Groovy Wallpapers

If you really want to pump up the mid-century modern look in your home, consider a feature wall installation of wallpaper. As my previous post on wallpaper discussed, this time-tested application has come a long way since the days of pasting and then never being able to peel it off.

Bradbury & Bradbury has come out with two new collections specific to mid-century modern times. The Atomic Age is reminiscent of the “tropical tiki” and “sputnik” era. The Mod Generation reminds us of the conservative prosperity of the 1950’s through to the civil rights demonstrations, flower children and man’s journey to the moon. Here are some of my favourites from each:

Grete – Naugahyde

Boingo – Gray

Now What? in Ginchy Green

Nouveau in Sea of Green

Gee Gee Sage

The Retro Style of Bakelite

History

Dr. Leo Baekeland, a Belgian scientist, immigrated to the United States for better career opportunities. In 1907, while working as an independent chemist accidently discovered the compound of carbolic acid and formaldehyde. When he tried to reheat the solidified compound he discovered it would not melt, no matter how high the temperature. He trademarked the compound "Bakelite" as well as two other variations, "catalin" and "marblette" - today also referred to as Bakelite. This was the first completely synthetic plastic, therefore, Dr. Baekeland became the father of the present plastics industry.

Marketability

Due to its durability and beauty, Bakelite's uses were limitless. Its popularity grew very quickly, and within 15 years it had taken the world by storm. You could find everything from electrical plugs to ornate jewelry made from Bakelite. It was even used on the dashboard face of the Mercedes Benz car. Bakelite could be produced in a wide array of colors, but the most common were white, brown, green and red. Pieces dating back to the 1920s-1940s have oxidized and developed a wonderful patina that is sometimes a completely different hue than the original color. For example, white often turns to butterscotch, light blue changes to forest green, and pink turns to orange.

Original or Reproduction

So how do you determine if a piece is genuine Bakelite?

1. Smell
   When Bakelite is heated it has a very strong odor which comes from the carbolic acid in the composition. On some pieces you can release the smell simply by rubbing them hard with your thumb and creating heat. Others will need very hot water to release the odor. On some the odor is so faint you may not detect it.
2. Sound
   When you tap two Bakelite pieces together they will make a deep clunking sound, rather than the higher pitched clack of acrylic or Lucite plastics.
3. Hot Pin Test
   Bakelite is a thermoset plastic so it cannot be remolded with heat. To test if a piece is bakelite get a very very hot pin from an open flame source, then touch the pin to the item. If it is Bakelite it will not penetrate. It may give off the acid smell and it may leave a purple burn mark. If the pin penetrates or melts the plastic then it is not genuine Bakelite.
4. Formula 409
   This product works very well to test whether an item is Bakelite. Make sure the item is clean, wet the end of a Q-tip with Formula 409 then touch it to the piece. If the Q-tip turns yellow then the piece is genuine. If you believe a piece is Bakelite but it doesn't pass the 409 test, don't count it out. Sometimes polished Bakelite will not react or pass the test.

Although these tests are foolproof, they will determine if a piece is genuine Bakelite.

Stopped Production
Bakelite has always been known as "the material with 1000 uses," and it surely did earn this name. It is now treasured for its unique, irreproducible beauty. When the Bakelite patent expired in 1927, it was acquired by the Catalin Corporation that same year. They began mass production under the name "Catalin". The Catalin Corporation was responsible for nearly 70% of all phenolic resins that exist today.

In 1942 Bakelite-Catalin stopped sales of their colorful costume jewelry in order to concentrate on the nation's wartime needs. The company produced thousands of products that found their way into the military. By the end of the World War II, new technologies for molded plastics had been developed. These new products consisted of plastics such as Lucite, Fiberglass, Vinyl, and Acrylic - all which were molded. Thus, Bakelite and Catalin became obsolete, except in the hearts of collectors who still pursue it today.

Drapery and your mid-century modern style

One of the challenges when using MCM design style in your home is finding the right window covering(s). In keeping with minimalist ideals, hard window coverings such as roller shades, blinds or bare windows would be appropriate. However; I feel that hard window coverings just contribute to an already "hard" environment (wood furnishings, flooring, etc.) One way you can add warmth and visual interest to your room is utilizing soft window coverings such as floor to ceiling drapes.

Drapes work especially well in living rooms or bedrooms that have valances. You can install the hardware railing underneath the valance then the drapes will run on rollers for the length of the rod. This type of installation provides a nice clean look and will give a finished stack to the each side when the window is showing.

Here are some other things to think about when it comes to drapery in your home:

Custom or Off the Rack
Depending on your window, off the rack curtains can work well, if they are lined, and the appropriate length. Going custom provides you with unlimited choices in fabric and a plethora of workrooms to make your drapes. The greater Vancouver area has many sewing workrooms that can make draperies at a reasonable price.

Lining
Lining is important for three reasons; it provides additional weight in the hanging of the fabric; gives you a clean uniformed look from outside your home; and lining adds an additional layer for insulation.

Window Insulation
It has been proven that by installing drapes in your home, you will stop drafts from coming into the room as well as keep the warmth within the room. This in turn saves you money on your heating bill.

Sound Reduction
Drapes can help to drown out sound from outside.

Black Out
For those who need to sleep in complete darkness, add blackout liner to your drapes. You'll feel like you're sleeping in a hotel room.

Window Camouflage
Not all windows are beautiful, having draperies installed can hide many flaws that otherwise may be obvious.

Ambiance
Utilizing soft window coverings will provide your home with an atmosphere that you can’t achieve with the less formal hard window coverings, such as blinds or rollers.

If you’re interested in discussing how to add drapes to your home give ReVIBE a call!

Rain Chains

A rain chain is an alternative to the downspout component in a traditional rain gutter system. Rain chains are typically a series of metal cups, with a hole in the bottom of each, or chain links that span vertically, funneling water from a rain gutter to either a collection system or to the ground. Rain chains can be constructed from a variety of materials including aluminum, brass, copper and plastic. The most commonly used material, though, is copper which will naturally develop a vivid green patina over time from rain water and the elements.


Different styles of rain chains are available to suit the design of the given structure. Rain chains are typically affixed below a hole in a gutter to allow the water to be channeled to the chain below.

Benefits

• Channels water away from basements, walks and patios.
• Keeps the outside of your home or structure clean by preventing mud and sand from splashing up onto siding and windows.
• Protects the color of brick and concrete. No drip lines or discoloring.
• Protects concrete slabs from sinking and cracking.
• Provides an aesthetically different alternative to traditional gutter downspouts.
• Preserves stained wood decks, doors and garage doors from splash-ups.
• Stops landscape erosion.
• Due to otheir wonderful sound or “ch’i” they provide a positive energy flow for Feng Shui.

History
Originating in Japan and called "Kusari Doi," rain chains are presently used as an alternative to household rain gutters and pipes. The history of these wonderful rain chains date back hundreds of years, where Japanese households and temples would utilize them for collecting water and saving it for later use. Even today, rain chains are being utilized in households for the same purpose, making these ornate items functional for both your home and landscape.

Winging Their Way Back!

Originally created to protect royalty from drafts in those old stone castles, the wing chair is again falling into the "What's New for the Upcoming Year".

What I like about a wing chair is the comfort it provides for both reading and snoozing, add an ottoman and you’ve got an all out lounger! You can’t go wrong with purchasing a quality wing back chair. They will always be popular, whether they are at the top of the trend list or not.

Hans J. Wenger/Carl Hansen Wing Chair
In 1960, Danish designer Hans J. Wegner created an upholstered modern version of the wing back chair which saw only limited production. Now, Carl Hansen & Son, the Danish furniture maker, has dusted off the drawings to bring this contemporary classic back to life. With its calm, clean lines and exceptional comfort - hallmarks of Wegner's best work - the Wingchair's timeless appeal has won awards at IMM Cologne 2006 and at the Copenhagen International Furniture Fair.

Tom Dixon Wing Chair

Traditionally manufactured, fully upholstered high-back lounge chair.Solid wood frame with mohair velvet upholstery and solid turned leg with black lacquered or natural finish. Mohair velvet available in 15 colours.

Alexandra Angle's Wingback Chair

From Aqua Vitae Design - a modern take on the classic wingback chair. Available in available in different fabrics and sizes. Comfortable by design and a twist on the traditional style.

I will be taking the next two weeks off for Christmas break but will be back in 2009 with fresh ideas. All the best to you and your family this holiday season!