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

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!

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??

Mid Century Cats.

Is it just me or did we see a lot of cats in art and figure in the mid century? What was the obsession with cats?  Don't get me wrong, I love them, I just wonder why some things caught on in the 60's.

Check out this mid century modern kitty (or other animal?) I brought home a couple of weeks ago.  I found it at Goodwill for $2.99.  I had to keep it.... of course right?  It has bizarre shell eyes that I think must have been added later.  I'd love to pluck them off but fear damaging the wood if I do.  I love its long neck.

1960's Popsie Toys by Pride Creations.

Some weird and funny little things came out of the 60's. Popsies are one of my favorite bizarro trends from the mid century.   Developed in Japan in 1963, these pop-up toys were only made for about a decade and then disappeared.  I've learned approximately 175 different styles were made.  All are quite odd/funny looking and sarcastic in tone.

Here are 3 I picked up at the estate sale a few weeks back that had the Paul Laszlo tables.  I spotted these Popsies in one of the pictures posted online, sitting next to a couple of Matryoshka dolls. At the time I did not know what they were but I knew I wanted them because I like little weird chotchkie things.  I got mine for $3 each. I see they can go for $50 up to $150 if still in the box.

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!!

50's RCA Victor Deluxe TV Cabinet and Gondola Sofa.

I found this cool 1950's RCA Victor Deluxe television cabinet on Saturday.  It would be perfect for a plasma stand, a storage cabinet, entry table or a bar.

Pretty cool huh? I love the details and the metal peg legs.

Last week I picked up this 60's gondola sofa with attached table.  I wanted to use it in my den but it's not really working.  Big sad face! I would need to find a new lounge chair and another sofa to complete the room.  I was hoping it would work with one piece of my current set, but no, it does not.  I'd also need a new console table for the electronics because this tiny stature makes everything in the room look huge.  Ugh! What a pain.  I really need a low profile mid century modular set with 2-3 pieces.  So, I think this sofa is destined for my shop.  Again, big sad face. I love this sofa.

Palm Springs, a Mid Century Mecca

Palm Springs, California lays in the Coachella valley surrounded by mountains and deserts.  It has long been an escape for Angelenos and Hollywood starlets since the early 1900's.

Less than 2 hours away from Los Angeles, Palm Springs feels like another world...a Mid Century Modern world, in fact.  It boasts what is called the largest and best preserved architecture from the Mid Century. Not only are the homes mid century, but the hotels, banks, gas stations - literally every building represents the 60's modern style, referred to as "Desert Modernism".   Take a look...

HOMES:

The Kaufman House.  Architect Richard Neutra, 1946.

The Russell House.  Architect Albert Frey. 

The Elrod House.  Architect John Lautner.

The Loewy House. Architect Albert Frey.

The Kenaston House.  Architect E. Stewart Williams, 1957. aka my dream home! 

Bob Hope Residence.  Architect John Lautner. 

I don't know about you but this is a lot to take in. I could admire these homes all day. I've decided to save the Palm Springs hotels for a separate post.  John Lautner's architecture and history deserves his own post too.  Till then!