I had the occasion this past summer to stay in a Motel 6 here in the U.S. for the first time in many years. I was most pleasantly surprised at the new look of the room. It was simple, utilitarian, but perhaps best of all, something new in that it reminded me of mid-century America with a bit of a nod to Deco, 1950s "Space-Age" design and, perhaps, "The Jetsons."
If you ever wondered how it was like living in the old communist eastern Europe but were unable to do so before the wall fell? Here is your chance. In the heart of the former eastern side of Berlin lies a quite ordinary looking concrete apartment building that once was home to dozens of people, but today houses the quite unusual DDR-designed and inspired hostel (Ostel). Once inside, you have a selection that ranges from tastefully designed single or double rooms that let you travel back in time to relive the style of the 1960s and 1970s in Europe. If you are traveling in a bigger group you can get your own apartment that houses up to six people. Prices start at a very reasonable 9 euros per night and if you are traveling without a set of wheels, the Ostel also offers bicycle renting – and wireless Internet access for all of you who are not quite ready to let go. For more information and bookings, visit the Ostel website.
In the depths of Europe a hidden gem just became exposed. Anyone familiar with the golden age of aviation is most likely also very familiar with the airline Pan Am, who set the standard of modern aviation and swank traveling since the 1930s and onwards. The airline had hubs around the world and the airplane crew obviously needed places to stay when they were not high in the sky so Pan Am obtained apartments which pilots and stewardesses could utilize while they were jet setting around the world awaiting their next flight. One of those places is located in Berlin, Germany in a apartment house close to the Zoologischen Garten.
Look at these lovely vintage photos scanned from adverts in Fortune Magazine from 1963 and 1964. I love the way how clean and elegant everything is organized, the calming color schemes and use of typical mid-century rectangular angles. The furniture is designed Thonet Industries and Steelcase who has been active in designing office perihelia since 1912. For more Steelcase office photos and mid-century goodness, visit the Mid-Century Modernist blog which features lots and lots of ideas and inspiration for your interior decoration needs amoung many other things. [Thanks Fhardyfan]
Images via The Mid-Century Modernist
Famous architect Mies van Der Rohe was not only a architect - but also a designer. He designed among others the Barcelona and Brno series furniture. Today we are looking at some of his designs from the wonderful Barcelona series. Designed in 1929 for the German pavilion at the Barcelona exposition in Barcelona, Spain. I was fortunate to visit it when I was in Barcelona in December 2007 and I must say that it is quite the thing - a timepiece that always will remain modern.
Spring is officially here in Scandinavia, a good time to enjoy something new (or old). Warm colors, international design and clean lines are all trademarks of Danish designer and architect Arne Jacobsen. If you are in the process or remodeling or thinking about it here are some personal favorites of mine available to buy from Hivemodern.com. Enjoy!
Ultra Swank takes you back in time into the kitsch, chic and swank living of the 50s to the 70s. We mainly focus on the design, architecture and the lifestyle of the happy-go-lucky and space-age-living mentality from that era - but also on the mood music that takes you back to happier times. Ultra Swank is run by Chris who resides in Sweden. More | Contact
I lived in Stockholm for two years but I totally missed out on this cafe! Cafe Valand was opened in 1954 by Magdalena and her husband Stellan Åström whom also designed it. The cafe is located in the cute and lively area Vasastaden in Stockholm where it has sat frozen in time with its stylish [...]
This is Macy’s in New York circa 1964. Here you’ll find everything a swinging bachelor needs, from swank furniture to the latest music. Just look at the crowd of people outside waiting to get in, or are they just trying to get a cab during rush hour?
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Ultra Swank is your blast from the past that takes you back to a more civilized and elegant era with lush cocktail parties, retro design, tasteful architecture and dreamy mood music.
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