Linda Gray’s house was a 15-room ranch she built with husband Ed Thrasher, complete with horses, cats and five adopted peacocks.
Vintage homes & gardens
Step into the 60s backyard boom, when patios, pools and decks turned suburban yards into America’s favorite spot to unwind.
Kitchens once matched their paper towels to the walls. See how colored paper towel designs went from plain white rolls to full-blown decor pieces.
Books in a home once signaled that the residents were intelligent, worldly, and could afford to collect their favorite volumes. Look back at some vintage bookshelves from the past!
Explore 60 authentic 1920s tile patterns straight from vintage catalogs — bold colors, geometric borders and classic checkerboard floors galore.
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!
Peek inside actor James Coburn’s 1970 home, packed with Moroccan patterns, Bangkok temple bells and treasures gathered from movie locations worldwide.
See what made 1950s kitchen tile a fixture in postwar homes, from pastel counters to mosaic floors.
See how branded freebies worked back in the day, when a few box tops and a buck could get you real swag by mail.
Mid-century foyer style went far beyond a place to hang your coat. See how postwar Americans turned entrance halls into design statements.
Dinah Shore’s Beverly Hills home, as seen in the 1960s and ’70s — with her commercial kitchen, guest cottage and the life she built between TV shows.
Vintage food processor ads and history from the ’70s & ’80s — how Cuisinart went from trade show curiosity to the most coveted appliance in the American kitchen.
Hide-a-bed sofas turned a regular couch into a guest room overnight. See vintage styles and ads from the 1940s through the 1970s.
Early American weathervanes were part folk art, part forecasting tool. See dozens of antique copper designs and the fascinating history behind them.
Trash compactors were a genuine 1970s kitchen status symbol — and they almost became a necessity. Here’s why they rose, peaked and quietly faded out.
Before email, people wrote letters — and Hallmark made sure they had stylish paper to do it with. A look back at the vintage Hallmark stationery sets.
The TV remote control went from a wired ankle-hazard in 1950 to an ultrasonic curiosity to an infrared staple — here’s how it all happened.
Vintage dining room sets from the ’40s & ’50s were compact, colorful and built for small postwar homes. See 50 original chrome dinette ads and photos.
See over 20 historic southern mansions — some tied to slavery, others to politics or education — and how they reflect the South’s changing history.
Hawaiian luau parties swept American backyards in the late ’50s and ’60s — here’s the real history behind the roast pigs, paper leis and pineapple punch.
Household tips from the ’70s, straight from Bert Bacharach’s legendary “Now See Here” column — dozens of tricks for cleaning, repairs and everyday life.
Portrait miniatures were how Americans kept loved ones close before photography — tiny watercolors on ivory that fit in a locket or a palm.
Before the microwave, there was the gas range — and in the 1950s, it came with automatic pilots, built-in timers and two-tone colors to match.
This gigantic collection of vintage wall paneling from mid-century (and beyond) makes for a surprisingly delightful scroll down nostalgia lane!
1847 Rogers Bros made silver plate flatware a middle-class staple. Here’s the history behind the brand, the patterns and the Connecticut company that built it.
Card tables started out as elegant colonial furniture and ended up in nearly every American home. Here’s how they got from one to the other.
1980s electronics changed everything — from the living room stereo to the Walkman in your pocket. See the gear America was shopping for in 1981.
Early in the 20th century, people started moving from the city out to the suburban districts and small towns. See some classic All-American suburban houses from that era here!
Betty White’s dog advice from 1958 covers everything from choosing the right breed to training tips — straight from a woman who once had 26 dogs at home.
1950s bathroom tile turned the postwar bathroom into a design statement. See the pastels, the patterns and the ideas that defined an era.
Victorian home dreams, Gilded Age style: See 17 stunning Detroit mansions from the early 1900s — and the families who built them.
These are the vintage alarm clocks – ranging from the mod to the digital – that used to wake people up during the workweek. Take a look!
Old-fashioned Granny squares are easy to do and multiply so fast, you can turn out an afghan fast. And since you crochet a square at a time, you can carry them anywhere.
Actual carpeting – and even shag rugs – in the food prep area? Yep, it was a thing, as these vintage kitchen carpet photos will prove!
Antique bathroom design in the 1900s was no afterthought — see the stunning fixtures, tilework & suites that set the standard for luxury homes.
Bold 1950s linoleum flooring: See how the postwar bathroom floor became a fantastic design statement
1950s linoleum flooring and vinyl were bolder than you’d expect — see 20 real bathroom floors from some of the decade’s most creative designs.
The 1940s bathroom got a serious glow-up — colorful, coordinated fixtures & bold style that set the stage for the midcentury home design craze.
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!
Kitchen remodel, 1968 style: A Frigidaire before-and-after that still sparks debate — which kitchen would you actually choose?
Princess phones lit up 1960s homes with color and a glowing dial. See how this compact classic changed telephone style.
Vintage baby gear from the 1950s shows how boom-era families used folding cribs, walkers and playpens to save space and time.
In the 1950s and 1960s, prefab fireplaces had become a clear signal that a home was keeping up with the times. Sleek, practical and affordable, these units offered the appeal of a traditional fire without the heavy commitment of masonry construction.
Explore the history of vintage beaded curtains — from early room dividers to their 1960s surge — and see why this flexible decor trend never fully went away.
Explore 140+ vintage mid-century wallpaper designs and see how bold patterns, color, and texture helped define midcentury American home decor.
Take a seat and look back at these vintage 1960s chairs that used to fill homes – with styles ranging from the minimalist mid-century modern styles to the living room chairs with bold colors and patterns.
For Valentine’s Day or any day, you can re-create these pretty heart cross-stitch patterns with these designs and directions from 1955.
See 28 vintage pink bathrooms from the 1950s and 1960s that show how this bold color became a mid-century design favorite.
Explore 125 vintage ’60s home plans used to design and build mid‑century houses across America, from ranches to contemporary split‑levels.
Family spaces changed radically when households started buying TVs. Then came the casual & comfy mid century modern living room as we still know it today.
We’ve rounded up 30 dramatically different examples of 1950s Christmas tree decorations — come be inspired by these lavishly decorated Christmas trees!
Step back and time and enjoy these charmingly vintage Christmas scenes celebrations from the 1940s through the 1970s, showing holidays that were picture perfect.
These Christmas gift ideas from 1964 show how mid-century shoppers turned everyday home goods into thoughtful holiday presents with style.
See vintage Christmas decorations 1960s and 70s families used to light up the holidays — from homemade trees to bright outdoor candles and festive centerpieces.
See how 1980s sleeping bags brought superheroes, cartoons and bright designs to sleepovers, camping trips and every kid’s favorite hangout spot.
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!
See how Christmas ribbon craft projects from 1963 brought color and cheer to holiday homes with DIY decorations, all made from simple materials.
See how 1920s home decor brought color, pattern and purpose into American homes, from sun porches to stair landings and every room in between.
Here are some crafty fabric Christmas ornaments you can make yourself. There are five different designs using an inexpensive patchwork design.
Vintage Formula 409 household cleaner hit supermarket shelves in the ’60s, and was one of the most popular household cleaning products during the 1970s and 1980s. See why people loved the stuff here!
Explore vintage family kitchens and the retro layouts, colors and design choices that shaped home life in mid‑century America.
Explore vintage Thanksgiving centerpiece ideas from 1900, when cabbage bowls and pumpkin displays set the tone for a handmade holiday table.
1950s TV sets brought bold design and big features into American homes, reshaping how families watched, gathered and spent time together.
Separate beds in the 1950s weren’t just for movies — real couples, doctors, and censors all had opinions on how married people should sleep.
Each of these 1920s house styles tells its own story & showcases the creativity of the era. Many even helped shape how suburbs look today. Let’s take a closer look!
Explore vintage guest room ideas from 1910 to 1970, packed with timeless tips and retro charm to inspire your own cozy and welcoming space.
Explore real 1970s bathroom decor with wild colors, bold patterns and sunken tubs that made home bathrooms totally unforgettable.
Explore vintage basement decor from the 40s & 50s—ideas for laundry, hobbies, games and lounging, plus photos and articles to inspire your own basement makeover.
Retro paper plates took off in the 60s and haven’t disappeared since. See how these colorful classics shaped party tables then and now.
In both 1975 and 1978, singer Helen Reddy took national magazine photographers on tours of her California home, which was full of music, plants and country charm. Here’s a look inside!
See how washboards powered old-fashioned laundry days with scrub, soap and skill, plus vintage photos showing them in action.
See how 1950s small home decorating ideas used smart space-saving tricks, clever storage, and stylish details that still work in today’s homes.
From neatly organized tool racks to clever storage solutions, these 1950s (and early 60s) home workshops maximize space and productivity.
Whether plain or fancy, antique kerosene lamps like these were more than home decor – they made it possible for people to work and play late into the night. Find out more here!
Explore the Scholz home story with a look at the Mark 58 design, prefab innovation, and how this model changed mid-century homebuilding.
Here, take a look back at this collection of gorgeous designs and styles of vintage canopy beds that were popular the seventies. Some are some classic and elegant, others modern and breezy, and many fabulously frilly.
Discover how folk art painting uses simple brushstrokes to decorate furniture and home goods, with vintage guides and designs from the 1940s and 1950s.
Ceiling wallpaper made bold statements in the 70s — and it’s making a quiet comeback. See vintage looks and get step-by-step how-to tips from the era.
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?
WWII Victory gardens from the 1940s: How people planted them, and how you can grow your own even now
During World War II, people needed to help ease the nation’s burden by growing as much of their own food as possible in what they called Victory Gardens. Here’s how they did it!
Have you ever wondered where products like Formula 409, 7-Up, WD-40 and Preparation H got those famous vintage brand names? Find out here.
Take a look back at these beautiful vintage 1970s bedspreads — cozy designs with retro patterns, bright colors, and added texture from things like quilting, embroidery and fringe.
When post-WWII prefab housing was becoming passe, in the ’50s, a new version of the prefab home emerged – the kind of upper-middle-class home with many mid-century modern design ideas that would become popular over the next decade.
These retro yellow kitchens – in all their buttery, warm and sunny splendor – are here for the midcentury home decor enthusiast to appreciate!
Crystal chandeliers have been a symbol of luxury and opulence since the 18th century. If you’re wondering what crystal chandeliers used to look like, take a peek below at these vintage photos!
Want to know how to make an old rotary phone work? Here’s your handy guide, straight from the 50s!
If you were a mid-century suburban kid you likely had a tubular metal swing set like one of these! Check out this nostalgia trip back to the backyards of your childhood.
Discover vintage kitchen design ideas from the 1940s to 1980s that blended style and creativity — and see why some old trends might deserve a comeback.
Remember these classic 70s things? See the furniture, decor and everyday items that made 1970s homes unique, colorful, and totally unforgettable.
60s bathrooms were bold, colorful and fashion-forward. From sunken tubs to pink sinks, see how these retro spaces made bathrooms a true style statement.
Take a fun look back at the stereotypical perfect ’50s housewife, as she vacuums in heels, washes dishes wearing pearls, and makes everything practically perfect.
Here’s a sweet and pretty way to celebrate spring – with this vintage-style Easter egg tree craft! Here’s how you can make your own.
These 60+ vintage patio furniture sets – charming tables, chairs, chaises and more – were as popular in the 1940s through the 1970s as they are now.
Explore the vintage pink kitchen trend of the 1950s, from pastel cabinets to pink appliances. See what made this retro style such a mid-century favorite.
Dishwasher history starts with Josephine Cochrane, who invented the first automatic model in the 1880s. Her creation changed kitchens forever.
See how 1960s vacation homes were designed for easy living, affordability and style, from simple A-frames to cozy beach cabins and mid-century ranches.
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!
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.
