Some mid-century magnificence

I've been working at the zoo the second half of this month, and haven't had (and won't have) too much time to post, due to a million things going on.  I have some longer blog posts in my head I've yet to write, and don't have time to just yet, so I thought I'd share some pics from a book I bought at a thrift store in Wisconsin:

I have a couple of versions of this book, which was republished every few years.

This one is from the 1950's.

(The book is in great shape, too!)

Note: I am an old house lover, and I love ALL old houses: farm houses, victorians, colonials, antebellums, etc.  The House of Goodwill was built in 1974, and I love it's architecture!  This book showcases mid-century style, which I also distinctive and fastastic.

These books are filled with photos; at the end of the day, I love to make some tea and sit and look through books like this.

Click on the photo to make it bigger.

I love the modern wood stove here!

It's interesting how many things here look current, like the patterned wallpaper, the monochromatic dishes and the half painted cabinet.  It really is true how styles always come back, just in slightly different forms.

Maybe in another ten years, paneling will make a comeback, or the crocheted rug.

(And don't say no way - everything seems to come back into style eventually!)

I love to see a perfect time capsule.

Again, the monochromatic wall and paneling look really modern.  So does the painting over the fireplace.

I love the shape of midcentury sofas, and these chairs are perfect.  They look comfortable, but they aren't enormous and poufy like so much furniture now.

Check out this cool ceiling-high "railing!"

Kind of looks like the paintings on the wall are in prison.

I'm not sure I *love* it, but it just makes such a strong period-stylized statement, that it kind of *does* make me love it.  I mean, this is different!

There's a lot going on here: super modern "railing," reddish tile floor (love!), grandfather clock...

It's just fun to look at!

Oh, to have a sunroom like this!!  This would be a dream. 🙂

When I glance at this photo, I always think at first I'm looking at a small swimming pool, not a rug.

I want to eat lunch at this table!

This patio!

Mid-century patio furniture had great style.  It's so collectable; whenever I see iron patio furniture from this era that has survived well, it's always expensive.

I'd love to have a glider from the '50's some day - but unless I had a covered porch or sunroom for it, I'd never buy one if I could.  If it's survived this long, it would be a shame to kill by putting it outside.

I just want to lie on this lounge chair and sip some wine and look at the stars.

This room - with it's matching bed linens and formal window treatments - reminds me of my grandmother's house.  Maybe that's partly why I love this mid-century look.

A lot of 1950's style was combining older, antique furniture with modern style like this.

It just looks cozy to me.

This is the back cover of the book, but there is so much more good stuff inside!

I wish I could be a time traveler, but if I could just pick one era to go back and explore, I have no idea which one I would choose...

It sure is fun to think about!