Tag: retro

Drexel Declaration furniture is one of our favorite midcentury designs, because of the lovely way it bridges modern and traditional styles. This Drexel Declaration grandfather clock, though: Decidedly modern — heading toward flower power even! All photos: UrbanAmerica on ebay.

I hadn’t even focused on the fact that there was a Drexel Declaration grandfather clock — although now that I go looking I see it in our catalog (link below).

The clock is 60″ tall, 14″ wide, and 9″ deep. The clock movement is Lanshire.

Looks like this was cutting edge in spring 1964. We love it!

Thank to ebay seller urbanamerica for giving us permission to show these photos. They have the clock for sale, pickup only in Long Beach, Calif, here.

More stories about Drexel Declaration:

• A catalog in my collection and a bit of history on the designers.
• Catherine’s brochure and some reader photos.
• Vintage furniture — 10 of our favorite designs.

The post Drexel Declaration grandfather clock — 1964 beauty appeared first on Retro Renovation.

Are you restoring a vintage trailer and need retro vinyl for the seating? How about vinyl for your tiki barstools … or kitchen dinette … or outdoor patio set? After we wrote about IFSCO’s stash of New Old Stock vinyls last year, the company sent us a box of samples. I just wanted to report: 

Squeeeeee, I love this stuff. It’s beautiful, and although I am not an expert in vinyl quality, it seems really high quality to me. The backing… the cushioning… is so… thick and cushiony.

Also, I love the embossed flowered pieces. It’s like they are “quilted” — just like I imagine I remember at Grandma’s house. Above: The only color left in the Palace collection is the Brass — I received an 8″ x 10″ sample in my package and it is just wonderful! I can only imagine what the Olive would have looked like, be still my 70s heart.

Above: Some of the floweries in my package of samples. Aren’t they wicked awesome wicked Granny Ranch cool?!

These IFSCO vintage vinyls are another find that I kind of h*** putting out there, because I might need some for a project soon, and then it will be all gone. Case in point: The Tobago vinyl above is new to their site since I last went to look — it would be fantastic for tiki bar stools and furniture. And lookie those fabulous colors!

Link love: IFSCO 1960s vintage vinyls

See our other stories on IFSCO products by clicking here or on this photo:

The post Vintage vinyl upholstery fabric for your vintage trailer, kitchen chairs, tiki bar, patio set, or dollhouse appeared first on Retro Renovation.

I first laid my everlovin’ child-of-the-’70s eyes on Drexel Whimsy vintage furniture in 2011. Sightings since then have been virtually nil, but now — a very exciting email from Michigan, where there is a complete set of bedroom furniture for sale. Up for grabs is: a bed, end table, low dresser, tall dresser, modular corner desk with chair — and even a coordinating bedspread. At first glance, the painted design on this furniture appears wackadoodle. But look more closely: It is very planful — certain parts of some flowers aren’t even painted, the natural finish of the wood is part of the design.

My big fat crazy crafty epic retro office remodel – the series.

What do you think? Are our nearest-dearest design preferences set when we are… about 16? I sure think mine were.

The corner treatments — the gold L-pieces — make this “campaign style”. Well, 70s-campaign-flower-power-mash-up-style.

Kate also spotted the wonderful drawer pulls — Drexel’s attention to detail was terrific. And see up close how you can see that certain flower petals and middle parts of flower peek through to the natural wood?

The desk looks like it fits into a corner.

See how paint trends come … and paint trends go…?

The 70s saw a revival in Victoriana… hipsters o’ that time were pulling stuff out of their grandparents’ attics, basements and bedrooms… and reinventing it with paint. Lots of paint. Of course, a few decades later, many folks regretted messing with the original finishes…. Did you see my story –“Is it a decorating mortal sin to paint wood furniture — three votes yes, two votes no” on The Huffington Post“ earlier this week? I am now blogging for HuffPost on occasion…. they don’t pay me, but it’s good added exposure for RetroRenovation.com, don’t you think? 

If you want to nab this Drexel Whimsy bedroom set:

• It’s available for sale, located in Brighton, Michigan (near Ann Arbor). The asking price is $2,700 for the set. Contact: info@accreditedmngt.com
• Note, from the same estate there is a Drexel Declaration dining room set. Table and chairs are $950, buffet is $550.

More eye candy, retrolicous furniture designs from our archive:

• Drexel Plus One — I adore this one, too!
• Not to be confused with Broyhill Chapter One.

The post My 16-year-old me wants this furniture and wants it NOW appeared first on Retro Renovation.