Frank Sinatra's Palm Springs Home Tour TV Episode

While researching a few other things on the web, I ran across this California Gold/California Public Television episode that features a tour of Frank Sinatra's Palm Springs Desert compound. This video is from 2012, and shows the house as it was when the current owners purchased the home. If you want to see a glimpse of what Frank Sinatra's life away from the camera was like, then you may very well enjoy this episode.

If though, you are expecting to see tons of Mid-Century Modern interior design, there's not much to be seen here. Most of the interior design is late 70's to mid 80's. There are a number of good scenes that show very mcm style appropriate desert landscape design, a segment on his theator room, a good amount of photos, his train room, and the pool area.

One of the guest host is a long-time friend of Frank Sinatra's, Frank Randall, and he recounts a little of what it was like to be there in the late 70's and 80's. He also give a bit of insight about ole "Blue Eye's" as a friend and host.

A very cool bonus feature of this video, is the home video shot of the Palm Springs Parade as it would have been seen in the early 60's. That was very cool to see too.

So, I hope you all enjoy the show. 

Mid-Century Danish Modern, Why So Popular...

Photo by: stiefelkombinat-berlin / TRUE VINTAGE NUSSBAUM SIDEBOARD 60er danish modern 70er

In complete honesty, I'm still learning about the Danish Modern Movement that took an unexpected leap in the early fifties. Yes, I know that Danish modern did exist as early as the 30's (from what I can find), but it really took the design world by storm in the 50's. 

Seemingly, the design professionals had taken note as early as the mid 40's, but with all the war stuff still having it's effect, it wasn't until the late 40's that people really could take it to heart, as to just how different it really was.

As you probably know, Mid-Century Danish Modern furniture is one of the most popular styles of furniture for people to look for and try and get their hands on. In the past 10-15 years, it, along with most other forms of mcm furniture have become highly valued once again. Why so?

Photo by: panda2008amanda /

Danish Modern Solid Teak Dinner Plate - Mid Century - Signed Wiggers - 1960's

High Quality Materials
One reason is materials used at that time are of very high quality. As is the case of most vintage/antique furniture, even the "knock-offs" (copies of the original manufactures) designs were made of better quality materials than most furniture today. Therefore, even with the pieces being quite old now, in terms of furniture age, you can generally get a good and sturdy piece for a decent price and a little repair work. 

Teak is possibly one of the most famous materials that were used in MCMDanish Modern furniture. It's traditionalism of being Danish, not to mention its strength, warmth, and beautiful tone made it a perfect material for ModernDanish furniture. Much of the materials used in American Mid-Century Modern Furniture were also used in MCM Danish Modern design as well. Woods such as Oak, Rosewood, and Walnut are also common to find. Even though many consider teak to be the more authentic or traditional material of Retro Danish Modern design. 

Other materials were commonly used as well. As is the case, Mid-Century Modern furniture borrowed heavily from the design concepts of it's predecessor, Bauhaus. Even though much of what was designed and developed during the Bauhaus movement was a bit weightier in form (not all, but most), Mid-Century DanishModern definitely borrowed from it in various ways. One such way was the designer’s use of metals, acrylics, leathers, and plastics. Still, almost every one of the materials used were of a better quality than those produced today for the mass market. 

Workmanship/Quality of Craftsmanship
Another reason that many people like the Mid-Century Danish Modern furniture is the quality of craftsmanship. Once again, the originals are of the best quality, but even the knock-offs of the time are generally worth their price. Quality of work in the late 40's- early 60's really meant something at that time. Therefore, it can be fairly easy to find a decently sturdy piece of furniture that can be used upon purchase or with the minimal of investment and work. 

Reparation
As mentioned above, typically the workmanship and material quality of Mid-century Modern Danish furniture was of a high quality, especially in comparison with that of today. Therefore, reparations of Danish Modern furniture is considerably more feasible and allows one to not only use, but maintain, and even restore these pieces to an almost brand new appearance. This allows for the owner to have a unique piece that lasts for a long period of time, and typically is more affordable in the long run. 

Photo by: lebensweyse / TRI O VINTAGE 

MID CENTURY MODERN CEILING LAMP ~ DANISH 

PLAFONNIERE POST ART DECO

Styling
While all of what is mentioned above is true, you may be thinking... Those are not the reasons that I want to buy, or that I got into Mid-Century Danish Modern Furniture. I know that too. However, I think that the aforementioned factors are equally as important to mention as the styling, so people should can be educated. 

Facts are... MCM Danish Modern Furniture is cool. It's sculpted, it's airy, and it's art that is truly functional. Due to its form and stance, DanishModern furniture tends to exude a more futuristic styling in the space that it's placed, but without it being harsh or creating a cold air in the ambient space. There are few notable design aspects to a "typically" Mid-Century Modern Danish piece, and we will investigate these in more detail in the following post.

*Please note that all links in this post, as well as the adds below the post are affiliate links that help amidstmod.com earn a meager sum so that we can continue to keep the site running. 

 

OH...Oh...Oh... Mid-Century Modern Home Plans

Ok, so over the years I've seen all the cabin and ranch or vacation house plan's books out there. While they are all titled Mid-Century Modern home/house plans, it only takes a few seconds to see that they are only partly what they claim. In the end, buying them is more for collection than for need or a true fit. That though is no longer the case. Why? Let me show you.

I was just browsing my favorite mid-century modern book store on ebay*, Populuxe* books, and I happened to run across this awesome book.

IDEAS FOR PLANNING YOUR NEW HOME*

 

 

This Sunset Books offering from the early 60's is not the typical, so it would seem, book that they put  out on, "mid-century modern", house plans. You know, the book I mentioned above, where there are two mid-century  modern styled houses buried in amongst a ton of plain and simple homes of the mid-century period, that are the furthest thing from modern. No, this book, at least from what Populuxe has posted on the photos portion of the sale, shows a true potential for being able to fufill our desires of having one book full of mcm house plans. 

Just to help you get an idea, check out the following photos. 

 

If you think these are cool, go check out the other photos Populuxe* has up. You won't be disappointed. While there take a gander at the other books and toys they have up on auction.  Who knows, they may just become your favorite Mid-Century Modern books store too. 

Please Note: Populuxe* Books has not compensated or encourage www.amidstmod.com in an manner to promote their books or products in this post. Also please note that links with an (*) beside them are affiliate links as are the product apps on this site. For more information on the how www.amidstmod.com receives it's income, please visit our income page.

 

Functional Art: Mid-Century Modern Danish Lamps

Photo Source: www.1stopretroshop.com

From the very first moment that I looked at a Danish modern lamp, I was in awe. That's been some 15 years or so ago now. In fact, this incredible appeal hit me before I even knew what Mid-Century Modern was. At the time, I just knew what I liked, and what drew me. Over the years, I've seen an extensive display online of incredibly designed mid-century lamps. In fact almost all of my preferred lamps are Danish modern. So, I thought it might be good to look at why these lamps are so captivating to me and so many others.

Photo Source: www.rocketcentury.com

Texture
One of my favorite aspects of design, in any form, is the texture that is considered, developed, and then applied to each creative piece. Danish Modern lamps from the mid-century era have a large range of textures that are employed with elegance and grace. As with many lamps, the shades typically are textured. However, different from most other lamp styles, the shades themselves are primarily translucent. Not using a solid card or paper backing to reflect light up/down, and not trying to hide the light bulb completely. Allowing the light to pass, but not allowing for a clear affirmation of what lies inside creates a sense of dimension that can draw you in. Use of these textured materials in a screening capacity creates a high contrast effect on the textured materials use within the lamps design. Magnifying the already notable texture to an almost unreal proportion. By using meshes of different materials, loosely woven strongly textured fabrics, frosted glasses, fiberglass, or thinly molded ceramics, in the lamp design almost always helps give these textured lamps shades a very light visual aesthetic. Mixing a soft feel amongst the harder feeling materials such as woods and metals.

Uses of different woods, ceramics, metals, and glass, are another aspect of these lamps design that contribute to their textural appeal.

Photo Source: Fab.com

Visually Light
Danish Modern lamp shades are not the only aspect of the lamps that give them their light or airy visual look. Selection of the right kinds of materials also help in this effort to minimize their visual weight.

Wood, in it's varied options are probably the most evident of materials used in Danish Modern Lamps. Using hardwoods, such as the commonly thought of Teak, in the lamp construction is one way in which the lamps maintain there light and airy visual appeal. Such hardwoods allow for thin surfaces,  sharp angle changes, load bearing at irregular angles, long sweeping curves, and hardware fastening without any major compromise to the structural integrity.

Choosing wood also allowed for very fluid and soft lines in the design of the lamps. Creating points, edges, and curves that fold and fade into various angles helping to keep the light visual appearance that makes these lamps a truly sculptured piece of home accessories.

Metals of different styles are also commonly found in the construction of these lamps. Being used in various facets. Metals are found from the finest details, such as custom made dowels, screw nuts, lamp shade banding, and light bulb stands, thru decorative ornaments, and right down to the structural aspects, such as legs that plant the lamp firmly on the ground and their vertical supports.  Metal, needless to say, plays an integral part in the visual appearance of these inspiring lamps.

Use of metal is a very important aspect in the overall design of these lamps. Do to the use of metals in the various details and construction, these lamps can maintain strong but thin lines. Using metal also facilitates ease of color palette options, allowing for a more tailored and specific overall look.

Photo Source: liveauctioneers.com

String and wire are two more materials that allow these lamps to have a light, but sculptured appearance. While neither of these two materials are the norm, there are many examples of these beautiful lamps that have been designed with these materials as an integral part of the artistic pallet.

Wire and string are typically used to create a unique and custom shade, or to fill a spacial void for  balance, these materials also lend to the visual appeal of these lamps.

Color, while not being the most prominent aspect of the these wonder lamps design, also plays a very important part of the overall effect that these incredible lamps have on the space they occupy. Use of highly contrasted tones on carefully selected pieces allows for these lamps to convey looks of being firmly planted, floating effortlessly, or look as though they are in motion. While the lamp shades may include the heaviest portion of the lamp, a white translucent shade made of glass or ceramic may appear to be light and effortlessly held in space by the much darker and visually heavy wooden base. These visual effects are very precise and create a beautiful balance in the art.

Photo Source: www.1stdibs.com

When colors other than white or wood tones are chosen, they tend to be brighter and well contrasted. Most metals are coated with, or are of, specific metals types/colors that flow well visiually with the overall design. While sharp, strong toned metals, such as Stainless Steel or cold steel are used, Copper and Brass and Gold are generally preferred. Not only are these colors of these metals more subdued than standard cold steel or stainless, but they've always been more luxuries in look, and held in higher artistic value.

In the end though, I guess what makes me find these lamps truly great is that they are adequate for just about any setting or design style. Mid-Century Danish modern lamps offers styles, designs, and textures that will match everything from your velvet couch, to your brass Tiffany candelabras, right down to your favorite lounge, whether it be Eames or not. So, if you in the market for a new lamp, you might want to check out whats available in the Danish modern.

Just below, you will find 10 personally selected Danish modern lamps that I found on Ebay.com*.

The items in this Ebay.com* app are temporarily available. After these items have been sold or the bid time has ended. Ebay.com* will propagate search term listings. 

*Note: Ebay.com* is an affiliate of Amidst Mod. For more information on the affiliate programs that Amidsmod.com participates in, please see our income page.

Jetset Accessory You Can't Live Without

Accessories, are in fact, accessories. Something that is not necessary to sustain life. Granted, they can make life easier, better, and more enjoyable. Even still, they are not a necessity of life.

Typically, I would stand by this rule very diligently, however, I found something on Etsy.com that is making me rethink the concept of this theory. I find that the piece below is so cool, that is demands to be you our homes. I'm seriously contemplating the purchase of this. I mean, it's a shaker, it's got retro styling, and it's made of plywood. So, judge for yourself, and let me know the coolness factor of this piece. 

Photo Source: Chris and Tanya on Etsy.com

Mid-Century Artist: Atomic Skyway

Photo source: AtomicSkyway

Some time has gone by since I first thought about featuring Atomic Skyways work on this blog. Still, for one reason or another, it's just never happened. Even so, my appreciation for has not waned. From Atomic Skyways, aka Cris', first piece he placed on facebook, I have been a big fan. While, I see a continued progression in his work, every piece has had a 100% professionally finished and refined look from day one.

My first experience with Cris's/AtomicSkyways work was the day he posted the above photo on Facebook. This was back in 2011. Mid-century Sci-fi* shapes, gold flake paint, and a green pearl. How was I to pass by this one without just being amazed. His choices in shapes and in color are more than by chance. These are combinations, that come from a sophisticated designer. One that understands the limits, visual weights, and composition of good Mid-century abstract* design.

 Photo source: Atomic Skyways facebook

Thru out my time of watching Atomic Skyways, we've not really had much communication. I hope one day to be able to speak a bit more with him about his processes of design and inspirations. For the time being though, I'm just amazed at his ability. Atomic Skyways has as much the ability to build a formidable mcm inspired sculpture*, as easily as create 3d sculpture paintings. That's pretty impressive!

Atomic Skyways works are more than just copies of shapes, themes, and colors of the mid-century modern designs* left behind. He has taken all the art and design he's ever been exposed to, and boiled it down to the original principals. From this, he has created current day mid-century modern art*. So precise is his design aesthetic, that when applied to his popular Atomic Skyways ad's with photoshop, they almost look as if they belong in the mid-century period of the photo. I'd go so far as to guess, someone new to mid-century design has found his ad's and thought they were designers works from the real mid-century modern* period.

Photo source: Atomic Skyways facebook

Looking thru Atomic Skyways facebook and blog will help you see why his art is so incredible. After all, he has worked a good bit with one of the most prominent Mid-century design studios* ever. Who, you may ask? Disney*! Let's face it. Whether you like Disney* parks or not, if you're into mid-century art*, you've got to dig you some Disney art and design*.  On his blog you'll see a number of pics of these incredible sculptured park accents and floats that he's worked on. Knowing how to use all those techniques can only help his works to become even more impressive.

While looking at Atomic Skyways works, I could point out a ton of interesting and attractive aspects of his pieces. One that really draws my attention though, is that every piece is a sculpture. Mattering not whether Cris is putting together a stand alone sculpture for the end table, or a piece of wall art, they're going to be equally sculpted. To me that's pretty swing'n. So, if you've got your interest peeked, step over to his facebook and blog. Maybe, just maybe, he'll produce even more pieces if he gets more hits. That's my hope at least!

Photo source: atomicskyway.blogspot.com

http://atomicskyway.blogspot.com

https://www.facebook.com/AtomicSkyway?fref=ts

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Hoping To Inspire The DIY In You

It's very easy to find reasons as to why we shouldn't do things. First off, there's the time something takes. "Do I have enough time to do it?" Second, is the knowledge of doing it. We say to ourselves... "I simply don't know how." Third, is the money involved. "How much will it cost, and what if I screw it up?" Fourth, and very important in the mid-century/retro (modern or traditional) styling is... Will it be respected as fitting in?

All four of these points are very important to consider. In fact, I would go so far as to say, they are crucial before you start any DIY project. However, there is a fifth factor to consider as well.

What is the fifth fact you may be asking. Well simply put, it's what some may call perspective, ego, or being picky. I call it, knowing what you want. Our Fifth factor is, making sure you'll be satified with something that is not "vintage Mid-Century".

To me though, the term Mid-Century Modern is more about the principle of a design style and less of a time frame. It gives us guidelines to use in our own design processes. So, in other words. As long as a piece of furniture or design looks like it was built in the mid-century modern era, it's of good quality, and it functions the way I need it to, to me...It is as mid-century as something that Charles Eames made himself. Don't misunderstand, I'm not trying to compare my own work to Charles Eames or any of the other designers.

I'll dare state though, that most Mid-century modern dealers (if they've been around for a length of time) have come across a beautiful piece of furniture, only to find out that it was custom made and is not a famous designers piece. Why so? Simply because in the mid-century era, most did not have the money to buy all the furniture that they wanted or needed. Sure, there are tons of certain designs out there. These were popular for their time period, and sold by the ton. Plus, some designs are just to difficult for most to make without special equipment. Therefore, people bought the pieces.

Still, a hugely over looked aspect of the mid-century lifestyle was, not only to buy the most creative designs, but also to be creative yourself. How many DIY furniture, sculpture, cabins, art, cooking, sewing, and crafts books are still floating around from that wonderful design period? Question being though: Have you considered the feasibility of building something yourself?

As many reasons as you may have thought up for not doing a DIY project, there are just as many reasons for doing one. Here are just a few.

1. It can be cheaper
2. You can get the design that you want
3. The size fits your specific area/needs
4. Finishing options are almost unlimited
5. The quality can be as good as you make it
6. It's super fun. (once you get past all the frustration)
7. You can tell everyone: "It my original creation"
8. A lot of times you can sale it for more than it cost you to build

Understand though, I'm not trying to paint DIY furniture or otherwise, as being simple or perfect. Each project has its demands, and you may be limited by time, or space needed to effect the DIY project. Still, you would be surprised what you can do with just a few simple hand tools.

Yesterday, while it was raining outside, I started to reminisce about woodworking. I subsequently re-posted the photo on the (side the photo is on here) to facebook, and it amazed me the positive feedback that my credenza generated. Especially concidering the tools and materials I used on the project.

In a very short form (I'll put up a longer post on just the credenza later), this is what I used to build my credeza.

• Hammer 
• drill
• circular saw
• screwdriver
• glue
• screws
• orbital sander
• old fashioned Stanley hand plain (not electric)
• sand paper
• box cutter
• chisle
• square
• measuring tape
• construction grade plywood (Not cabinet/furniture grade. The rough stuff.)
• a lopsided table
• one helper (part of the time)
• my wife as a table clamp

Honestly, in other words. I could say that I used all the wrong stuff, but it still turned out nice. It just took determination, a little time, and some effort. Now though, I enjoy my credenza much more than anything I could have bough,t and most people think it's vintage.

So, why not join in on the fun and get yourself a few electric hand tools, an inexpensive mid-century modern DIY book, and see what you can make for yourself. Who knows, you may have everything you need right at home.

 To help, I'm going to try and do a few simple economical furniture and crafts DIY projects and put them on the blog.

Mid-Century Books: Your Mid-Century Modern Book Store

Photo source: www.midcenturymodernbooks.com

If you've ever thought: "It would be really nice to have a 100% MCM bookstore that I could shop at." Well, now you have it. Are you aware of it though? That's the real question.

Mid-CenturyModernBooks.com offers a large selection of books for the mid-century modern design and culture enthusiast. In fact, they have a site that's really well put together, and full of easy to use categories. Thru their categories, you can refine your search options by books on on topics such as culture, design, people, and places. If these four general categories are to broad for you, you can refine your search thru the book index they have on the site, use the search field, or use the tag registry on the left of the site.

Here you will find a well stocked library of books on architects, designers, and the places that immortalized the MCM style. Books on people such as: A. Quincy Jones, Albert Frey, Marcel Breuer, Charles and Ray Eames, Craig Ellwood, Eero Saarinen, Oscar Niemeyer, and many others are available and easy to find.

Many designers even have multiple books available thru the site, offering you the ability of view carefully view your options before purchasing. For each book you will find a well written description of the book present so you know what you are looking at. Making it easier to decide on your purchases before you make them. 

Photo Source: www.midcenturymodernbooks.com

Another important feature of Mid-Century Modern Books.com is the film selection. Here you will find films on a few of the famous designers of the Mid-century Modern Era, as well as some films on the likes of Julius Shulman and a couple other topics. 

It is important to understand that Mid-Century Modern Books.com is not, by any means, the be all end all source for mid-century books and films. Put simply, it is a simple to use, well maintained, but somewhat limited reference source/library, where one can link to books for sale. From what I noticed, it seems all the books and films are being sold thru a third party store that you are linked to for final purchase. Please don't let this deter you. This site has been well maintained and some amount of work has gone into the referencing of the information provided. So, it's still a valid site to visit.

While, there are a good number of books on the Mid-Century Modern Books.com site, as I mentioned before, it still does not cover all the books available.  If you are interested in other Mid-Century design oriented books that Mid-Century Modern Books.com is not promoting, then you may want to look at the books I have found on Ebay.com that my be of interest to you. Below you will find books on Blenko Glass. There are however, many other mid-century modern books that are not featured in this app.

Hidden In Plain Sight: FAB Vintage

Fab.com is not a new site to me. In fact, I signed up with Fab.com when they first got started. Still, it only recently struck me that they had a vintage tab. I'm pretty sure that the reason I've never noticed is that I mainly looked at their featured offerings. However, recently, I found their "vintage" link on the site and took a look at what they where offering. While, I'm not going to say their offerings are super abundant. I will say that they do have really nice things for sale.

One thing to remember is that they are not selling mid-century modern* specific items. Even so, they do have a number of pieces of mcm furniture, art, and decor that you may want to take a look at. Plus, some of the non mid-century items are very cool and would fit into many retro settings.

With out any further a due, I give you Fab.com's vintage selections.

 Vintage ’50s Peter Hvidt Teak Table by Peter Hvidt on Fab.com's Vintage page.

Sofa with matching Love seat for sale on Fab.com vintage.

 

One of many Quilts for sale on Fab.com's Vintage section. Note: This just a portions of the whole quilt.

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