Yeah, I'm too literal to pull it off. I start simple, and it doesn't look right to me, so I add more and more detail until it's no longer abstract.

I'm more 40's or 50's type styles than the 70's or 80's where I grew up as well. Why is it we always prefer the decades right before we were born when it comes to retro?

I'm the same way. I lust after the 20's 30's and 40's. The 50's is so so, the 60's becomes to familiar and the 70's - well, make it go away again.

Although, as with all eras, I can appreciate some of the stylistic twists.

This video was an the site. Cute!

Ooooh. This inspires me to do a felt crafting stitch-n-bitch. We could turn out some cute stuff. :D

Ok, who remembers Tri-chem painting?:D

Though there should be a supposed generational gap, I think I have to agree with you here. Except I am not much a fan of anything from the 50's, save for some of the cars.

I like some art deco art and architecture, but for some reason much of the furniture triggers a sense of distaste in me. Not sure what it is but to me it comes off looking cheap and cheesy- lacking in craftsmanship. Not all of it of course, but the plastic bucket looking chairs for sure remind me of elementary school for some reason.

The tea set is tres cool though.

Oh, ooh, plastic bucket-looking chairs are for sure not art deco. I believe that's more mod. I can't think of anything less cheap and cheesy than art deco furniture.

I think you're talking more about Mid Century Modern or Post-War design rather than Art Deco.

The ubiquitous grade school chair was designed by famous British designer Robin Day in 1963.



Robin and his wife Lucienne Day are considered the Charles and Ray Eames of Britain and are both still designing today. Lucienne designed some fantastic fabrics including this one:




Eames created another molded plastic chair that has become popular again - DWR sells a few Eames items such as this one:


This is the other Eames item that has surged in popularity again:

NM, you must remember that when much of this furniture was being designed and manufactured, plastic wasn't seen as cheap and cheesy; but as a wonder material of the future. (Also, if I remember correctly, those particular chairs were fiberglass.)