little girl’s room and the top one is definitely cheerful.

But I do think this amazing leap in color is one of the biggest hurdles in getting everyone to be a 50’s houselover. They look amazing on TV because Rob and Laura’s house interior was in black and white! 🙂 Have you seen the episode where they go back and see the Petrie house in full color! Trust me, you’d be amazed!

I love almost all the concepts of 50’s decorating except for colors – and I think that’s just hard to deal with – I think for today’s market they have to be toned down. Or in the case of midcentury modern, the furniture is sleeker and simpler so can handle the color. Now compare it with the HGTV dream home right now – with it’s one punch of color and the rest neutral

What do you think?

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