I inherited my two favorite interior style reference books from my mother: The Better Homes and Gardens Decorating Books from 1956 and 1975 (cover above). Too bad my mom never really chance to test out her interior decor skills since we lived in military housing for many years. But I enjoyed looking through these books as a child--the rooms really stirred my imagination. And then in the 80s as a teen, I remember hating these books because I thought the rooms looked ugly and dated. But what did I know--with my crunchy permed hair and bangs teased into a giant bouffant on my head, I was hardly the authority on style or taste.
Here are some images from the book...
Aside from the creepy mannequin sitting on the bookshelf, this is one of my favorite images from the 1975 book. I like the bold yellow contrast with the black. The red ladder is a nice touch.
Though this isn't a bed I'd buy for myself, I like the graphic quality of it. The ceiling is made of mylar!
This would be such a nice tree mural to have in the house.
These sliding art panels are a really cool idea.
Anyway, I'll post images from the 1956 book shortly!
i have this book too! I love it so much! So many great ideas!
Posted by: jon | April 09, 2007 at 11:12 PM
seems like a fabulous book, really like those art panels!
Posted by: Maditi | April 11, 2007 at 12:37 AM
Yes, orange was THE color in the 70s. I really like looking back. You have chosen some great images. Many of these concepts, while laughed at in the 90s, perhaps, don't look half bad now. It certainly was a creative time. I have the accompanying kitchens on my blog of that time period in its own category. Interesting stuff, all of it.
Posted by: susan | April 11, 2007 at 05:37 AM
I inherited this book too. Can't help but notice all of the trellis pattern that is so all over the place now. Love it
Posted by: Kelley | April 13, 2007 at 02:38 PM
Great info, thanks a lot!!! I wish I will have such a writing skills.
Posted by: PODO | May 20, 2007 at 12:13 PM
I like this book...It has so many great decorating ideas....!
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