apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

It seems things come back as HOT after about 30 years; hence the 70s are hot now. This kitchen set, very typically 50s, was probably THE thing to collect in 1985. Sadly, in 2005 it just looks old (to me) and evokes "Joanie Loves Chachi."

I feel the thing about "retro" stuff like this is...it can be cool, but unless your retro stuff AND your home are both in perfect shape, then it can look like you just have sad, old, hand-me-downs.

I agree with Dorianne that the set needs a more pulled-together context. Working in its favor is that genuine 1960s bright blue, a uniquely obnoxious color that was often paired with bright grass green. Put that dinette set up against a green wall -- even one of today's more chartreuse greens -- and set the table with one of the livelier period patterns of everyday china (Red Wing has some doozies that aren't over-collected yet), and you might have something. Even jadite would cheer things up a bit.

Yes. You need your floor to not be grey to pull this off. But that's why they're selling it and you're buying, whoever you are, because it's a look that's not working for them anymore and it's one that you can see potential in. Meanwhile, I think that it would be fun to do one of those new kinds of linoleums that can be cut into big shapes, kind of like some of the ones they used to do way back then, too. But I must 2nd the motions of dorianne and wende -- these pieces must showcased in a context that make them pop and shine, and I think those new lime greens would be a perfect foil.

I love it, but I like color.

Well, no. I love the idea of it. I don't think this is the most impressive expression of that idea.

My major problem with this set is actually all the studs across the backs of the chairs; I also don't like the leg caps. I'd have something similar made in Zodiac Naugahyde (like Target's infamous Lucy chairs). The same companies that make them often make formica tables with inlays, a chance to bring some of the other necessary obnoxious colors in the room. But you have to really be committed to this kind of look: Fiesta-ware, vintage kitchen ware, maybe some kind of punk-Mexicana theme (oilcloth or dishtowel curtains, Day of the Dead theming). It's not sleek, it's not really sophisticated. It is what it is. My fiance and I are considering something like this for our new home, but I think we're looking for something a little more refined. (& because I like certain "80s pop" elements, faux-Memphis stuff, etc, the 80s-influenced-50s is perfect for me... and should be fashionable in another 5-10 years, ha ha.)

Williams-Sonoma has a similar set now, but the lines are a little better, and the vinyl comes in either a limezest green or a pale yellow. Someone who likes this style but not the particulars of this set might be interested in checking it out.