Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Book Inspired


I am on a big 1960s decorator kick, inspired by a tattered copy of the McCall's Decorating Book, purchased at the book sale at my local library for a cool $5. Published by Random House in 1964, the pictures are dripping with saturated color and pattern. In addition to the groovy photos, there are helpful hints about mixing patterns, hanging pictures, and terminology for popular furniture styles.


Want to see some of my favorite photos?






I'm feeling pretty inspired by the colors, patterns, and textures. Hope this fuels some ideas for the "I'm a Giant" Challenge!

Another new (vintage) book find is Puppenhaus-gebaut + eingerichtet (Dollhouse - built and furnished) by Dietrich Kirsch and Jutta Kirsch-Korn, a wonderful hobby book published by Otto Maier Verlag Ravensburg in 1968. This compact book, which I purchased on German eBay, offers instructions for building your own 1960s-era dollhouse, furniture, and accessories from simple materials.






I dig it -- you? Any good books to share?

My UMBRA giveaway is still going strong, but it ends on Sunday, October 23! Comment on the giveaway post here NOW CLOSED for your chance to win one of two amazing, fun products!
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22 comments:

  1. My RealittyOctober 19, 2011 at 9:48 PM

    OK The first one has me having flashbacks to my childhood! Hard to achieved that overdone look. Painted wicker anyone? :) CM

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  2. *annina*October 20, 2011 at 4:26 AM

    I love the book by kirsch-Korn and had it for a couple of years. The simple use of bold colours is amazing and really inspiring! Btw my edition is in English and was published by Watson-Guptil Publications, NY in 1969.

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  3. FabiolaOctober 20, 2011 at 5:18 AM

    An interesting book!
    Bye Faby

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  4. callsmallOctober 20, 2011 at 7:10 AM

    Hey, CM! Is your head still spinning from the flashback??! :)

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  5. callsmallOctober 20, 2011 at 7:11 AM

    Hi Annina! I agree--the designs are so simple, vibrant, and clean. Thanks for the tip on the English version. I will try to get my hands on one!

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  6. callsmallOctober 20, 2011 at 7:12 AM

    Thanks, Faby! Glad you like them!

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  7. *annina*October 20, 2011 at 7:16 AM

    You can actually get it on Amazon!

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  8. callsmallOctober 20, 2011 at 7:26 AM

    THANKS, Annina!! Easy!

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  9. RossOctober 20, 2011 at 3:05 PM

    Great findings! Love them!

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  10. callsmallOctober 20, 2011 at 9:27 PM

    Thanks, Ross! ;)

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  11. NeomigOctober 20, 2011 at 11:28 PM

    The first book reminds me on the Ideal"little princess" furniture and atmosphere!
    here one can see the ideal design of the American dream.....
    The second is a sweet book I 'm looking for for ages. I remember this one from my childhood and am looking for it for a long time.Thanks for all the tips!
    Neomi

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  12. maxmaxzedOctober 21, 2011 at 3:26 PM

    Wow so inspiring! I want one!

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  13. The Tiny KeyholeOctober 21, 2011 at 5:15 PM

    Love the first book particularly. I like the juxtaposition of the modern with traditional within the design. My favourite being the red and black walls in the living room with the very traditional paintings and frames.

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  14. callsmallOctober 21, 2011 at 10:20 PM

    Hi, Neomi! Yes, there is a lot about the McCall's book that evokes Petite Princess. You can get the second book on amazon -- have you tried?

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  15. callsmallOctober 21, 2011 at 10:21 PM

    Hi, Maxmazed! Glad you like the books!

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  16. callsmallOctober 21, 2011 at 10:22 PM

    Hey there, Tiny Keyhole! I love the walls in that red room too -- that's why I picked that picture. I was fantasizing about doing that in miniature!

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  17. JaniceOctober 22, 2011 at 4:23 AM

    I have vague memories of the 60's but one thing I do remember is the bamboo/wicker furniture we had in the first house we lived in Singapore. The books look very interesting.

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  18. The Tiny KeyholeOctober 22, 2011 at 6:24 AM

    I think it would look fabulous in miniature.

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  19. callsmallOctober 22, 2011 at 8:38 AM

    Hi, Janice! The book really captures the time...and there is a lot of bamboo and wicker!! ;)

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  20. callsmallOctober 22, 2011 at 8:38 AM

    I agree, Tiny Keyhole. I'm just not sure that I am brave enough to try it!

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  21. PamVOctober 24, 2011 at 4:18 PM

    I have a copy (in english) of the dollhouse pattern and instructions which came from an Australian Woman's magazine from the 70s. It is a special "pull-out" section of around 20 pages. Very Cool.

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  22. callsmallOctober 24, 2011 at 10:04 PM

    Hi, PamV! Wow--that sounds amazing! Do you have pictures posted online?

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