Tag Archives: midcentury modern

shop spy: city issue in atlanta

City Issue midcentury modern boutique in Atlanta; photo by Finely Crafted

As the only freestanding midcentury specialist in Atlanta, City Issue is Mecca for local Mad Men fans. A full-time vintage dealer since 2000, owner Jennifer Sams has enviable knowledge of the modern design movement and cross-country experience with finding exquisite pieces. I photographed her Inman Park shop and asked her to dish on topics to titillate the growing mass of midcentury style seekers: her favorite cities for antiquing, the best buys for starting a collection, and more.

City Issue midcentury modern boutique in Atlanta; photo by Finely Crafted

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my lustron in atomic ranch magazine

My Lustron living room in Atomic Ranch magazine

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.

Lustron dining room in Atomic Ranch magazine

LACMA showcases stanley kubrick’s modernism

I shared highlights of my day at Los Angeles County Museum of Art with you here. But–sneaky me–I reserved a special morsel till now: the Stanley Kubrick exhibit. On display through June 30, this multimedia look at the late director’s career features film clips, movie posters, original costumes and props, production photos, story boards, and much more. While Andrea hovered mesmerized over a backlit display of movie lenses (my husband’s a gearhead), I did inner cartwheels over the modern furnishings and props from 2001: A Space Odyssey. I last saw the movie in college, and my strongest memories are of HAL 9000, the eerily soft-spoken computer that undermines the mission. I’m excited to watch 2001 again, primed to spot organic seating, Danish flatware, and futuristic timepieces.

The Djinn loveseat and chair, designed by Olivier Mourgue in 1965, are better known as “2001 chairs” because of their prominent appearance in the film.
Production photo of the space hotel, where scarlet Djinn chairs and loveseats provide the only pops of color.
The Discovery I astronauts dine in style with Arne Jacobsen’s minimal flatware.
Kubrick commissioned Hamilton to design substantial-but-sleek watch props for the 2001 flight crew.

favorite finds at the rose bowl flea market

A literal stadium full of antiques and crafts lured me to Pasadena.

Andrea and I just spent a long weekend in Los Angeles, exploring midcentury neighborhoods and relaxing near the beach. Sunday we drove to Pasadena for the monthly Rose Bowl Flea Market. I’d been looking forward to this shopping trip for weeks. This was a flea market in CaliFORNia, a modernism mecca! I was armed with a carry-on bag filled with bubble wrap and newspaper, thinking I’d load up on vintage goodies for my Lustron. Too bad I didn’t stuff one of those pockets with sunscreen and a giant water bottle. We saw only about a quarter of the vendors because the intense heat was draining us and frying my skin. How hot was it? 102F. The guys selling cheap hats and frozen lemonade made a killing. I did come away with two lovely Fire King bowls, some fun photos, and a lot of know-how for next time.

This orderly rainbow of Fiestaware got my heart thumping.
Too bad this basket chair wouldn’t fit in my suitcase!
I narrowly escaped a 60s sundress splurge.
Did someone whisper to the flea market flippers that I was coming? My favorite shades of seafoam and turquoise were everywhere!
My only take-away: two Fire King bowls to use as planters.

modern ‘hood: northcrest, atlanta

On a crisp day last week, Andrea and I took a break from our laptop pecking to explore Atlanta’s Northcrest subdivision. This modest midcentury modern neighborhood northeast of the city (zip 30340) is a feast for eyes that hunger for angular abodes and cacti gardens. Here are five homes that made me pull over and consider life in the ‘burbs.

My favorite modern designs incorporate earthiness, like this warm wood siding.
I slammed on the brakes for this prickly pear and boulder garden!
I don’t think Andrea would go for an aqua house, but a gal can dream.
Love the Asian screen!
I adore my Lustron, but I can see a split-level ranch like this in my future.