I love finding interior inspiration from magazines, blogs, websites, and stores, but one of my favorite sources is vintage decorating books. I've been collecting these books for many years and can not resist checking out the interiors/decor section of any used bookstore, thrift store, or vintage shop I pass by. My favorite eras are generally from the late 60s through the 70s and 80s. One of my favorite finds is this book: Young Designs in Color, by Barbara Plumb. It was originally published in 1972 (here is the link). Here's a few of my favorite pages:
Pic 1: I love the overall white scheme. The use of pop colors only in the pillows and artwork is something that I've actually used in my house as well. All the tonal textures, such as the ceiling and the mix of natural leather, wicker, and textiles give the space warmth (not to mention that awesome long fireplace!).
Pic 2: While the first pic was all about white - this room goes the opposite direction and gives you full drama of super dark walls. I love the high contrast use of white moulding paired with the wood floors. Interesting that they kept the insides of the built-in book cases white. It breaks up all the dark and allows the accessories to stand out. Also love the oversized leather sofa and the fun and unexpected use of a Matisse painting as a piano bench cover!
Pic 3: How amazing would it be to live in all this natural light?! Excellent mix of textures, and a great reminder that rugs can act as large scale artwork and bring depth and interest to a big wall. I love the graphic painted bench/low cabinet! This could be an easy DIY idea!
Pic 4: Another amazing home with so much natural light. Similar to pic no. 3, a great mix of textures and although the 70s are notorious for the use of wood paneling, I feel like the way it's used here still feels fresh and gives the space a "modern rustic" feel. Love the bright yellow sofa in the back and bold modern artwork scattered throughout. I could imagine spending a wonderfully relaxed weekend afternoon just lounging in this space.
I hope you've enjoyed taking a little step back in time with me. It just goes to show that good design is timeless. Maybe some ideas from the 1970s will inspire you today in 2012?
Thank you again Igor for having me on the blog today, and please follow more of my mundane musings over at Happy Mundane (happymundane.com) as well as find me on Instagram and Twitter (@happymundane).
I am in love with that bold hued painting by Josef Albers (see second picture).
ReplyDeleteAll the interiors you've chosen are so warmly autumnal.
thanks for sharing
Laura
i love your guests!!!Happy weekend!!!:)
ReplyDeleteLove it!
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your great comments!!! Very appreciated!
ReplyDeleteThis is fantastic to see; very nostalgic.
ReplyDeleteI love: the sofa and piano stool in the second photo and the architecture in the third.
I don't love: the ceiling in the first photo. It makes the ceiling feel like it's moving in on the rest of the room. Very claustrophobic. I'm baffled by how fashionable this used to be!(can anyone remind me what it was called?) And the black walls in the next photo. One black wall I can get on with. Four black walls just say teenage angst to me and again, feels very claustrophobic.