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.

Sam Maloof. Mid Century Woodworker Extraordinaire.

Do you know Sam Maloof?  I did not until I read Mid Century Madness' recent blog post about her trip to Northern California.  One of the many (amazing) photos she posted was of a Sam Maloof chair/settee from the Oakland Museum of California  Who is this man? I must know more!  


Sam Maloof is known as one of the finest woodworkers/furniture makers of our time and a leader of the California modern arts movement.


He was described by the Smithsonian Institution as "America's most renowned contemporary furniture craftsman" and People magazine dubbed him "The Hemingway of Hardwood."  We can see why........

My 1970's French Provencial Bedroom Set is For Sale. Attention Regency Lovers!

Okay, after much deliberation I've decided to sell my beloved retro, French Provencial childhood bedroom set.  I'm still a bit wishy-washy about the decision but I can't store this until I have a daughter that might like it - that would be maybe 10 years from now.....and it doesn't go with my mid-century/danish modern home. If I had a spare bedroom to build around this, believe me, I'd keep it.

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

Wednesday Thrift Store Finds

Actually it was Craigslist that got me out of the house today.   I came across a 1960's bookshelf on Craigslist last night for $25. It's a design I've always loved so I wrote to see if I could pick it up today.  I figured at $25 it would already be gone but nope, I am the lucky new owner. I drove about 20 minutes today to grab it then made some thrift-stops on the way home.

Pardon the bad picture. It's so bright in my living room with the afternoon sun.  I can't wait to arrange this with new mid century smalls. For now I threw on whatever I could find laying around so it wasn't bare. 

I just love this multi tier look and the openness of the design.  West Elm and Crate and Barrel do modern designs similar to this original 60's look. 

What else did I find today?  

This cool little guy caught my attention. Not sure what it is - there is a hole in the top, but I just like it.  Very 60's native, tiki, folk arty huh?

Mid Century glass Blendo bowl.  It was a strange find because I already have one exactly like it!  This one will go in my shop. 

Lotus fine china cake plate.  Design by Georges Briard. I love the retro greek geometric look.  I love this design on rugs.  

I also picked up this awesome large glass bowl that says "Munchies" on it in a cool retro type.  I had to give it to my husband as his new popcorn bowl.  Why?  Because one of his many pet names is Munchies.  Don't ask, long story! 

I just love these lazy susan style dishes. I see them often and usually pass them up but I love the pink and aqua colors of this set and they're in perfect condition. They're stamped Classica Original Made in USA.  

Lastly, I found this little triangle Mersman table.  Unfortunately the previous owner painted it brown but I'm confident I can restore it to its former glory.  

Not a bad day thrifting!

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.

Case Study Houses.

I've always been fascinated with case study homes from the mid century.  What exactly is a case study house?  They were experimental homes commissioned by major architects of the time including Neutra, Eames and Saarinen for Arts & Architecture magazine.   The idea was to build inexpensive and efficient model homes to accommodate the housing boom after WWII.  The program ran from 1945-1966 and most of the case study homes where built in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

One of the most well known homes and perhaps my personal favorite is the Stahl House, which resides in the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles, California.

#22 The Stahl House 

1960, architect Pierre Koenig

1635 Woods Drive, West Hollywood, CA.