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Five Hints For 1950 America Redux
I am an architectural design writer who often focuses on how environment can affect behavior. Before consulting privately, I received my MA in writing and ran a design boutique in Los Angeles.
I am an architectural design writer who often focuses on how environment... More »
Riding on the (camo) tailcoat of WWI came a new design era of America 1950. Where the average household was not able to afford or focus on interior style during the 1930's depression and following wartime, the fifties brought in a new era and national mindset. Wedged between the Hollywood glam of the 40's and the beginning of Swedish simplicity (and then higher voltage) of the 60's, the fifties mirrored the social psyche that appreciated clean lines, meticulous arrangement, and simplicity.
The best of the early fifties can be revisited today in our own modern dwellings by breathing new life into the backbone of what created fifties design and decor. Employ these hints to waft a (freshened) breath of retro air through your own place:
* Think simple and plain. Much of what filled fifties dwellings was mass produced and not too individualized. Stick to clean lines in the furniture you choose. Aerial views of retro living rooms give an immediate geometric effect. The furniture was straightforward and without frill.
*Choose color carefully. Most homes used simple primaries (even muted versions). For a more serious fifties vibe, use red, navy, forest green. Or keep clean and stick to beige and neutrals. For a more feminine taste of the decade, go with muted primaries and even pink and mint.
*Keep frills away and moulding at bay. Frills and heavy detail in textiles and structural detail such as moulding were out. Stick to simple square pillows with piping, simple rugs, and opt out on heavy moulding and other detailing.
* Keep materials in mind. While wood and chrome were obvious materials, remember that formica became popular during this time, yet plastic was only making its way into the home. For organizing bins stick to glass, and even tin. You'll offer more authentic detail and be healthier environmentally.
*Be reasonable, spatially. Even larger living rooms had a straightforward order because of the reason and logic used in their layout. Create smaller areas our of one larger area. Even the layout within a small room is clean, roomy, uncomplicated.
The best of the early fifties can be revisited today in our own modern dwellings by breathing new life into the backbone of what created fifties design and decor. Employ these hints to waft a (freshened) breath of retro air through your own place:
* Think simple and plain. Much of what filled fifties dwellings was mass produced and not too individualized. Stick to clean lines in the furniture you choose. Aerial views of retro living rooms give an immediate geometric effect. The furniture was straightforward and without frill.
*Choose color carefully. Most homes used simple primaries (even muted versions). For a more serious fifties vibe, use red, navy, forest green. Or keep clean and stick to beige and neutrals. For a more feminine taste of the decade, go with muted primaries and even pink and mint.
*Keep frills away and moulding at bay. Frills and heavy detail in textiles and structural detail such as moulding were out. Stick to simple square pillows with piping, simple rugs, and opt out on heavy moulding and other detailing.
* Keep materials in mind. While wood and chrome were obvious materials, remember that formica became popular during this time, yet plastic was only making its way into the home. For organizing bins stick to glass, and even tin. You'll offer more authentic detail and be healthier environmentally.
*Be reasonable, spatially. Even larger living rooms had a straightforward order because of the reason and logic used in their layout. Create smaller areas our of one larger area. Even the layout within a small room is clean, roomy, uncomplicated.
Note the simple lines of the furniture, the straightforward layout, and the sparseness without being too bare.
Also note that the windows are pleasantly left plain, and any added textiles (pillows, rug) are simple. The vibrant orange is brought in in perfect increments.
Many similar elements in this shot. The wall of color add brilliant life to this room without overpowering. The furniture is clean and interesting, and the table and chairs have their own space within this room.
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This is a great shot of the 50's redux. In the simple shape of the curtains (awesome color), the shape and color of the lamps (placed cleanly and symmetrically) all contribute to those retro design elements.
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| The no-frill furniture in this family room is set up in that traditional box pattern, creating symmetry and order and keeping the many elements going on in this space from being too much. |
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| Similar simplicity. No frills. And a room that revolves around a larger piece (think retro sidebars like those for records and cocktail hour). |
This multipurpose room achieves that difficult balance between modern sleek and total liveability. Note how two simple colors of orange and navy do all of the work without any fuss.
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| This living room nook sticks to neutrals and leathers (vinyl became huge in the fifties). The darker accents and art give masculine dimension, and the legs on all of the furniture work to create shape and detail in unexpected areas. |
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| Another simple setup, this time with a twist in the unusual coffee table and geometric rug. This is taking classic to a new level. |
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I adore this room. With a simple structure to begin with, this space adds the perfect balance of function and beauty with these varied yet cohesive pieces. Note how the long, slender sideboard mirrors the long leather fainting couch.
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| This gets to the brighter and more whimsical side of retro--and reminds me that the word kitsch was even invented in the fifties. |
Don't forget the true look of the decade, literally translated here into red leather chairs and chrome materials.
Another look at chrome in this traditional American Diner setup.
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Sleek lines and carefully-chosen detail give this a vintage vibe. Yet the facade of this furniture has been given a new life.
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A touch of color in a Jenny Lind-inspired spindle bed, and clean lines in this minimalist bedroom. And an authentically very old desk.
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Retro furniture and living room setup, given a new twist. Yes, let's not forget that many living rooms revolved around the television.
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| Here are those minty and muted retro colors. |
Fabulous retro patio. Uncomplicated, functional.
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| This is about as minimal as one could get in a living room, yet this is one of the most interesting rooms I've seen in a long time. Such freedom in its sparseness. This requires perfect and meticulous choosing of each piece. |
Comments
W. David Seidel, AIA - Architect Thanks for including my work in your excellent ideabook. --david
3 years ago · Like
Ideabook updated on June 10, 2010.
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