We’ve been hearing from readers bemoaning that sample color chips for the Sherwin-Williams Suburban Modern interior and exterior paint collections are no longer available in stores. This has consistently been a favorite go-to paint palette. So, when brochures were discontinued in 2012, we posted a PDF of the original brochures here. In this latest development, though, we were surprised to hear that stores could not supply some of color sample chip cards. So, Pam sent me on a mission to my local Sherwin-Williams to investigate. My findings: You can still get the interior Suburban Modern...…We’ve been hearing from readers bemoaning that sample color chips for the Sherwin-Williams Suburban Modern interior and exterior paint collections are no longer available in stores. This has consistently been a favorite go-to paint palette. So, when brochures were discontinued in 2012, we posted a PDF of the original brochures here. In this latest development, though, we were surprised to hear that stores could not supply some of color sample chip cards. So, Pam sent me on a mission to my local Sherwin-Williams to investigate. My findings: You can still get the interior Suburban Modern...WW…

After reader Jon tipped me off the retro-fabulous products available at Vance Industries here and here and here, I was contacted by the CEO and co-owner of the company — Bill Rapp – who offered to provide some history about Hudee Rings and how they came about in the kitchen countertop industry . One of my favorite kinds of story:  Finding out — first-hand from someone who was there, right in the midst of the industry — how a unique product introduced in post-WWII America came about. Oh, and who doesn’t love a tale that throws in some sex for good...…After reader Jon tipped me off the retro-fabulous products available at Vance Industries here and here and here, I was contacted by the CEO and co-owner of the company — Bill Rapp – who offered to provide some history about Hudee Rings and how they came about in the kitchen countertop industry . One of my favorite kinds of story:  Finding out — first-hand from someone who was there, right in the midst of the industry — how a unique product introduced in post-WWII America came about. Oh, and who doesn’t love a tale that throws in some sex for good...WW…

A retro refrigerator can be a centerpiece of your kitchen, and over the past few years as interest in mid century design has boomed, many more options have become available. But this also means that if you’re in shopping mode, it can be hard to choose who makes the best retro refrigerator for your situation. So, I did the research and created this roundup, as complete as I could make it. In all, I give you 7 of today’s best sources for a brand new retro refrigerator — family sized, not those small ones — along with three ideas to DIY your existing fridge into your retro dream.To make this a...…A retro refrigerator can be a centerpiece of your kitchen, and over the past few years as interest in mid century design has boomed, many more options have become available. But this also means that if you’re in shopping mode, it can be hard to choose who makes the best retro refrigerator for your situation. So, I did the research and created this roundup, as complete as I could make it. In all, I give you 7 of today’s best sources for a brand new retro refrigerator — family sized, not those small ones — along with three ideas to DIY your existing fridge into your retro dream.To make this a...WW…

Are you looking for 4×4 wall tile in retro colors for your mid century bathroom remodel? I’m now up to about 35 places to search for 4×4 (ish) ceramic field tiles in vintage colors. The two things I look for: tile manufacturers with four inch square sizes and who carry vintage colors (or at least, some colors). My research includes a variety of options. For example, some readers are looking for new wall tile with all the different accent pieces for a gut remodel. Others are looking for replacement wall tiles. Some readers may want basic 4×4, others may be interested in more expensive,...…Are you looking for 4×4 wall tile in retro colors for your mid century bathroom remodel? I’m now up to about 35 places to search for 4×4 (ish) ceramic field tiles in vintage colors. The two things I look for: tile manufacturers with four inch square sizes and who carry vintage colors (or at least, some colors). My research includes a variety of options. For example, some readers are looking for new wall tile with all the different accent pieces for a gut remodel. Others are looking for replacement wall tiles. Some readers may want basic 4×4, others may be interested in more expensive,...WW…

Metal kitchen countertop edging provides and authentic look for a midcentury, vintage or retro kitchen. On this page, I outline where to find this kind of edging, which is meant to edge laminate — Formica, Wilsonart, etc. — countertops like they did in the 1940s, 1950s, and earlier. I point to examples from readers’ actual kitchen projects… I show a video of my own steel-edge kitchen countertop… and I point you to historic references. All with the goal: To help you decide which style of metal edging you might prefer and to help make it easier for you to find it.  Note, while I...…Metal kitchen countertop edging provides and authentic look for a midcentury, vintage or retro kitchen. On this page, I outline where to find this kind of edging, which is meant to edge laminate — Formica, Wilsonart, etc. — countertops like they did in the 1940s, 1950s, and earlier. I point to examples from readers’ actual kitchen projects… I show a video of my own steel-edge kitchen countertop… and I point you to historic references. All with the goal: To help you decide which style of metal edging you might prefer and to help make it easier for you to find it.  Note, while I...WW…