In the 70s, stainless steel or copper cookware wasn’t enough – people wanted retro pots and pans for their kitchen in all of the latest colors and patterns. Take a peek inside those old kitchen cabinets!
Vintage homes & gardens
See what was cookin’ in home design decades ago by checking out these kitchen islands from the 60s! They combined form, function, and fun, too.
Try your hand at these traditional patterns for Americana quilts – the pride of America’s past, and adaptable for many uses today.
Remember when every girl wanted a Lane hope chest? See 20+ vintage hope chests from the 20th century
Way back when, it’s what every girl wanted: A cedar-lined Lane hope chest for linens and her trousseau. In upper-middle-class homes, giving a teen cedar chest was a longstanding tradition — and practically a requirement for marriage.
Starting back in the ’50s, women were encouraged to start their own businesses, hosting Tupperware parties, and demonstrating how to use those popular plastic containers. Here’s a look back!
Here’s a look at actor, dancer & singer Gene Kelly’s sweet house in Southern California, as it looked back in 1950, when he lived there with his wife and daughter.
Here’s a look back at 100 years of vintage Fostoria glass – from candelabra to stemware, in clear crystal or a rainbow of colorful hues – that people have been using and collecting for generations.
What did the future look like from the ’60s? See some modernist-style retro futuristic home concepts that captured the midcentury era’s sleek style and space-age optimism.
With a little thought and care – plus the inspiration of these lush holiday table settings of yore – you can create unforgettably nostalgic Christmas table settings that will be remembered for years to come.
Whether you’re a nostalgia buff or looking for Christmas door decorations for your mid century home (or both!), we have some fun and festive ideas!
This collection of vintage Pier 1 Christmas ads shows the great variety of gifts, home decor, and Christmas decorations they had available through the second half of the 20th century.
For decades, it was considered inappropriate for TV or movies to show a married couple sharing a bed. But did married couples really sleep in separate beds back in the ’50s?
On these pictures of Christmas trees in the 70s, cuddly creatures, lace, ribbons, flowers, Santas and toys, were all radiantly spotlighted with the gleam of shining ornaments. Take a look back here, and get a little retro inspo for your holidays!
Years ago, old-fashioned clock radios like these were on pretty much every bedside table around America, both lulling us to sleep with music and radio shows, and getting us up for work in the morning.
Inside the gorgeous Thomas Edison house: A glimpse into his unique 1916 home life at Glenmont Estate
The Thomas Edison house in New Jersey housed both new inventions and priceless antiques – and was where his children were born, and where he died.
Adapted from an article that ran in Better Homes & Gardens print magazine back in December 1970, this cute craft how-to for “colossal Christmas balls”
The melted plastic Halloween decorations popular in the ’70s were ‘delightfully different’ and ‘captured the happy Halloween spirit.’
Here’s how to craft creative salt dough ornaments for Christmas! It’s easy to stir up a batch, and makes getting into the holiday spirit extra fun.
Ever wondered what home redecorating was like back in the early 1900s? Here, see some popular Edwardian wallpaper styles and home decor color combinations!
Back when cheap Halloween party decor was a distant dream, people had to make their Halloween decorations the old-fashioned way: by getting creative. Ghoul School 1919 is now in session!
These retro Christmas ornament craft ideas may be more than 50 years old, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less festive than you’d expect to see today! Take a look at how easy they are to do.
From all these beautiful old-school Bigelow carpet styles, celebrities Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz chose their dream carpet to decorate their home.
The vintage home of Clancy Collins White and her celebrity parents Mary Ann Mobley & Gary Collins in Beverly Hills was steeped in southern charm – and you can see it right here.
Biltmore is a huge private estate and tourist destination in Asheville, North Carolina with 250 rooms spread over four acres of floor area, and it has 43 bathrooms and 35 bedrooms. See it here!
Mr Whipple: Please don’t squeeze the Charmin! 20 years of legendary TV commercial toilet paper drama
Discover the story of Mr Whipple and his famous “Please don’t squeeze the Charmin” commercials, one of the most memorable ad campaigns of the 20th century.
These beautiful antique kitchen ranges from the 1920s & 30s were huge and heavy. See vintage ads and photos that showcase these unique appliances!
Here, look back at the rediscovered art of stenciling, plus see dozens of examples of traditional stencil patterns from throughout history!
Millions of cute ’70s kitchen accessories like these appeared in homes from all across America back in the day.
Here are a few authentic old-fashioned ways to make homemade soap, with directions from the olden days in Nebraska back in 1908!
Whether new or classic, millions still love vintage Corelle dishes from the Corning company (also behind Pyrex & Corningware). See some of the dish patterns available during the ’70s & ’80s!
Whether wet-look vinyl or fur-look polyester, these vintage ’70s toadstool ottomans & gull-wing chairs were the epitome of budget home style for trend-followers.
Monsanto’s Home of the Future at Disneyland – set in the futuristic year 1986 – was built almost entirely of plastic, either alone or in combination with traditional building materials.
Here’s a look at our collection of vintage 1950s table settings – direct from magazines that came out between 1950 and 1959.
Remember having fun in vintage playhouses & forts like these? Take a look back at some of these retro play structures through the decades, from the ’50s through the ’80s!
This charming upper-middle-class home – a vintage 1970s designer dream house in Denver – was compact and neatly designed, the surfaces were hardy, the wallpapers were bold… and the style was so very seventies.
Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion is filled with 999 retired spooks and spirits who have taken up permanent residence at this California theme park. Sneak a peek!
See how gazebos became one of America’s favorite outdoor retreats with a look back at some vintage styles and backyard designs!
Actress Leslie Uggams’ name is widely recognized, but in 1970, she was in the spotlight for something different — her home decor. We have that scoop!
See several sets of authentic paint sample cards that feature Victorian house colors, showing how people back in the 1800s decorated their home exteriors!
These vintage tips to identify antique silver come from the 1940s – and include diagrams, descriptions and photos of lots of vintage silverwork.
Step into the past with this 1950s dream house — a nostalgic paradise featuring an indoor pool, spacious living areas and other comforts unique to the era!
Colorful retro 60s kitchens, when it was an exciting new trend in appliances – an idea that’s been growing ever since the first tame departure from clinical white to pale pastels and subdued browns.
Remember these vintage above-ground pools – the kind that were big enough to actually swim in, but that you didn’t need to dig a big hole for?
See what retro inspiration you can get from the ’60s and ’70s with these kitchen cabinet facelift ideas that are perfect for the DIYer.
Vintage bean bags were so popular in the 70s because they were fun and super comfy – filled with pillowy-soft polystyrene beads. Here’s a look back at dozens of old-fashioned styles and retro fabrics that were available back in the day.
Explore the charm of 1950s vintage Pyrex — discover the colors, patterns and history behind these treasured kitchen classics.
The old-fashioned Dymo label maker was easy to use and affordable – which meant that these colorful plastic sticky labels used to be seen almost everywhere and on everything.
With space-age design elements like starbursts and swooshes, and the large backplates, some of the most popular mid-century modern door knobs were absolutely iconic, and easy to recognize.
In the ’70s, the popular choice was shag carpet – with bouncier colors and more interesting textures and originality in designs than ever before.
Take a stroll back to the late 1800s and early 1900s to see some of the grand homes and New York mansions that lined Fifth Avenue.
Liquid soaps like these were still somewhat of a novelty in the 1980s and 1990s, and people were happy to get a break from using bar soaps when they washed their hands. See some of the old brands here!
Take some time to peek back at these vintage clocks, in both traditional & mod designs – classic elements of retro and midcentury home decor styles of the 50s, 60s & 70s!
These retro yellow kitchens – in all their buttery, warm and sunny splendor – are here for the midcentury home decor enthusiast to appreciate!
Vintage oilcloth, a durable material traditionally made by coating canvas or linen with linseed oil to create a waterproof surface, has a storied history for household use, and was especially popular back in the 1940s and 1950s.
Below, in this vintage collection of 1970s kitchen decor ideas, come with us to explore the lively and diverse styles that existed back when bold
Take a trip back in time and see the bright and pastel colors, patterned and plain styles of retro toilet paper – kinds you rarely see today.
Look back at these great examples of more than fifty 1980s bathroom decor ideas – plus retro color schemes – that cover the gamut from elegant to eccentric to extra-dated.
See more than 40 vintage Libbey glasses from the ’70s that you might remember, including colorful tumblers, shaped patterns, stemware & more.
Step into a time machine with this lively exploration popular 70s things found in homes back in the day, and look back at some iconic items that defined a decade known for its bold style, innovative spirit, and unforgettable cultural moments.
A shag carpet toilet seat cover with matching tank cover sound good? Our counterparts in the ’70s loved their fuzzy toilet covers, and weren’t ashamed to admit it.
Learn how to macrame with the 70s technique to create vintage-style projects – a macrame plant hanger, a belt, basket-style coasters and a macrame owl.
This unusual home in the hills of Oakland, California is tree house – with a modernist design – belonging to Dave Brubeck, known as ‘Mr. Jazz’ to his fans.
A flashback to the 1970s: Take a peek back to the early days of how developers designed sustainable communities.
Explore the history and enduring charm of kitchen pass-through windows, a design trend that transformed home layouts from the 1950s to today.
See more than 60 examples of vintage Libbey glassware from the 1960s that you might remember – and probably would love to see again today!
That characteristic mid-century modern flair — with an abundance of color, clean lines and geometric patterns — translated perfectly in these examples of 1950s Christmas wall decorations
This new, revolutionary wall-mounted refrigerator and freezer that hangs from the wall is a completely new and advanced concept of modern living. Truly, it is the most convenient and magnificent refrigerator-freezer ever produced!
Step back and time and enjoy these charmingly vintage Christmas scenes celebrations from the 1940s through the 1970s, showing holidays that were picture perfect.
Discover a curated roundup of must-see vintage Craftsman house plans. Perfect for those interested in classic design, renovation, or new builds.
See 40 vintage breakfast nooks that brought warmth to kitchen corners, through photos and illustrations from the 20th century – showcasing a blend of nostalgic charm and practical design.
Take a look at popular carpet options in the 1950s. Then scroll on for some modern-day mid-century modern carpet options you can buy right now!
50s phones were more than just a means of communication — they were pretty household decorations!
Vintage accordion doors like these were popular – and affordable – home improvements that almost anyone could install. Take a look back at some old-fashioned folding door styles!
Discover 1920s house plans that combined practical layouts with timeless charm. Explore these vintage designs that still inspire homes today.
Backyard decks have become a staple of American architecture for relaxation and socializing. See dozens of different deck designs from the second half of the 20th century here.
These gorgeous vintage in-ground swimming pools go beyond the basic – with unusual shapes, specialty finishes, and other refreshingly retro ideas.
Back in the 1950s and 60s, the American Dream could be had – affordably and in style – if people wanted to buy mobile homes (trailers). Here’s a look at dozens of homes and parks!
1970s house plans weren’t just a collection of designs. They reflected a decade of radical change & innovation. Let’s take a look at these fascinating floor plans!
See some old-school Jacuzzis, hot tubs and spas, including the super-trendy retro backyard whirlpool baths that ushered in a whole new way to entertain friends.
Check out these groovy vintage 70s couches – curved models, sectionals, modular couches and a whole lot more that just screams retro.
These little vintage plastic wading pools were the perfect size to help introduce babies and children to water fun in the safety of their own shallow kiddie pools!
Light up your memory with some some great old home décor – more than 200 antique and vintage table lamps from the beginning of the twentieth century to its end!
It might feel like people in the 50s lived in black & white. But as you can see in this collection of colorful 1950s home decor photos, they lived with bright & bold hues, too.
1940s house plans were a reflection of a world changing rapidly after the hardships of the war years. Families desired simplicity and comfort, but they didn’t want to sacrifice the charm.
If you’re buying a 1950s house, already live in one, or want to see how new suburban homes were designed back in the ‘Leave it to Beaver’ era, see some fantastic ’50s house plans here!
In the 60s & 70s, boho living rooms evolved to become significant expressions of personal identity, embodying a spirit of freedom and uniqueness. Take a look back at some of this beautiful retro home decor!
This curated collection of vintage photographs invites you to explore the classic charm of screened-in porches, patios, lanais, and pool enclosures from bygone decades.
In the 70s, vintage ConTact paper and decorative shelf liner patterns like these were used to transform old furniture, decorate everything from walls to window shades, and more.
From neatly organized tool racks to clever storage solutions, these 1950s (and early 60s) home workshops maximize space and productivity.
See some groovy designs of vintage DuPont Flair Squares – stick-on pieces of vinyl wallpaper that were an easy way to DIY some home decor in the 70s and 80s.
Find out the fascinating story behind the 1953 MGM film ‘The Long, Long Trailer,’ starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz – and see inside the real-life motorhome trailer they bought at the time!
Step back in time and envision the distinct charm and timeless elegance of the defining 1930s home styles. Take a look back at more than 50 houses from the thirties here!
Gourmet spices were beautiful and decorative on these vintage McCormick-Schilling spice racks – but they were practical, too. Take a look back here, and see the Watkins version, too.
Before the advent of modern refrigeration, there was the charming, wooden icebox in the corner of the kitchen – the epicenter of cold storage from the mid-19th to early 20th century.
These retro refrigerators were a dream come true for homemakers. Take a look back at these old-fashioned kitchens and their cool appliances!
Have you ever marveled at the charm and character of antique secretary desks? Let’s take a dive into the world of these stunning, multifunctional pieces!
Revive Edwardian elegance with these 1910s home decor tips provided by a design expert from the era.
These retro laundry rooms have decor so fresh they could influence the modern versions! Take a look back at these washer and dryer areas from yesteryear.
