Virtue Brothers of California Chrome Dinettes: Retro Tables and Chairs

Atomic Age Chrome And Formica Tables
I frequently hunt for old catalogs and magazine advertisements to help me date and identify kitchen collectibles and furnishings. These wonderful 1950's Virtue Chrome Dinette table and chair advertisements were spotted at http://lindathompson.blogspot.com along with Linda's tale of how she found the Formica table of her dreams for peanuts.

1950's Kitchen Tables

For me, what is great about finding old advertisements is that you get a chance to see how the original tables and chairs were sold. You can review the style of the legs, the color of seat covers as well as the Formica table top.

Mix and Match

I often find sellers who have married chairs to tables. For the home owner who wants a Retro look and doesn't need to have a completely original set, mixing and matching is fine.

But it sure is fun to see how these wonderful table and chairs look as they were originally sold.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Entertaining Retro Style With Colorful Lazy Susan Snack Dishes And Party Trays

Time To Have A Retro Party And Take Out Your Vintage Party Trays And Snack Sets

Entertaining Retro style can be so much fun. And you can really get mixy matchy here and put together snack and beverage items that are from different decades but when placed together they look really cool.

I'.m loving the Lazy Susan shown on top with great 1950s colors and ceramic snack dishes that fit together like a puzzle. Why on earth don't more people use these treasures at home parties?

Mix And Match Retro Party Serving Pieces

And look how fab the yellow ball pitcher (probably 40s) is with the 1970s snack tray? A match made in vintage heaven. I have no idea about the age of the colorful cocktail glasses sitting on the tray, but the whole ensemble works.



Using A Lazy Susan Tray For Organizing Craft Items

You will find a full range of vintage snack sets and trays out there. My experience has been that they do not fly out the door of most shops, so you will be able to find your dream colors. You can even find two tier ones like the orange and white Lazy Susan below. Besides serving refreshments with these compartmentalized dishes, they are great for displaying vintage jewelry in a shop or using in a home craft studio to organize small items such as buttons, beads, trinkets etc.!

Photos Courtesy of The Seymour Antiques Company, Seymour CT.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Dating Old Kitchen Enamelware Pots By Color

Retro Kitchen Pots Come In A Variety of Colors: From Pastels to Harvest Colors

This photo of sauce pots that I spotted at The Seymour Antiques Company, Seymour, CT offers me an opportunity to talk about using color to determine the age of kitchen-wares.

For those of you who are familiar with my book "Hot Kitchen and Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s Second Edition" (Collectorbooks.com) you may remember that I included a ice chapter on Enamelware.

In summary, pastel colors were popular in the 1950s. Red and white was an earlier color combination. Green (as shown) was moving into the 1960s, become more Muddy into the 70s. Although not shown, other Harvests colors such as Gold, Brown, Orange were also Disco Decade 70s colors.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists

Using An Old 1950's Refrigerator As A Showcase For Your Antique And Collectibles Displays

Retro Refrigerator Works Great For Displaying Collectibles

What a hoot finding an old 1950s refrigerator used as a display case to show off tschotkes they sell at Anthropologie in Manchester, Connecticut. I walked into the store and shortly found this old turquoise refrigerator open and stuffed with goodies such as candy dishes, ceramic plates, cookie jars, towels etc.

Wire Racks Work For Display Shelves

Everything that was placed in the refrigerator were items that were for sale. The wire racks were pulled out as display shelves. The inside of the doors were also used to present wine and bar accessories8including wine glasses and wine bottles as props.

Even The Plastic Vegetable Bin Works To Display Items

Every nook and cranny of the refrigerator was utilized for showcase space. Even the plastic vegetable bin or cheese bin was pulled out and had books for sale propped inside the handy compartment.

Buying A Vintage Refrigerator

This ideas is way too cool to forget, It's not that easy finding old turquoise refrigerator buy and to use. I have come across a few buyers who have acquired them for use as
"collectibles' in a vintage kitchen or store window. But if the refrigerator is going to be used as display space...it might be possible to find "bruised" models that will work just fine for
showing off collectibles or collections in the home or in an Antique shop .

Where To Buy A Vintage Refrigerator

If you keep your eyes open, you will find shops that deal in old appliances that may have connections to old refrigerators. Or scout around junk shops, on-line auctions, Craigslist, old homes being sold and flea markets. But I've never seen an old refrigerator at a flea market. I like the idea of buying a Turquoise or pink or yellow refrigerator...but of course these will be harder to find.

Happy hunting!

Photos courtesy of Anthropologie in Manchester, CT.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

Rejuvenate An Old Metal Utility Table With A Funky 50s Inspired Re-Do

Turn A Drab Metal Utility Table Into Fifties Fab !

Look at this funky retro metal table I spotted in front of a shop called "Design By Consign" while strolling down Main Street in charming Sandwich, Massachusetts. This treasure was updated with a fresh coat of white paint and some terrific 1950's inspired shelf covering.

To be honest, I am not sure, what the shelf is covered with...but it looks terrific While the metal stand or table is older, the shelf coverings are made of new materials. You could of course use a piece of vintage barkcloth, old oil cloth, contact paper, fabric etc. But keep it hip!

Design By Consign

157 Main Street
Sandwich, MA 02563-2283
(508) 888-1877

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

Decorating Retro Kitchen Shelves With Black And White Check Contact Paper

Creating A Retro Look With Black And White Checks

Want to create an instant retro look for your kitchen or shop?

Just cover your kitchen shelves
with black and white check Contact Paper and instantly you will have a retro hip kitchen.

Shopping The Five And Dimes

Growing up, I remember covering everything with Contact Paper. After all you could walk to the neighborhood Five and Dime and find Contact Paper in every color and pattern imaginable.
I still have bookcases in my basement from my college years covered in Contact Paper to look like "wood grain".

Using Black And White Contact Paper

But more fun than Faux wood decor is covering kitchen shelves with a black and white check design. The photos shown here are of an old 1950s metal kitchen cabinet that I use in my shop, Kitsch n Stuff for displaying kitchen collectibles.

1950s Metal Kitchen Cabinet

The metal shelves were covered in black and white Contact Paper which really has a wonderful funky retro appearance. I use this cabinet for 1950s as well as 1960s collectibles. Look how terrific orange and yellow looks with the black and white. To add a little diversion , I added some vintage pottery in Seafoam green which seems to work quite nice with my orange, black and white theme. By the way, I have also used this cabinet for my 1940s red and yellow housewares and they to look fab on black and white shelves.

Where to Buy Black And White Check Contact Paper

Amazon
Aubuchon Hardware
Buy Cheapr

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

SNEAK PREVIEW: Hot Kitchen And Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Beyond SECOND EDITION

SNEAK PREVIEW: Hot Kitchen And Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond SECOND EDITION

My ever popular book in its new expanded edition is coming out this summer 2010. (in ONE MONTH) But you can order it now at Collectorbooks.com or Amazon.com or your favorite bookstore.

Here is what is NEW in my book Hot Kitchen and Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Beyond Second edition: You will find everything you love about kitchen collectibles and MORE. Twenty five plus contributors also added many new images to my personal huge collection.

There is a brand new chapter on American Dinnerware (Pottery Guild, Universal, Harker etc.) with all new images.

A fabulous NEW amazing chapter on toy kitchen collectibles. You have never seen a collection like this before.

And then there is a brand new section on chef themed collectibles. This is so much fun.

Housewares galore.....love my new pages on kitchen decals.
Loving all the new photos of vintage housewares and collectibles.

And now 60's and 70s kitchen collectibles have been added.

Product Description

Buckle your seatbelt, hold on tight, kitschy kitchen collector C. Dianne Zweig, editor of Iantiqueonline.com continues the informative and nostalgic journey back to the colorful eras of the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s in this revised second edition. Hot Kitchen and Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s, and Beyond is a favorite among collectors. Board the retro express, back to a time when homemaking and home décor was the key to keeping you and your family in stylish comfort. Readers who enjoyed going up and down the dime-store aisles or cherished their catalogs from Montgomery Ward or Sears will have just as much fun once again. This charming and well-researched 304 page resource book will capture your attention with over 500 full-color images of your favorite kitchen and home collectibles including kitchenware and pottery; everyday textiles; laundry, sewing, washday products, and accessories; bath and beauty essentials; vintage recipe and appliance booklets; magazines, advertising, and prints; as well as nursery and baby notions and décor.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

In The RED, With Red, White And Black Kitchen Collectibles

I'm In The RED, With Red. Black And White Kitchen Collectibles

What a ball I had in my shop Kitsch n Stuff when I brought in a vintage red painted shelf and an adorable 1960s red pocketbook and began to create a retro display of red, black and white kitchen and home collectibles.

Grouping together objects for this display was very easy. The inspiration came from my cute red shelf which I found a few weeks ago while visiting Camelot Village Antiques in Vermont and a great red pocketbook (Plantsville, CT).

I Came Home With The Red Shelf...Hooray!

The price tag had fallen off the shelf and I was worried that the shelf was NFS....Not-For-Sale. Nope the shelf would soon be mine (the staff member called the dealer and a price was agreed upon).

I Had To Have This Vintage Red 1960s Pocketbook

Next, I found the red pocketbook on another shopping trip. I'm guessing the pocketbook is from the 1960s. My grandmother had a closet filled with similar handbags. Oh how I wished I had saved them. Now what does a pocketbook have to do with kitchen collectibles? Nothing...but it was red and I liked the way it looked in my vignette. Once I decide on colors, it is simple to pull out the objects that go together. Don't be afraid to add objects to a display that do not make sense.....variety helps to create interesting presentations.

You might even say that the pocketbook goes with the kitchen collectibles. Think of it this way.....you need a pocketbook to hold the money that you use to buy the kitchen stuff!

Adding A Touch Of Yellow And Or Green Perks Things Up

I paired collectibles that had some combination of red and white or red and black or black and white or all three. And when I got bored with these matched objects, I threw in some yellow and a touch of green. Hey it all works. And do you love the large round red and white barbecue tray?
When I create displays, I always try to find a prominent item to use as colorful backdrop.


Using Vintage Canisters As Risers

Canisters are great for using as risers for small collectibles, You get double duty out of them because they help to prop up your collectibles but they can be sold as well so they are not taking up space for nothing.

So here are the items I added to my vignette:

Black and white three piece tea pot, sugar, creamer.

Black and White tin canister set.

Red pocketbook.

Red and White checkered tin barbecue tray

Black floral tin tray.

Polka dot fire chief dog planter (white, red, black).

White and red flour sifter.

Glass juice with red cherries.

S & P's Rooster (red, white grey).

Vogart pillow, (black, white, grey, yellow).

Yellow pottery planter.

Crocheted pot holders, rose pattern, (white, red, green).

Ceramic Rooster (red and white).

Syrup (green plastic top).

Green Pyrex bowl.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

Looking At 1950's Kitchens: From The Pages Of Vintage House Beautiful Magazine

Gallery of 1950's Kitchens

Looking at old magazine and book photos is a great way to see color palettes, cabinetry, design elements, textures, textiles, accessories, furnishings, wall decor and more.

Thanks to the folks of House Beautiful Magazine, we get a chance to see a variety of popular 1950s kitchen styles.
Which of these pictures shows your dream kitchen?

These kitchens were advertised as "modern", "efficient",
"space saving", "revolutionary", "complete", "flexible" and "cheerful". Postwar homemakers could finally relax and enjoy reading House Beautiful Magazine with plenty of decorating advice for the Mid-Century housewife.

Revolutionary Ranch House Kitchen

This ranch-house kitchen also was chosen as a "pace-setter" in 1950, sporting a "revolutionary electric range." "This comes in separate units," the editors wrote. "The idea is to use as many four-burner tops, ovens, and storage drawers as space and need demand, in whatever combination is most appropriate. This flexibility of choice means you can have what you want, exactly where you want it, to cater to personal convenience."

Colorful and Gay Kitchen

A "pace-setter" in 1950, this kitchen was chosen for its more traditional look. "Traditionalists want a colorful and gay kitchen," according to House Beautiful editors back then. They wrote that the three pace-setters were "revolutionary because they actually offer complete kitchens as they are wanted today, planned according to the best standards of efficiency, time- and labor- saving. And besides this, they are all colorful and cheerful, with a real decorative quality which is related to the other rooms of the house in which they are built."

Pace-Setting Kitchen

This kitchen might not look contemporary today, but in 1950 it was ahead of its time — so much so that House Beautiful chose it as one of three "pace-setting" kitchens of the year. "When you can get a complete kitchen, laundry, and a place to eat into a space only about 12' square, it's a real achievement," the editors gushed. The kitchen boasted a cooking range bisected by a work counter, a hooded ventilator and grille to control cooking steam, odors, and grease built into the wall cabinets, and a washer and dryer in their own corner.

Source;
http://www.housebeautiful.com/kitchens/kitchens-1950s-0609

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

Collecting Poodle Collectibles For Your Kitchen and Home

American Housewives Love Poodles

Ooh la la, poodle collectibles are popular and if you look real carefully you will find oodles of poodles to collect from vintage housewares to clothing to jewelry.

It seems, American housewives were very enamored with French poodles after WWII. According to Elaine Butler, author of "Poodle Collectibles of the 50s and 60s" poodles and Parisienne themes were popular in the USA as servicemen were returning from France.

Poodles Were The Top Dog

Starting in the 1950s and carrying over into the 1960s, the poodle was the top dog! Poodle and Parisienne designs were everywhere... such as textiles, decor, ceramics, kitchen-wares, bathroom accessories, vanity, wallpaper. clothing, jewelry, lamps, planters and more.

Buying Spaghetti Poodles

Today poodle collectibles are scooped up quickly, especially Spaghetti Poodles. These popular ceramic figurines and planters have jumped in price in recent years. Expect to pay between $20.00 -40.00 and more for these delightful collectibles.

Tips About Buying Spaghetti Poodles

Be sure however, to check that your pooches are intact. If it is a set, are the pups included and what about the chain which link them together?
Also, many of these figurines had parasols, look carefully if there is any indication that something might be missing. It is o.k. to buy incomplete
figurines...just make sure the price is adjusted.

What Kind of Poodle Collectibles Are Out There?

tea towels....tablecloths.... canisters.... figurines.... aprons.... prints.... jewelry.... bookends....trays.... ....waste paper pails....wallpaper....shower curtains....plush oys....pocketbooks....hankies dresser sets....dinnerware greeting cards....playing cards...plush toys

Photos Courtesy of

http://www.dowahdiddy.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/angelnina


Books About Poodle Collectibles

Poodle Collectibles of the 50s& 60s by Elaine Butler (L-W Book Sales)
Spaghetti Art Ware by Wanda Gessner ( Schiffer Books)


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.

To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link:
C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.

Fifites Pink and Black Colors Back In The Kitchen

Flashback to the Fifties

Did you ever notice that when you are out antiquing that certain color combinations will trigger a sudden flashback.

This is what happens to me when I see the colors pink and black together. I first starting start smelling tuna fish and then my childhood appears. Why does this happen you ask? Because I am a child of the fifties..... and pink and black were hot colors back then! But why the tuna fish connection? Hang in there...this will make sense in just a moment.

Triggering Memories

My tuna fish salad sandwich on Wonder bread was stuffed into a brown paper bag and then packed into the lunch compartment of my black and pink school brief case. That brief case smelled of tuna fish no matter whay my mother packed each day.

I can picture this school bag as clear as day. Oh, how proud I was to carry a brief case. It was back in the 1950s when young gals wore navy skirts, white blouses and red ties on Fridays, the Assembly Day. These were the days when we played house or school, helped mom in the kitchen and imagined our own dream house some day.

Pink and Black is Black in The Kitchen

Today, many collectors are charmed by pink and black kitchen-wares. Interesting enough, younger collectors as well as baby boomers like pink. And major houseware manufacturers are also showcasing pink and black housewares, textiles and accessories. Because there is a trend to return pink and black back into the kitchen, be extra careful that when buying original 1950's kitchen-wares that you are actually buying authentic and not vintage style. Many small and large appliances are also being reproduced in these pastel colors...so buyer beware.

Where to Buy Original l Vintage Pink and Black Kitchen Collectibles and Textiles

http://www.picnicbyellie.com/

http://www.rickrack.com/tc3.html

http://www.cdiannezweig.com/

http://www.jazzejunque.com/

http://www.preservecottage.com/home.html


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.

To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link:
C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.

Retro Turquoise Housewares For Funky Fifties Style Kitchens

When I am out shopping for kitchen collectibles I am always excited to find something that we had in our own kitchen growing up. Even if you have not thought about the frying pan or toaster cover your mom and dad used back in the fabulous fifties, you get a rush of memories whenever you spot these relics at flea markets or antique shops.

As I have written about in my book "Hot Kitchen and Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and also in my second book "Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes", the colors pink and turquoise are very popular among retro and cottage collectors.

At the Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, Connecticut, owners Cindy and Doug have put in many hours showcasing retro collectibles in the in house "Crusin Cafe". Cindy has a great collection of turquoise cookware in excellent condition displayed as props in the cafe .
While Cindy's collection is not for sale, buyers will find lots of dealers in this huge and popular multi-dealer mall who carry plenty of retro and vintage kitchenwares. My booth called "Kitsch n Stuff" is loaded with kitchen collectibles in all colors.

When buying these items, be sure to check for chipping, stains, rust and missing parts. As I have stated in previous articles, it is perfectly fine to buy a covered pot that is stained or worn inside, if all you want to do is use your retro find as a shelf piece, but the price should reflect the condition. On the other hand if you find cookware in super condition inside and out...... expect the value to rise. Now a $4.00 dollar tag sale item, may just become a $40.00 "retro collectible".

Also prices vary greatly in different markets. Metro areas or regions near big cities fetch a lot more for "turquoise kitchen and housewares" than in other areas.

The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford
283 Main St. (Rte. 44)
New Hartford, CT 06057
(860) 379-2290
Open 7 Days, 10am - 5pm

http://www.collinsvilleantiques.com/

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.

To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link:
C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com


Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.

1950s: The Atomic Era-Pastel Color-Space Age Kitchen

Atomic Age

Dramatic changes would occur in the kitchens of the 1950's as space age, atomic era designs and materials entered the scene. The fifties kitchen featured plastics, pastel colors such turquoise or aqua, pink and yellow (cottage colors), Formica and chrome kitchen table and chair sets matched Formica kitchen counters and were easy to keep clean with messy little ones. After the war there was more time for leisure promoting kitchenware's and accessories for picnics, barbecues, parties and the home bar.



T.V. and the 50s
The introduction of color T.V. in the 1950s brought full color into America's living rooms where homemakers could now see all the exciting products and appliances available to them. Following World War II, there was a new generation of plastics and time for "gracious living" and entertaining. Photo of pink kitchen canisters, courtesy of www. preservecottage.com
The set shown is a great retro look!
Transitioning to Plastic

Kitchens and homes saw the transition from glass, ceramic and tin products to numerous types of plastics which made casual living easier. Melmac and Melamine dishes, Lustro-ware and Tupperware storage accessories and "thermowall" for picnics were a huge success. Vinyl was used for tablecloths, chair covers and furniture and bark cloth with boomerang and abstract shapes was popular. Tablecloths and dishcloths continued to be brightly colored and souvenir textiles were added to the home with tropical, Southwestern and Mexicana themes.

Poodles, roosters and designs with kitchen utensils, tea pots and coffee pots decorated potholders, appliance covers and linens. Appliances were built-in and came in fifties colors such as turquoise, soft yellow, pink and copper.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.

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Dianne is a member of: The American Society of
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Visit the Fabulous Fifties Group at Iantiqueonline.com

Plastic kitchenwares courtesy of Chris Lankford collection. Additonal photos are from http://www.dowahdiddy.com/dinnerware.htmlhtml