Now That's a Bar! Mid Century, Danish Bar Cabinet.

Just when you think you've seen it all, a little gem like this pops up.  Featured for sale on Craigslist Los Angeles, this awesome teak wood, danish modern, mid century bar cabinet with built in refrigerator.   This is one of my favorite sellers on CL L.A. because s/he has the most incredible pieces.  Where oh where do you find them??

$925 for sale as of 12/1/13 here

Vintage Danish Modern Teak Refrigerator/Bar Credenza.

This vintage Danish Modern Teak Bar Credenza has a working aqua colored refrigerator! Completely self-contained, this bar has everything you need! As you open the brass handled door on the left, an asymmetrical storage area is lined in beautiful birch. Behind the right door is a working refrigerator with metal shelving. The fridge door is attached to the teak door and snuggly closes to keep the appliance sealed, and the cold air in.

This unique Danish Modern bar/refrigerator is cleaned, polished, and ready to enjoy!

$925.00
42"W x 32"H x 21.5"D
Call him/her at: 949-413-6720

Vintage 50's & 60's Weddings on the Rise.

1950's - 60's themed weddings are all the rage.  Google it and you'll get endless pages with inspiration.  I personally LOVE vintage inspired weddings.  Like I even had to say that, right?

Just pulled from the web: "It's now been claimed the couple (Singer Adele and her fiance) are finalizing wedding details, with their special day taking place at the end of July. They reportedly want the day to have a '50s theme, although the fine details remain a secret."

My July 2006 wedding had some historical elements, but it was not "vintage" per se.  Our ceremony was in a European inspired church in downtown Los Angeles and our reception was at the historic Castle Greene in Pasadena.  It had an old-world vibe, but....it was not 50's.  I was not in full mid-century swing just yet, or you bet it would have been.

If my hubby and I renew our vows someday, it will be 50's themed.  Enough about me....

Yours Truly above ;)

Here are some drool-licisous vintage dresses and wedding ideas if you're about ready to get hitched:

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Totally Atomic. Tile-top Boomerang Coffee Table.

Now that is a boomerang! Check out the angle on this baby and the gorgeous tile detail. I've never seen anything like it.

Rescued from a Hollywood Hills estate, this beauty is looking for it's new home to hang out for the next 50+ years.

Email me if you're interested and I'll put you in touch with the owner.  He's asking only $300 - makes me wish I had space for this in my home.    RhanDesign@gmail.com

Living in the 1950's.

Who caught TLC's "My Crazy Obsession" episode of Doris Mayday, a modern-day woman living in her own 1950's world?

From her home furnishings, to her clothes, makeup, and the car she drives, Doris lives like it was 1950.   Even her boyfriend partakes in the lifestyle wearing 1950's clothing.  Check it out HERE.

If it didn't exist in the 50's Doris does not use or partake in it. That means she does not have a cell phone, she watches a television from the 1950's and even limits the music she listens to to that of the 50's era.  Even her undergarments are from this era...imagine that!  

In this episode she brought in a 50's etiquette coach so she could learn how to be more like the women of this time - i.e. proper.  A few tips were: A lady only shakes a hand with one pump. Today's 3 pump shake is too strong and masculine for a woman. Second, the woman of the house would always offer to take a guests coat upon entry to her home and would introduce herself as "Miss Doris Mayday".

Mid Century Mod Nightstands

I picked up this pair at a little thrift store in the eastern area of So. Cali.  My hubs and I went out to Pasadena on Sunday to pick up our crib from Craigslist. On the way home I spotted these sitting outside a tiny shop and told my man to make a u-turn "Mid century in my sights"!

It seems they will clean up well.  The one on the left has been cleaned and is noticeably "whiter".  Instead of stripping these I'm going to prime and paint in the same color to freshen them up.  They'll be in my shop soon!

1950's Lounge Chairs in Their New Home.

I just got an update from the buyer of my 50's orange upholstered lounge chairs. Here they are in her home. Don't they look perfect?  It's like looking back in the past .... or at a set on Mad Men!

Here are some photos of the chairs in my home. They are unique chairs and I really like them but they didn't work in my space.  It's good they found a new home where they'll be loved and cared for.

On-Again, Off-Again Affair with Craigslist

This is the relationship I've had with CL Los Angeles lately but I'm happy to say we are on-again.  Our love affair is tumultuous, some days I hate it some days I love it but I always go back.

Here are my latest loves......I've found that Mondays are always good days to find great MCM pieces.

Broyhill Sculptra Headboard $75

Next to Brasilia, this is my 2nd favorite Broyhill design. This won't fit our King bed otherwise I'd scoop it up!  Gorgeous huh??

The Designs of Sol Bloom

This was a mid century designer I had never heard of until just recently. It appears his scarce designs are a very rare find these days.  He designed for Designs for Moderns and New Dimensions furniture for a very short period in the 1950's.

Here are some of his designs.....grab em' if you ever come across them!

Scoop Chair 

Danish Modern Kofod Larsen Selig Rocking Chair

I'm still crushing on mid mod rocking chairs. Always will be I suppose.  Look what popped up on Craigslist Los Angeles today.....

Estate Sale and Thrifty Finds.

Yes, I've been a bad blogger lately.  Is it possible the days got shorter?  I've been so busy (and so tired) lately I just can't seem to take a break and blog.  Before I know it the hour is late and I'm beat.  Know what I mean?  Fortunately part of the business this week was hitting thrift stores and an estate sale today.

It's getting harder and harder to find good vintage in thrift stores these days. I suppose we can thank all the new vintage re-sale shows we see now.   I've started to depend on estate sales more but those are so competitive it's tough to get your hands on the good stuff.  Anyhooo....I had a good few days, thankfully.  Here are a few recent finds:

1950's "Dial Your Drink" barware 

My Latest Find: Mid Century Modern Rocking Chair

I did a search for "mid century rocker" on Craigslist Los Angeles.  Got a slew of rockers, some in fact mid century but way over priced, some were nothing close to mid century. OK, so next try "retro rocker".  There it was. Posted on April 16, an orange mid century rocking chair with what appeared to be the original upholstery.  $40 or best offer.  I was sure it was an old posting left up on CL even though it sold (hate when sellers do that) but I emailed the contact anyway.

What do you know, it was still available. Luck #1.   It was located just over an hour from me but luck #2, my hubby just so happened to be working down in that area for the day.  Hmmmmm....but would it fit in his small work car?  Luck #3, he was able to maneuver it so it fit just barely.   So yes, as you can tell, I got it.  Yay!  $35 bucks and it is indeed the original orange upholstery.  This would look great in a say....a baby's room, an office, den?

Check it out.  Just needs a light sanding and coat of stain to freshen up the wood:

Summer is Coming! My Mid Century Inspired Outdoor Space.

Summer is definitely upon us...well, here in Southern California at least.  My Aunt, who lives in Utah, informed us that it snowed there this week. Are ya' kidding me!?

I got a wild hair the other day to set up my outdoor space. Most of my furniture had been put away for the "winter"...which equates to lots of rain here.

While it's not my dream outdoor space it at least incorporates some mid century pieces which will hold me over until I can find a real 60's patio set.

Here's a peek at my outdoor space now......

I picked these planters up at 2 estate sales a few weeks back.  I have 3 of the tall tulip shaped cup planters.  Just painted them last week.  Remember my first post about them? 

George Mulhauser for Plycraft. That's one beautiful chair!

Pardon my absence the past week. I was in Vegas visiting my in-laws.  It was a nice break but it's always so great coming home.

One of the first things I had to do upon my return was browse the mid-century Craigslist ads here in Los Angeles. After 4 days I knew there would be hoards of new pieces to drool over. Indeed there was and here is my favorite:

Plycraft Mr. Chair Lounge by George Mulhauser.  

Drooling anyone?  Or is it just me?  It can be yours for $1000 obo.

Los Angeles in the 60's

I drive through Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley and admire the remaining 50's and 60's architecture.  I wish I could go back in time for a few days and live in LA during the mid century.   Here are some pics from the era:

Ken Clark Pontiac dealership

Monday Finds. Bertoia Side Chairs and a Coffee Table.

Is it just me or are Mondays great days to find mid century pieces on Craigslist?  It could be a coincidence but some of the greatest pieces I own were spotted as new postings Monday morning - or late Sunday night.  I wonder if people clean out their storage, work on redecorating, etc. over the weekend and post fresh on Monday?   Whatever!  It works for me.

Looook what I got today!  I've been obsessed with Bertoia side chairs for a long time. In fact if you search old posts you'll see several mentions of them.   Yay, I have my own pair!  Where will they go?  Who knows, but I will make a space.   I'm dreaming of what cushions I could get.....or do I leave them stark and bare?  Hmmmmm?

I called about this little 2-tier coffee table this morning and left a message. Just so happens I got a call from the owner as I was pulling up to the Bertoia chair house.  I got the address to pick up the table right after and guess what, they lived less than 10 minutes from where I was. Very strange for Los Angeles!  So, now I'm the happy owner of this cute little table. It's plain but unique at the same time due to the ledge pieces on the sides and the thick slatted second shelf.  Needs a refurb but I'll get it to it later.  I might make it a bit darker to pop against my white shag in the front room.  I've wanted something new to replace my Lane coffee table that's there right now.  It's pretty cute and super atomic right? 

** update 3:30 pm. Ok, so this is not replacing my Lane coffee table in the front room. It doesn't look good. Guess this one's going up for sale after I put a little work into it. 

Eek, dusty I know!  I'll post refinish pictures after I get to it.  

How is your Monday going? 

Which Estate Sale Do I Go To?

This is a tough decision.  There are many great estate sales this weekend but 2 in particular that I need to choose between to hit first, bright and early.

First sale: Starts at 8am Saturday.  Features 2 Paul Laszlo end tables I would kill for and a variety of smalls/decor and C.Jere sculptures.  There is also a huge Danish credenza/cabinet and Danish dining set that will bring the dealers out.  Hey, aren't I technically a dealer?  Um, I guess.  Scratch that, "that will bring the vintage shoppers out". My point being, I'm sure the line will begin at 6 am or earlier for those hard core shoppers.  I'm not included in that group.  I can't get out of bed when it's dark out, even for Paul Laszlo... well, wait a minute, maybe I can:

PL, I love you.  Look at those lines!!

Gorgeous. I would love to have this but no space in my home. ;(

Chotchkies galore. I love me some me some smalls!

I love old electronics too. I'm eyeing that green TV in the back and the radios. Hey check out that clip light on the end.  

These were just some of the interesting pics. There's a house full of stuff.

Second Sale: (Pales in comparison) Starts at 7am Saturday.  Features: Danish modern bedroom set by American of Martinsville, Lane tables, vintage china and glassware, a full garage of tools, etc.

Now, this one does not look as pleasing but that might be a good thing.  That could equal less people and treasures buried deep in the messes.  Check out some of the messy pics.   

There are 4 pieces to this set. 

I can see myself digging through piles. I love that!

Who knows what could be hiding in the garage. I love industrial modern things.

So you see, I'm a bit torn. Go to the prize sale #1 and somehow get myself there VERY early or go to the second sale, not as good looking, but I'd still need to be there early, and hope for a smaller crowd and some unique finds.  

I think I'm leaning toward sale #1.  Go for the gold, right?  The second sale may or may not be good and the bedroom set is just okay anyway.  Where the heck would I store it? The PL tables at the first sale are spectacular. Why not at least TRY for them right?  Ok, I think it's sale #1.  Wish me luck getting out of bed early. 

Have great weekend!!