Gemini Lighting:
The Gemini, featuring dual-cone shades, is based on a popular fixture offered by Prescolite in the early 1960s and complements Rejuvenation’s existing hourglass lighting collection. Gemini is available in Brushed Aluminum with a choice of shiny opal or etched opal hand-blown glass shades. Price with shades: $175

Gemini

Casper Lighting:

The Casper is a simple, yet stylish flush-mount fixture. “Starlight” pinholes and a saucer shaped shade add a subtle space-age feel to the design. Available in Brushed Aluminum or Bronzetone finishes. Price with shade: $155

Casper

Bath Hardware:
Rejuvenation’s introduces period-authentic new bath collection. The square backplate (or diamond when turned on end) hails from the Hall-Mack Aristochrome Series of the 1950s and 1960s, while the star option, with its twinkling space-age optimism, fell from the Star Line by Bush Bros.

Towel Ring

The bath collection includes: towel ring set, single hook, double hook, 14” and 20” tempered glass shelf set, toilet paper holder and towel bar sets (18”, 24”, and 30”). All bath hardware comes in Polished Chrome or Brushed Chrome. Prices range from $23-$90.

Doorsets:

Rejuvenation’s new Mid-Century Modern exterior doorsets feature three iconic shapes from the 1950s and 1960s: the star, the square, and the circle. Whatever the shape you choose, it is a perfect complement for your mid-modern ranch home or any sleek contemporary architecture.

Wide Star Doorset

Doorsets are made in solid brass and available in three period-authentic finishes: Brushed Chrome, Polished Chrome, and Lacquered Brass. These doorsets are designed to fit the Schlage Orb door set, but can be purchased separately. Matching star, square or circle doorbell buttons also available to complete the look. Prices from $22-$228

About Rejuvenation:
Rejuvenation was founded in 1977 with a passion for old houses and buildings. Inspired by history, period-authenticity and customer creativity, Rejuvenation’s diverse line spans the 1870s to 1960s. Collections include: Victorian, Period Basics, Classical Revival, Old World, Arts & Crafts, Colonial Revival, Mid-Century Modern and Deco. Products are sold through the company’s catalogue, retail stores in Portland, Ore. and Seattle, Wash, and website www.rejuvenation.com.

Photo and Product Information: Courtesy of N. Curcio @ Rejuvenation

Pioneers of American Industrial Design Stamps

On June 29, 2011, the U.S. Postal Service issued a sheet of stamps cerebrating 12 influential industrial designers. Each stamp features an image of an object and its designer’s name. A description of each stamp is written on the back of the sheet. The 12 designers featured are: Peter Müller-Munk, Frederick Hurten Rhead, Raymond Loewy, Donald Deskey, Walter Dorwin Teague, Henry Dreyfuss, Norman Bel Geddes, Dave Chapman, Greta von Nessen, Eliot Noyes, Russel Wright and Gilbert Rohde.

Gilbert Rohde Electric Clock Stamp

I know that industrial design is not the same as mid-century modern design, but I figure many mid-century modern fans probably enjoy these stamps – I certainly do!

Frederick Hurten Rrhead Dinnerware Stamps

The Pioneers of American Industrial Design stamps are being issued as Forever stamps and are available at the USPS website or the U.S. post office.

The store is owned by Vincent Dogat, who moved to the U.S. from France with his wife and daughter a little more than six years ago. Deja Vu is full of amazing designer furniture such as an impeccable George Nelson credenza, a Barzilay wall unit, and Pierre Paulin Concorde chairs. Their furniture has been featured on the television show “Madmen” and the film “A Single Man.” The store itself has been featured in the LA Times, NY Magazine, and ApartmentTherapy.com.

Though Deja Vu specializes in mid-century modern and Danish modern furniture and accessories, they also manufacture awesome custom made bars inspired by mid-century modern design. They offer two different styles: Boomerang bar #1 and Boomerang bar #2. You can choose the color of upholstery, type of legs, etc. Check their website for more information.

Name: Deja Vu
Address: 2238 E 4th Street, Long Beach, CA 90814
Tel: 562.439.4539
Store hours: Wednesday through Saturday noon to 6pm, Sunday noon to 5pm or by appointment
Contact: dejavuantiques@verizon.net

Atticus on Eames Chair

Vote for your favorite pet on furniture or submit a photo of your pet on your favorite piece of furniture. Submissions will be accepted through January 31, 2011. There will be a weekly winner and then the grand prize winner will be announced on Feb 14, 2011. The prizes include: Noguchi Coffee Table, Saucer Bubble Lamp, Noguchi Dining Table, and Easy Chair.

So, get your camera ready and start shooting! For more information, check out their website.

Palm Springs Mid-century Modern

The book includes images of many familiar/iconic structures of Palm Springs such as the Kaufmann House, Frey House II, Tramway Gas Station, House of Tomorrow, etc. as well as many other hidden gems that are probably only known to the locals, Palm Springs architecture experts or frequent visitors.

While some photos are identified in captions (these sites also are mentioned at the end of the book with location information), many photos do not include any information. I have visited Palm Springs, but I am far from being an expert. With my lack of knowledge, I could not identify many of the residential buildings in this book. However, I truly enjoyed these photos of unidentified structures, because these were the buildings I did not get to see while visiting Palm Springs.

Color or black/white, the images in this book are crisp and stunning. Even though these images were taken at present times, they have a “vintage feel” to them. Ms. Faibyshev also did a great job presenting distinctive architectural features of mid century modern buildings of Palm Springs in all of her images in this book. This book will be a treasure for any mid century modern enthusiast.

Book Summary
Title: Palm Springs Mid-century Modern
Author: Dolly Faibyshev
Format: Hardcover, 128 pages
Publisher: Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. (June 28, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764334611
ISBN-13: 978-0764334610

The Atomic Age collection features six patterns: Atomic Doodle, Boingo, Gee Gee, Googieland, Interlock and Island.

Atomic Doodle pattern is available in pink, taupe, and turquoise.

Atomic Doodle Pattern

Gee Gee patter is available in bisque, gray, and sage.

Gee Gee Pattern

Googieland pattern is available in gray, ivory, sage, and turquoise.

Googieland Pattern

Interlock pattern is available in gray, silver, and sage.

Interlock Pattern

Visit Bradbury & Bradbury Art Wallpapers website and check out these incredible wallpapers yourself. You can order 8.5″ X 11″ samples for $1.00 each for color matching. Their wallpapers are handprinted by the silk screen method. They are sold by the single roll and each roll contains 30 sq. ft. (roll dimensions: 27″ x 15′). Each roll cost between $58.00 and $72.00, depending on the pattern.

Some people had asked me to post more detailed instructions, so here it is – I did my best. This is not a carpentry blog, so please forgive me if the instructions are somewhat vague…

Caution before you tackle this project:

• If you have a question, please feel free to contact me. However, I am not a professional furniture builder – I may not be able to answer questions that are too technical.
• I am not sure how strong this bed will be in the long run.
• If you don’t have basic carpentry skills, find someone who does to help you.
• I cannot be responsible if the bed doesn’t turn out right for you.

Instructions:

1. Build a support (bottom) frame – this part will not show once the bed is complete

a. Lay four (4) 2 x 6 pieces flat and attach (screw) them together with wood glue and four (4) metal braces.

b. Attach (screw) three (3) 2 x 4 pieces inside of the 2 x 6 frame with wood glue and five (5) metal braces for additional support.

c. Attach all eight (8) legs.

d. Attache two (2) L-shaped metal braces for a headboard. Attach while the bottom frame is still upside down. You will need to prop the bottom frame up to do this. Leave an enough space for the headboard to slide in (between the support frame and corner of the braces).

e. Flip the bottom frame once the glue is dry.

2. Attach (glue and screw) the top frame to the support (bottom) frame – the top frame is the visible part of the bed. The side and foot pieces overhangs by 2″ – be sure to screw where the mattress covers the screw holes. Use clamps!

3. Attach (glue and screw) slats to the support (bottom) frame.

4. Fill the screw holes with wood filler, sand and stain the top frame. Follow manufacturer’s instruction.

5. Headboard

a. I used iron-on oak veneer edge banding for edges. I then sanded and stained before attaching it to the body.

b. Attach the headboard. Be sure to use the short screws for the upper part of the L-shaped braces (so they don’t go through to the other side). Screw (with longer screws) into the support (bottom) frame as well.

6. Finished product.

Material List:
This material list is to make a queen size bed that measures 64” W x 82” L. You may need to make adjustments according to your needs and the size of your mattress.

You should be able to obtain all the materials locally except the hairpin legs. You will need to order the legs from hairpinlegs.com. These legs are made to order, so I recommend ordering them ahead of a time.

You will need a lot of different kind/size screws. I cannot remember exactly what kind/size of screws I used. All I can say is that you would want to use the strongest/longest screws possible for maximum support. If you are not sure what kind/size of screws you need, please consult with a store associate (good luck!) where you are purchasing your materials.

For the Support (bottom) Frame:
The support (bottom) frames measures 58” W x 79” L. The top frame will over hang the bottom frame by 2” on each side and foot of the bed.

* 2 – 79” 2 x 6
* 2 – 47” 2 x 6
* 1 – 68” 2 x 4
* 2 – 22″ 2 x 4
* 9 – 10” metal braces
* Screws to attach the metal braces
* 6 to 8 – 8” Hairpin legs (only four legs are visible from outside – I used four hairpin legs and four wooden legs, but I recommend using the same type of legs because it can be hard to match the height of the two different kind of legs)
* Screws to attach the hairpin legs
* 2 – 10” L-shaped metal braces to attach a headboard
* Screws to attach the L-shaped braces to the support frame

L Shape Brace

For the Top Frame:
* 1 – 64” 1 x 6 red oak board
* 2 – 76 ½” 1 x 6 red oak board
* 1 – 52 ½” 1 X 3 red oak board
* Screws

For the Slats:
* 11 – 52.5” 1 x 4 (you may need more/less 1 x 4s depending on your spacing between slats)
* Screws

For the Headboard:
* 1 – 22” x 64” Furniture grade oak plywood – I cut a notch on each side (bottom)
* Screws to attach the headboard to the L-shaped metal braces which are already attached to the support frame
* Iron-on oak veneer edge banding

Tools:
*Drill
*Saw
*Clamps
*Wood glue
*Tape measure
*Pencil
*Carpenter’s square
*Sanding block or paper (150 grit)
*Wood filler
*Safety glasses
*Wood stain of your choice and tools recommended for applying the stain

Kay Bojesen Wooden Monkey

Kay Bojesen (1886–1958) was originally a silversmith. In the 1930s, he began expanding his craftsmanship using other materials. He realized that wood had a great potential for industrial treatment and styling which led him to create his toy soldiers and wooden animals. Through his wooden toys, he became known as one of the great pioneers of Danish art manufacture.

Kay Bojesen’s wooden monkey is made in Denmark from teak and limba wood. Teak is from sustainable plantations in East Africa and limba wood is from Congo. It has movable head and limbs and is about 12” tall with arms extended. As Rosendahl claims, it is very well made with superior craftsmanship. I was very happy with the quality of the monkey until one day… I was dusting off the monkey and the leg just fell off!

Oh, my leg!!!

I discovered that the leg was attached with a rubber band and tiny nail. I could not repair it myself, so I sent an email to the Rosendahl customer service inquiring about repairing the monkey. I was pretty upset about the fact it broke so easily and so soon. Here is what the customer service rep said: “I assume it is the rubber band that have broke. The rubber band is a natural material and can be affected by different things in the environment like light, temperature or moist. Sometimes it breaks after a short while, sometimes it can hold for 30-40 years. We do have a spare part kit, that I am glad to send to you, so your monkey can be fixed.”

A rubber band holds the limbs...

I received the repair kit within a few weeks. It included: an instruction manual, a piece of string, two rubber bands and four nails (they call them “seals”). The instruction looked easy enough, but the rubber band was so small that it didn’t look like it would stretch enough.

Kay Bojesen Monkey Repair Kit

Here is how to repair the monkey:

1. Remove remaining limb, rubber band and seals (tiny nails hold the rubber band).

All removed!

2. Attach a piece of string to each end of the rubber band.

String attached!

3. Use the string to guide the rubber band through the leg, body and leg.

PULL!!!

4. You can use a hook to help you, as shown on the drawing (below) – that’s what the instruction said, but since I didn’t have a hook handy, I recruited a help. You have to pull REALLY hard from the both ends. If I had a hook on a wall to do this, the force would probably yank the hook out of the wall!

PULL HARD!

5. Insert the seals (nails) taking care not to damage the rubber band – you have to do this while you are pulling the string. I had to use a nail punch to push the seals all the way in.

Almost done!

6. Cut the pieces of string off.

All done!

My monkey is as good as new and I am really happy

Kid Made Modern by Todd Oldham

The 192 page book features 52 fun and easy-to-follow projects inspired by many iconic mid century modern designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson, Isamu Noguchi, and Alexander Girard. This book is perfect for any school age children with all skill levels. Some are simple enough for kids to do by themselves and some are fairly challenging that require adults’ assistance. All projects have easy to follow instructions and appropriate photographs. Most of projects can be done with inexpensive supplies and/or ordinary household materials.

Fort of Cards Project

Kid Made Modern is not only a creative craft book, but also a great educational tool. The book introduces youngsters to art and design by integrating sections called the “All About” pages that explains the fundamentals of art media and techniques. There are sections on mid century modern designers that inspired the craft projects as well. If you are a parent, this book will provide hours of creative fun for your child. If a project is too complicated for your child, why not join your child? It will be a good bonding experience for you and your child.

Learn about Designers

Todd Oldham has successfully introduced the readers a concept that good design was for everyone by coming up with brilliant mid century modern inspired DIY books for both adults and kids: Handmade Modern and Kid Made Modern – what’s next? I have five dogs and two cats, so I’d like to see a DIY book dedicated for pet stuff. Call it “Pet Made Modern” – what do you think?

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Special thanks to Sara at AMMO Books