Mad Men Style; Mid-Century Modern Interiors Today

I don't know about you, but I have always felt that I was born in the wrong era.  

Being a baby boomer, I've always loved the 1940s and 1950s.  I guess

 my parents' glamour had something to do with it.   

As a little girl I'd eagerly watch my Mom don her wig, tailored dresses 

(that she'd sewn herself), and carefully apply her hip cool makeup.

I longed for the days when I could do the same.

I loved Swing and Crooner music way before it was 'cool to do so'.  

So when the HBO series Mad Men first aired, you can imagine my joy! 

Although the treatment of women as second class citizens clashes 

with my libertarian ideals,

 the drama of rat pack fashion, modern interiors and martinis just makes me swoon. 

  I will admit to Don Draper having the same affect on me, though I digress.

Today,  I have selected some interiors that hearkens to the Mad Men era. 

Mid Century modern with  a current modern 2013 twist.  

Drama in jewel tones.

The current IKAT print and muted tones make you want to purrrr.

Wood paneling hearkens to the past.

There is nothing in this snap shot that doesn't make me want to live here. 

 The humongous chandelier is just so vavavoom glamorous!

Mod rug and vibrant colors keep this look current and fresh.

 A dramatic chandelier - hung low - creates moody vibe.

Turquoise, clean lined vinyl sofa  and spark setting - simple yet alluring.

Gorgeous focal point, with  unusual overhead lighting.   

Makes you want to peek beneath!

You'd  think Dean Martin will crawl out of the wood work, both in the snaps shot above and below.

Spin some  Crooner LP's (did I say LP's?) and mix some  martinis in a  chill setting.

 The Saarison table, in white, pops against the peacock blue walls.
Fresh photography teases the eye upward.

Simplicity at its' best.  

Clean lined with hip lighting - today's styling with yesterday's  look.

Retro look  but with current  print and chandelier.  

  Rugs add punch.  Crisp and classic.

Enjoy!

Tangerine Tango - Colorspot

It takes two to tango.  I should know.  I really do tango! 

 I have been dancing for more than fifteen years now,

have danced in the tangueria's of Buenos Aires, know the difference between an

'ocho' and 'gancho' and speak Spanish.  Tango is not something I am unfamiliar with. 

It is full of passion, romance, energy and drama. 

The perfect description for Pantone color of the year, Tangerine Tango.

It didn't surprise me when I read that the reason tangerine tango was picked  as quoted by

 Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®.

"Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange

 with a lot of depth to it, reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, it marries the

vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow,

to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”

For interiors : "Energize interior spaces with Tangerine Tango patterned home accessories.

Pillows, bedspreads and tabletop accessories in this high-impact hue add spice to any room".

"Or incorporate Tangerine Tango appliances and personal electronics for an unexpected pop of color. 

 Looking for an inexpensive way to perk up your home?  

Paint a wall in Tangerine Tango for a dynamic burst of energy in the kitchen, entryway or hallway."

This vibrant color can be seen on the market already, in not only home furnishings

such as bedspreads, picture frames, vases and lamp shades,

but all over the fashion runways and on daring fashionistas.

Afraid to go whole hog?  No need to!  Use this hot hue to spice up your life, by adding dashes of it

as seen here in an interesting upholstered adn tufted armchair that screams sit down! 

A bold color on occasional chair, that you will not tire of for a long time to come.

Below, a staircase invites you to come on up and see what's happening on the landing above. 

 Notice the bold stripe painted onto the wall, like a bold highway lane.

This little number below can easily be repainted when perhaps next year's color of the year grabs your fancy. 

An easy do it yourself (diy) project, it can transform any room in your home within a few hours! 

The striped orange rug adds texture and more pizazz.

Pops of this delectable hue can be found in jewellery, hats, handbags, shoes and everybody's favorite -

 bright lipstick shades - are being spotted on women who are aching for an early spring.

Orange is more versatile than people think.  Below it is paired with a cream background and

turquoise armoire,  Pantone's color of the year of 2011!  Tangerine can be paired with hot pinks for an

 Indian feeling of exoticism, or browns for a trendy 70's vibe. 

Use your imagination, that's what experimenting with color is all about.

You can energize your senses and take a leap of faith as seen in the great room below,

 and the edgy art decor inspired bar by Steve Gambrel.

Strongly more muted shades for those of us who don't have the desire to be drenched in color,

 but do long for a bit of a punchy perk can be seen below.

I can tell you this much, you have to be a little daring to put on those strappy dance shoes and

 find the local tangueria, so if you've got that kind of passion,

 I am sure you can paint a wall or two this cheery color! 

 Heck,  maybe  it will inspire you can pick up a tango lesson or two in the process.

Enjoy!