Manage Your Life

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

"Mad Men"–inspired home decor

By Kimberly Fusaro

Don and Betty Draper’s Kitchen

You might not covet everything in this kitchen—those appliances don’t look EnergyStar approved—but there are plenty of throwback accents that would work in a more contemporary setup. Designer and stylist Heather Colette of HCL Design Studio suggests mixing vintage-style goods with contemporary pieces to keep the room’s look fresh.


Teapot
After a brisk fall day, nothing sounds more welcoming than a whistling teapot. This one has a spout-top whistle and a button on the handle to release it. The six-cup version of Revere’s Copper Bottom Teakettle is almost identical, but its handle is made from an of-the-moment cool-touch material, so you won’t need a potholder when you’re pouring. $29.99; Amazon.com



Rotary Phone
Before house phones were abandoned in favor of PDAs and e-mail, a distraction-free phone call (from your kitchen, not your car) was the best way to catch up. Bring back the afternoon chat with Crosley’s 1940s Retro Wall Phone. The cord keeps you tethered to one spot (so chores can’t sidetrack you from the conversation) and the rotary-style dial only looks antique—it’s actually composed of touch-tone buttons. $59.95; ThePhoneResource.com



Curtains
Regardless of the decade, cafe curtains—which afford privacy while letting in a healthy amount of light—are perfect for kitchen windows. These feature culinary-themed designs, vegetables and salt and pepper shakers. For a similarly whimsical look, consider a floral and butterfly print by Country Curtains or a PB Solutions set that offers the convenient shape without a homey pattern. For real-deal antique goods, stylist Dana Faith hunts for treasures in vintage shops, like What Goes Around Comes Around in New York City. eBay.com also has a wealth of homespun linens. Prices start at $24; CountryCurtains.com. Prices start at $14.99; Macys.com



Trivet
A trivet is a must for protecting counters and tabletops. One made from cast iron (like this one) is durable and strong, but a modern improvement will render it even more convenient. Coated with a rustproof finish, this set of cast iron trivets in red won’t get damaged when you wash them—and are an easy way to add a splash of color to your kitchen. $19.99; JCPenney.com.



Toaster
Who says countertop appliances have to be compact? A stocky, shiny toaster like this one brings charm to your kitchen. The Platinum 2-Slice Toaster by Elite has a similar look, plus extra-wide slots for bagels and English muffins. If you prefer something bolder than the basic black and silver combo, the Dualit Lite 2-Slice Toaster, also made from stainless steel, comes with red, white or blue accents. $34.99, $79.99; Target.com.


Don and Betty Draper’s Bedroom

Don Draper may rule the boardroom and the bedroom, but we suspect Betty’s responsible for the extra-special touches at home. Copycat a few to add glamour to your boudoir. If you opt for antique finds, Colette recommends having them restored by a pro to keep the room from looking worn.


Headboard
A plush headboard speaks of sophistication—and comfort, if you like to sit up and read before you sleep. This one, upholstered in bright teal velvet, is the focal point of the bedroom. For a similar piece with more modern lines, we like QVC’s adjustable Ultrasuede Button-Tufted Headboard, which comes in muted hues as well as bright lime green and a soft baby blue. Prices start at $134.60; QVC.com.



Lamp
His-and-hers bedside lamps balance the bedroom visually, and allow ample light for both sides of the bed. The gold accents on this lamp play off the metallic shades in the bed linens. The Songster Bird Blue Tint Porcelain Jar Table Lamp has an equally feminine motif. Or, if you like the white-on-white color scheme but prefer your lighting without wildlife, Haeger Potteries’ White Ceramic Egg Table Lamp is a handsome alternative. $99.99, $99.91; LampsPlus.com.



Bedding
Gold bed linens with a hint of shimmer are fit for a king—and queen. This set also has blue accents, which perfectly match the Drapers’ headboard (and the bedside rotary phone!). The Branch Bed in a Bag in brown and cream has a similar sheen. If you prefer to buy your set piecemeal, consider the Thomas O’Brien Rich Simplicity Bedding Collection, which includes shams and paisley sheets. $79.99, and prices start at $13.98; Target.com.



Stool
A perfect perch for slipping on your shoes, a hassock—like the Drapers’ petite oval piece—also gives you a front-row seat for spying on neighbors when placed window-side (though we know you would never do that!). The contemporary Versa Microsuede Bench is crafted from espresso-colored hardwood and has room enough for two. $89.99; Target.com.


To Learn How to Recreate Don and Betty Draper's Living Room click here

To Learn How to Recreate Sterling Cooper's Office click here


Related Articles at WomansDay.com:

11 Idea for Hotel-Inspired Decor

5 Decorating Tips for Small Houses

10 Room Refreshers
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From the Community…

Comments 1-8 of 8
  • Katie B's Avatar
    Posted by Katie B Tue Sep 29, 2009 10:50am PDT

    Actually that kitchen reminds me a lot of my Grandmothers... I wish I could have one like her's where the whole family gathers on occasion (usually on the day she just /happens/ to make chocolate chip cookies :D)

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  • Suzy's Avatar
    Posted by Suzy Tue Sep 29, 2009 12:13pm PDT

    That kitchen's ugly.

    Report Abuse
  • Katie B's Avatar
    Posted by Katie B Tue Sep 29, 2009 12:36pm PDT

    I guess it's in the eye of the beholder than...

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  • siri's Avatar
    Posted by siri Wed Sep 30, 2009 5:13am PDT

    I personally don't care for that kitchen. The only thing I do like is the vintage style fridge. And there are energy efficient retro style fridge's such as Big Chill. If I had the means I'd definitely get one - and a stove. That or Smeg, which is sold in the U.S.

    The only thing on that list is perhaps the toaster. And the headboard in the bedroom. The design does capture that era. Ha! Priscilla Style curtains - Lol. Remember those, very feminine, girly.

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Comments 1-8 of 8

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