Mid Century Modern Decorating and Kitchen Ideas from May 1961

 "Good News in home furnishings"... in the Family Circle magazine of  May 1961 looked like this:

 Left: "Designer Allan Gould's space-problem solution--a storage system with supporting poles (some wired for lighting fixtures), shelves, cabinets, hi-fi and-turntable unit, stereo speakers, record rack, magazine rack, and dining table.'

Top Right:" Lawrence Peabody designs a modern bedroom that's easy to live in. It features a tilt-for-reading headboard, a night table (with a plastic-surface drop-down door that's big enough for a breakfast tray), a plastic-upholstered bench, a wicker chair with zip-off cushion covers."

Lower Right: "Industrial designer Walter P. Baermann's revolutionary concept for the production of living-room furniture uses one-piece molded seating frames with polyurethane cushioning. This brings you sofas for under $200 and chairs for under $100, with zip-off upholstery for redecoration, for replacement, of for seasonal changes."

An easy 'queen bed' was to have one headboard with twin beds.

 Kitchen Ideas To Adopt or Adapt

"A cutting board bolted to a shallow cabinet built next to a range extends the cook's work surface a much-needed two feet. Closet holds supplies for which there was no wall-cabinet space, since windows line wall opposite the range in this tiny L-shaped kitchen."

I note the copper pan, turquoise coffee pot and salad bowls, and the pink stove top.(In 1978 our parsonage had a pink refrigerator that was replaced after it broke down twice!)

"Colors in this kitchen--white, pink, orange, and brick red--blend with those in family room beyond. White of cabinets reappears in floor of family room; orange walls are picked up in counters; appliances' pink is repeated in family room curtains."

The corner sink gives me shudders, since we lived with one! It was quite small and next to the dish washer and stove. It was a one-cook kitchen.

Lower Left: "This well-equipped kitchen mixing center serves also as a planning desk, a snack bar, and a place to display decorative and useful antique containers and jars. Metal inserts in drawer next to mixer hold flour and sugar. Mixer swings into cabinet when not in use."

Upper Right kitchen is in seven colors and has mahogany cabinets!

I had no idea that kitchen had drawers for dishes back in then.

+++++

May 1961 Fashions

The Everywoman's Family Circle issue of May 1961 focused on new summer fashions.

"An all-purpose dress of this type, simply stated, is perfect for summer long wear. The motif: A refreshing fern print in shades of green on white. Solid green piping outlines the back-plunged neckline and armhole. A corded belt of matching green ties in front. Available only in the coloring pictured. Sizes are 8-16. About $35. Designed by Eddy George for Casual Time. Bracelet is by Monet."

 "On a summer evening you'll be enchanting in a dress such as this. Its soft textured silk top has small windowpanes cutouts and bows at the back, short sash ends in front. The bouffant skirt of embroidered silk organza has an airy quality perfect for dancing. Color combination is blue and white or orange and white. Sizes 8-16. About $55. Made by De Michel Originals. Necklace and earrings by Laquna."

 "This delectable dress, sheer and cool, is made in a new Celanese fortel-and-cotton fabric. Smocking trims the bodice and cap sleeves. The dress comes fully lined in its own color. You have a choice of coral, yellow, green, natural, or black. Sizes 8-18. Prices at about $45. Made by Sportations. The necklace and earrings are designed by Sandor Goldberger."

 "This combination play-swim outfit will have appeal for the youthful vacationer. All three parts--bra, closed cropped pull-over, and shorts--are in printed arnel sharkskin. The color combination is keyed to brown or black. Sizes 32-38. The complete outfit is priced under $12. It's a Lee Beachwear design."

"Whether you're at the beach, out for a sail, or in the country, these co-ordinates will serve as a complete playtime wardrobe. All are made in sturdy cotton duck. The sailing jacket with cowl collar, the knee pants, and the sleeveless top come in white only, banded in the coral-and-violet or tan-and-turquoise colors of the printed skirt. All are in sizes 8-16. The jakcet is prices under $12,. The pants are available for under $8. he sleeveless top is under $7. The full pleated shirt, under $13. Styled by Lyle Griswold for M. R. Fleischam."

"Gaily stripped sailcloth trimmed with daisy rickrack makes this swimsuit and matching jacket by Maurice Handlier. The strip color is yellow, helio, or black, combined with white. The suit in sizes 5-15 is prices under $24; the jacket in size S. M. or L, under $11. Sandals by Capezio."

 "One of the best-liked of current fashions is the two-piece middy dress. The attractive version pictured here is in spun rayon. A notched hem and simulated pockets add interest to the top. Color is yellow, mint, turquoise, or melon, with white piping, In sizes 8-20. Under $15. A Miss Brett design. Jewelry is by Marvella."

 "What could be ore appropriate to wear in your leisure hours than this two-piece of Celanese tricot? The brief-sleeve top has a banded boat-shape neckline and a pleated back panel. Knife pleating gives fullness to the bias-cut skirt. Color is white, turquoise, pink, lemon, lilac, or navy. In sizes 8-18. The top is under $9; the skirt, under $13. Designed by Koret."

"Separates like these, made for action and pretty to look at as well, will add much to your fun life. They're perfect for bowling or any activity where ease of movement is essential. The fabric here is arnel sharkskin. The colors are only as shown--pristine white, with skirt godets and sleeves of blue and yellow. Sizes 8-16. The top is prices under $10. The skirt under $15. Casino Classics makes them."

The Red Ball Summerettes shoes by Bali-Band ad shows a White Stag outfit.

A Simplicity patterns ad featured great separates.

This model's hair reminded me of Laura Petrie's hairstyle in the Dick Van Dyke Show.

The Dick Van Dyke Show did not air until October, 1961. It was my favorite show as a girl. I wanted to be Laurie.

Sigh.

Anybody else wish we had clothes like those today? According to the U. S. Inflation Cost Calculator, in today's prices that first dress would today cost $274.76! The bowling or sport separates, instead of $15, today would set us back $117.75.

Yikes.