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.