One of my favorite magazines, Atomic Ranch, has published photos of my Lustron living and dining rooms, along with my story on what it’s like to decorate this 1949 tiny, steel prefab. I’ve posted photos of my home here and here before, but the article features some new decor and where-to-buy info. Pick up issue #40 and let me know what you think.
This is so awesome! I can’t wait to seeeee!
Congratulations on being featured in Atomic Ranch! I grew up in the 50’s and 60’s and love the MCM designs in homes, textiles, ceramics and more. Your Lustron is lovely and the article just may be the final impetus I needed to go ahead and buy one that’s for sale in my town. It’s a great price in a great neighborhood, and has many of the original features, but “needs work” and that’s what scares me. Would you care to comment on issues you and your husband have run into? Was there rust on the tub surround? This one has some, and I understand that the vertical panels under where the roof comes to a point are often rusted. I appreciate any feedback you care to give.
Chris Hobensack
Thanks for writing, Chris! Our Lustron is in good shape rust-wise, but I’ve seen some in person and in photos with degraded steel. There’s one in north Atlanta with plastic shower walls laid over the original tub surround, which was beyond saving. Before we moved into our Lustron in 2005, we hired a painting contractor to make car-type repairs (Bondo and enamel painting) on some holes in the roof and gutter down spouts. It was just a few hundred dollars, since it was one day of work. Compare that to wood problems!
The two biggest Lusty problems for me are noisy closet doors with warped tracks, and temperature control. The thin insulation and original single-pane windows make for a difficult winter.
Good luck, and feel free to e-mail me any specific questions!