I recently went to my hometown of Fullerton, CA and happened upon a really sweet and interesting exhibit in the local museum. A retrospect of photos taken in Fullerton by architectural photographer Julius Shulman in the 1950s and 60s showcased not only some great black and white photographs, but also the original designs that inspired so much of the retro-chic look that is so popular among design bloggers and homeowners these days. 

While some of the elements of the homes featured in the exhibit would never fly today (countertops with built-in mounts for your blender, for instance) many of the design choices struck me as incredibly modern.  Especially the furniture, which I instantly recognized as pieces that are currently being recreated by such high end stores as Design Within Reach, and more mass appeal stores like Ikea. 

(Via Palm Springs Art Museum)

I find myself wishing I could find some of this original furniture, but that’s a slim chance. So I’ll take what I can get, which is some tips for interior and landscape design. The retrospective showcased how minimalist living can be oh-so-chic. And in a time when the McMansion-era is in free fall, we should all be taking a closer look at the simplicity of designers of this time (i.e. Eames, etc.) and look forward to how these small spaces can inspire the homes of today and tomorrow. Homes that are a humble size, but are just as expansive, vibrant, and beaming with life as any larger luxury home. 

Contractors and homebuilders might also find that the less-is-more design mentality might strike a chord with more homeowners than they think. While luxury remodels might bring in the big bucks, more homeowners might be willing to consider “smarter” remodeling choices that take advantage of the assets their space already has and that maximizes the output from a smaller budget.

(Via Palm Springs Art Museum)

Looking to these homes of the past, from an era of homeowners who had to sacrifice through a major economic depression and two world wars, these homes were truly luxurious. In our own economic recession, history is indeed repeating itself with designs that have spanned a generation and are once again emerging and re-creating themselves with a new modern take that is a reflection of our own time.

Rejuvenation is a household name here in Portland, the company has two retail spaces in Portland and Seattle as well as a factory in Portland. The company produces reproduction period hardware as well as original refurbished pieces.

I don’t ever really consider myself an industry insider; I’m more a wide-eyed fan of the design resources I lust after. So, when a member of the Rejuvenation team emailed me and asked if I would like to come in to the factory for a tour and a sit down with the creative team…well, how could I say no?

Walking up the spiral staircase of their classic old warehouse made me feel like young Charlie walking up to the gates of chocolate factory in nervous anticipation. What strange and beautiful delights would I find at the top of the staircase?

Well, first I was greeted by a dog…

And then a human, Nicole, who led me around the corner to a light, airy office with glass windows, lots of sunshine, vintage catalogs and the three brains behind product design and development at Rejuvenation.

Sitting down with Tim Wetzel, Tina King and Tony Penca, the Product Managers and Industrial Desinger, I really got to know the process and the vision behind Rejuvenation products.

The trio explained to me, over a stack of vintage lighting catalogs, that for them it’s not only about making quality reproductions of past hardware and lighting, it’s about creating iconic and emblematic pieces, pieces that make a statement. 

(Syracuse Neo-Grec Chandelier)

Instead of creating something new, the team focuses on good design from the past and making it affordable and useable for the modern homeowner. They will often look to modern trends and how those trends relate back to the past when considering their next project. Looking though the pages of the catalogs I was quick to see the inspiration, and could easily see much of lighting fitting into both a home looking to emulate the past, or one with more forward thinking modern design.

But it’s not just about looks, it’s also important to the designers that they consider functionality, customization, and affordability.  They strive to maintain a price point that works for homeowners and makes good design accessible to them. Another big idea behind Rejuvenation design is allowing the homeowner the option to make the piece unique to them. Homeowners can basically create their own custom piece by choosing such options as the finish and shade combinations that meet their exact needs.

(Each of these pieces will be hand finished for a homeowner’s specific order)

Rejuvenation also prides itself on its sustainability efforts. Many of their light fixtures are made so that they use a GU24 energy efficient light bulb, an option that many other manufacturers might not offer. Their factory processes also take sustainability into the utmost consideration. Brooks Nelson, who was able to give me a very informative factory tour after meeting the design team, told me about so many ways the company stays on top of best environmental practices that I lost count.

One unique way they lessen their water runoff is by directing the water to long planter boxes that run along the outside of the building. They also reuse as much of the water in their manufacturing processes as they can, saving many, many gallons of water per year. As a consumer, a company that takes the time to invest in these practices is a strong selling point.

(Water Recylcing System in the Factory)

Everyone over at Rejuvenation was friendly and informative. I was so glad to be able to take the time to head over and learn more about their company, and of course, lust after more of their products. I came away with a better appreciation about the story behind the product beyond just how great I think it would look in my dining room.

For all the pictures from my tour check out our Flickr set: Rejuvenation Tour

(A wall of original historic hardware that will be refurbished and sold)

And, there is definitely more beautiful work to come from Rejuvenation. I saw a few prototypes hanging in the factory, I’m hush-hush, but I’ll just say that they are very cool. 

Thanks again for the Rejuvenation team for taking the time to talk with me!

I’m a design junkie, and I always held out hope that one day I would own my own home and start my subscription to Domino Magazine for projects, inspirations and home decor I could afford.

While I’m still likely to own my own home some day, we all now know the fate of my dream for Domino. Months ago the magazine announced it was closing it’s doors.

But, at least we still had the website for “flipping” through the online pages of past home tours and editorial spreads.

At least we used to have the website…today I went to glance at some old photos I had saved for a piece on exposed truss beams in homes, and instead of going to Sunrise Ruffalo’s gorgeous home I was redirected to Architechtural Digest. Brad Pitt may be on the cover, but those people over at Architechural Digest don’t know who they are dealing with.

I’d rather see Louis Ghost Chairs and repainted found furniture than the aging, hollywood hearthrob (now complete with creepy mustache). 

But I guess I just have to accept the end of the Domino era and turn to my favorite bloggers for my design fix.