MONTHLY MID-CENTURY MAKEOVER

After a somewhat long hiatus I am ready to continue the monthly Mid Century makeover segment of this blog. Since I've covered all the major rooms of the house I thought I'd move on to the basement. Basements in the 50s were utilized much the same way they are today. They were rec rooms, laundry rooms, play rooms, they were extra space to do something fun with. Here are a few examples of what basements looked like in the nifty fifties, hopefully it will give you some idea of what to do with yours. 

Rec Rooms

Basements are a great place for kids and teens to hang out and play. Giving them their own space to be rambunctious is a great way to save your furniture and rugs.

Better Homes and Gardens 1954

Of course, parents can enjoy the play room as well. In the example below, games have been tiled into the floor, they're always there and there's nothing to clean up afterwards!

 

Better Homes and Gardens 1954

Entertaining

If you don't have kids, considering using the space to entertain guests. This is especially nice for ground floor basements that open into the backyard. This basement is serving both purposes, with one half for the kids, and the other for the adults. Peg board was used for the walls to easily hang toys, and all the walls fold down to reveal hidden storage. 

Better Homes and Gardens 1955

This room is by far my favorite. It works great for both teens and adults. I love the television and color scheme!

The American Home 1956

 As amazing as the above image is, most basement rooms were not unlike living rooms, just another place to relax with your family. Unlike the living room, this room would usually contain a TV.

The American Home 1956

Ladies Home Journal 1955

If the room was going to be a multi-purpose space, vinyl sliding partitions were often used.

Better Homes and Gardens 1957

If you want to go all out for the ultimate hang out place, consider transforming a fireplace into an indoor barbecue.

Better Homes and Gardens 1957

Laundry Rooms

Just like today, the basement usually housed the laundry room. Women who were home all day didn't want to go into a dingy basement to wash clothes, and they didn't like leaving their toddlers upstairs unattended, so they often created small play areas. That way, they could take their time folding clothes and still keep an eye on their kids. 

Better Homes and Gardens 1954

This clever lady is also using her laundry space as a sewing room. She can easily hem and patch while waiting for her laundry.

Ladies Home Journal 1955

I hope this has given you some inspiration for your basements potential! Next month we'll be looking at some outdoor areas and how to get your backyard ready for summer.

Common Problems With Your House And How To Fix Them

Is your house feeling a little under the weather? Have you been neglecting those little problems you notice everyday? Perhaps you've recently moved into an older home and it could use a little TLC? Here is a list of some common problems that can occur in older home, and how to fix them. 

Symptoms: Plaster cracks, uneven wall-board, bumpy joints, lacerations, nicks and abrasions of wall                   surface.

Diagnosis: Wallpox.

Prescription: For minor cracks, nail holes, and other abrasions, fill with any commercial wall putty using a flexible putty knife. Use cross-strokes and down-strokes over each dent or bruise. When filled carefully, repaired abrasions will not need sanding. For larger cracks, use a wide plasterer's trowel for a smoother finish. When it comes to large holes or uneven/bumpy walls and joints it's best to call in a professional. While the the tools and products aren't complicated to use in these situations, it does take a certain amount of skill to get a smooth, flawless finish.  

Symptoms: Blackened brick facing, smokey fireplace, flames shooting from chimney when fire is                        hottest.

Diagnosis: Hearth Failure.

Prescription: Before doing anything, have a specialist inspect your fireplace to ensure the damper and                      flue are working correctly. If your flue does not open correctly it could cause flames to                      come into your home instead of up the chimney. For minor carbon and tar build up try                        burning a specially prepared chemical compound, such as the Chimney Sweeping Log.                        For a more serious build up, wire bristled chimney sweeps are available at any                                  hardware store. If climbing on your roof is not your cup of tea, consider hiring a                                professional chimney sweeper.

Symptoms: Sudden collapse of window sills and baseboards. Appearance of swarming, thick-                              waisted, winged insects.

Diagnosis: Termitis..

Prescription: Not successfully cured via home medication! Call in a termite specialist to exterminate                      professionally. Be sure to check the exterminator's qualifications and hire someone who                      is licensed in your state. Cost is usually based on the square footage of your home and                      starts at around $1,300.

Symptoms: Listless kitchen floor coverings with stained, scuffed, and abraded surfaces, but basically                    not worn.

Diagnosis: Linoleum Scurvy.

Prescription: Level out minor scratches by gently sanding with light sandpaper. Remove the old layer                      of top wax by using a scrubbing pad and a lot of elbow grease. Using a linoleum                                cleaner at full strength, without watering it down, works great. Once all the wax is                              removed, apply two or more coats of acrylic wax, available at your local hardware                              store. Be sure to follow the directions on the wax product you purchase

Symptoms: Over-varnished, discolored, and drab floors with gouges, furniture scrape-marks, or                            scuff marks. 

Diagnosis: Floorosis.

Prescription: Rent a floor sander and remove the top layer of varnish down to original wood. Be sure                      your floors are actually hard wood, and not soft wood, before you begin sanding. Apply                      a wood sealer. Once sealer has dried, wax floors according to directions on your wax                          product.

Now you have the skills to take care of your home's ailments! Remember to always consult a professional for serious problems, or if you feel uncomfortable making minor repairs yourself. 

1961 Time Capsule Home For Sale in Seattle

After a brief hiatus I am back to blogging and will be updating weekly. I will be continuing the Mid-Century Makeover series next week, but right now I wanted to share with you an amazing home for sale right here in Seattle.

This amazing home, located across from Salmon Bay Park, has been meticulously restored to it's 1961 condition and it will blow you away. 

First, check out this gorgeous, open space living room with spectacular vaulted ceilings and gas fireplace.

Next, the dining room opens onto the period kitchen, which is to die for, in my opinion.

I bet you couldn't wait to get to work in this home office! 

Look. At. That. Floor. (Don't worry, there's a pink bathroom as well.) 

This house features 2 bedrooms. This is not the master, but it's my favorite because of the vanity and that AMAZING seat.

If all of that wasn't enough for you, CHECK OUT THE WET BAR!!! I don't even need to say anything about it, the picture is enough.

You can get more info and see the rest of the photos by visiting http://www.realfx.com/listing/776392-6742-21st-ave-nw-seattle-wa/