Why Renovate When You Can Retro-reno?
There's a new trend that is paying homage to homes and styles of the 1940's, 50's and 60's. Homeowners are rediscovering the architectural charms and styling of this era, and instead of eradicating existing structures and styling there's a growing population interested in resurrecting the post-modern flair inherent in these homes.
In America 20 million new homes were built during the baby boom years of 1945-1960 and most of them in the suburbs. The predominant styles of homes built during this period were, the ranch style, the Colonial and Cape styles, and this is also when split levels came into vogue. Homes of this era were typically 1,100-1,700 sq feet and while this may be on the smaller side by today's standards, they are eco-spirited with their compact footprints that take less fuels to heat, fewer chemicals to clean and less material to renovate.
Really the time is now for homes built in these eras. They've become the more affordable houses on the market, and are often filled with hidden treasures- architectural elements that can be highlighted, original wood flooring that can be re-surfaced, or original appliances that can be re-furbished and set as the center pieces to your retro renos.
The great thing about the retro-reno is that you can still do practical modern upgrades that'll improve the functionality of your home, while paying attention to stylistic details and upgrades that'll add that retro spark. More modern features that can be attended to include energy-saving features like soffits, solar energy systems, heat pumps and continuous flow hot water systems.
Because there's such a boom in interest in these sorts of renos, there's actually a lot on the market in terms of retro influenced design elements to help you re-create the original spirit of your home. Of course, you can also search for original retro pieces in good working condition to add even more original flair to your design. Although this process may not prove as speedy as a "modern" renovation, the hunt is part of the fun and the satisfaction in such a reno, and you can work slowly to put it all together.
If you're racking your brain, wondering where to source out your retro reno materials, check out some of these ideas:
-Craigslist
-Ebay
-freecycle.org
-recycle.net
-restorationandbuidlingserices.com
-Your local thrift, Goodwill, Salvation Army and estate sales.
-Local salvage yards, flea markets and swap meets
-Auctions
Another great resource that has sprung up is a new weblog retrorenovation.com. Here you'll find daily updates on retro styling tips for your kitchens and bathrooms, great sources for retro inspired wallpaper, countertop materials, flooring, lighting and furniture, as well as cultural inspiration from books, exhibits and advertising.
If you're a buyer scouting out the perfect mid century home to retro reno, you'll ideally want to find a place that has good indoor-outdoor flow. Preferably you'll want flexible living spaces that'll give you the option of opening them up into larger spaces, or shutting them down into smaller spaces. If you can, find a place that has consistent interior detailing including doors, skirting boards, architraves, moldings and ceilings. These are all gems that can help you bring the retro character of your home to life.
About the Author
Vox Real Estate is a popular source for information about Austin real estate. Visit VoxRealEstate.com to search Clarksville TX real estate listings and find information about local schools and neighborhoods.
![]() |
![]() Retro Atomic Modern Floor Lamp US $50.00
|
![]() Vintage General Electric GE Red Kitchen Wall Clock Mid Century Modern Retro US $29.95
|
![]() 1964 POTTERY CERAMIC SCULPTURE retro mid century modern design ideas US $19.77
|
![]() Westclox BIG BEN VENTURA alarm clock mid century modern retro space age design US $45.00
|
![]() VINTAGE RETRO MID CENTURY MODERN STAINLESS SALT PEPPER SP SHAKERS by FOLEY NR US $10.99
|
![]() Retro Modern Sock Monkey Heart Italian Charm Watch New US $.99
|
![]() MidCentury MOSAIC Tile 2 Sq Plates XL Atomic Age Modern Vintage Retro EAMES Era US $9.99
|
![]() Vtg Mid Century Retro Modern Green Glaze Aqua Drip Planter VGC 60s Rare Design US $4.99
|
![]() Vtg Ceramic Ashtray Lighter Combo Retro Atomic Eames Mid Century Modern US $20.00
|
![]() Tile Wood Hot Plate Trivet Wall Art Eames Mid Century Danish Modern Retro Vtg US $9.99
|
![]() Brass Butterfly Wall Art Hollywood Regency Retro Mid Century Eames Danish Modern US $7.77
|
![]() Vintage Oval Mid Century Retro Modern Brass Abstract Enamel Trinket Box US $9.99
|
![]() 1950s plant stand tripod 50s 60s mid century Danish modern display vintage retro US $141.60
|
![]() Vintage Mikasa Fine China Cup Accent Polka Retro Modern Black White US $5.00
|
![]() Mid Century Modern STELTON AZTEC Dinner Forks 60s Don Wallance Vintage Retro US $23.69
|
![]() Mid Century Modern STELTON AZTEC Tablespoons 60s Don Wallance Vintage Retro US $23.69
|
![]() Mid Century Modern STELTON AZTEC Dessert Forks 60s Don Wallance Vintage Retro US $39.50
|
![]() CHROME CANDLE HOLDERS Farber Silver Deco Modern Vintage Retro Decor Lighting US $15.00
|
![]() Vintage 60s Eames Era Mid Century Modern Retro Lamp 31 US $29.99
|
![]() old Vtg pressed Embossed COPPER PANEL ART man Wall Hanger Retro Mid Modern US $9.98
|
![]() old Vtg pressed Embossed SAILBOAT COPPER PANEL ART Wall Retro Mid Modern US $5.98
|
![]() Retro Mid Century Modern Gustav ANITA Salad Spoon Fork Serving Set 10 US $9.99
|
![]() Vtg Retro Mid Century Modern Atomic Tripod Stand 22K Gold Black Ashtray Tabletop US $14.99
|
![]() Mid Century Modern Dish Bowl Retro Orange Black Green Japan Vintage Art Pottery US $16.95
|
![]() Vintage Retro Danish Mid Century Modern Stainless Steel 3 Candle Stick Holders US $39.99
|
![]() VTG MID CENTURY MODERN DANISH RETRO CERAMIC WALNUT WOOD TABLE LAMP LARGE 345 US $74.99
|
![]() Vintage Ring Design WESCAL Mid Century Modern Retro Lamp US $35.00
|
![]() Vintage Mid Century Modern Retro Ceiling Lamp US $19.99
|
![]() Vintage Mid Century Modern Retro “Skotch Kooler” Metal Cooler c 1950’s US $22.50
|
![]() Modern Retro 1960 70’s Yellow Goldenrod Hand Embroidered Napkins 10 ½” Lot 4 US $9.99
|
![]() Retro Eames Mid Century Israel Pal Bell Ascalon CANDY BOWL Lid Brass Modern Box US $150.00
|
![]() Vintage Mid Century Modern Retro Firkin Sugar Bucket Table Lamp c 1950‘s 60s US $26.50
|
![]() RETRO Mid Century Modern Candle Candlestick holder 60s 70s Lime Green GROOVY US $14.99
|
![]() Modern Retro 70s Burwood Brutal Abstract Wall Clock Eames Paul Evans Era US $52.00
|
![]() Vtg Cosco Swivel Bar Stool Mid Century Modern Eames Era Mad Men Retro Chair US $59.99
|
![]() Mid Century Modern Candle Holder turned wood rare retro vintage danish flair 2 US $17.00
|
![]() 3 VTG 89 Signed RETRO MODERN Hand Carved CANDLESTICKS Candle Holders MARK STROM US $9.99
|
![]() Retro 1970s Vintage Mid Century Modern Floor POLE LAMP Eames Era No Reserve US $34.99
|
![]() 2 Vtg Retro Mid Century Modern Brass Pineapple Table Lamps Berger Swivel Harps US $74.99
|
![]() Sweden Swedish Retro Rosewood or Teak wood Floor Lamp Eames Mid Century Modern US $199.00
|
![]() Vintage Mid Century Modern Retro Eames Thermal Set 6 Insulated Cups Glasses US $9.99
|
![]() VINTAGE MODERN MID CENTURY RETRO ROUND SILVER Chrome Hanging Ceiling Lamp Light US $89.99
|
![]() Vintage Ericofon Retro Mid Century Modern Rotary Telephone WORKS US $26.25
|
![]() 2 pair ROBERT ALLEN RETRO MOD MODERN GEOMETRIC DRAPES CURTAINS TRANSITIONAL US $9.99
|
![]() Vintage Retro 1960s Deco Modern Style Salad Set with Salt Pepper Shakers US $1.99
|
![]() 2 KRENIT CHARCOAL ENAMEL BLUE YELLOW ROUND OVAL SERVING BOWLS MODERN RETRO US $9.99
|
![]() Vtg Retro 1960s Mid Century Modern Working Tripod Style Eames Era Floor Lamp US $125.00
|
![]() PR VTG MID CENTURY MODERN RETRO ABSTRACT BARKCLOTH CURTAINS DRAPE FABRIC US $39.99
|
| Powered by phpBay Pro |
Who was the last person to legitimately use the word "groovy" without it having a retro connotation?
Like one day a guy was walking in the Haight, saw a hot air balloon overhead, and said "Groovy, man". Two seconds later, a pine cone fell on someone's head in Vermont, then bam, the word was no longer part of the lingo of the culturally modern, and became retro.
Austin Powers in "The Spy Who Shagged Me," I think maybe.



US $50.00
















































