Musings of a Wandering Mind: Do you Recall These Decades?

My mind was recently wandering around in the past, and I found myself thinking how trends dictated styles—from types of homes, to how we decorated and what was entertainment.. Join me in a trip down memory lane.

Let’s begin in the 50’s, as that generation of young adults were caught between the traditionalists of older decades and the beginning of the huge changes that would usher in the modern era. More and more young families were leaving behind city life and buying into Levitt type houses in the suburbs, where three choices of models were usually offered: ranch, cape-cod, and a split-level. The “picture window” in the living room was a new concept, front porches pretty much disappeared and were replaced with patios in the rear, and most homes had car ports or attached garages as the automobile was a necessity. Thousands of couples took advantage of government sponsored loans (FHA and Veteran Administration) and thus all these new homes had to be furnished.

Here’s my list of 50’s decor as I remember:

Bright, colorful textiles; checkered flooring; Formica tops on everything; Chrome accents, especially on hardware and the informal dinette tables (tucked into the “breakfast Nook”); Polka dot patterns; ashtrays of all sizes and shapes in every room; Wall to wall carpeting

becoming more common. It was also Goodby to the heavy oak or intricately carved furniture and Hello to the New Danish Modern Look. With its sleek lines, tapered legs, functionality, and more minimalistic look, it was refreshing. Teakwood became the favorite and I loved my Danish cabinet that held my “Hi-Fi” record player with storage space

for my LP’s. TV’s were becoming more common and audiences fell in love with I Love Lucy; Leave it to Beaver; Father Knows Best; Gunsmoke; Ed Sullivan; Dragnet, and Perry Como.

By the 1960’s, the real Cultural Revolution had taken over. The long accepted norms of the past were constantly challenged. That decade proved to be the most violent time of my lifetime. Paradoxically, it was also an era of expressiveness, creativity, and a more laid back

life style. Homes, decor and entertainment reflected this era.

Here’s my 60’s List:

Dining rooms either shrank or simply became an extension of the larger living area; split level homes surged in popularity; Linoleum flooring in the kitchen was still “in” but vinyl was making inroads; Bold colors abounded, muted by use of paisleys, and tie-dyed fabrics;

PopArt and graphic designs replaced traditional framed pictures; the “Rec room” came into being with futons, bean bag or pod chairs; new homes had more than just one bathroom. On TV, Captain Kangaroo entertained children in the early morning; The Dick Van

Dyke Show, Andy Griffith, My Three Sons, and Bewitched amused us, Jeopardy appeared in it’s first version, Perry Mason solved the crimes, Star Trek began, while Bonanza and Wagon Train were popular Westerns. And of course, the Beatles arrived in America and

the music industry was forever changed!

By the time of the 70’s, new homes had greatly increased in size. The two story homes with four bedrooms and two to three baths were popular and the open concept interior continued its momentum.. New textiles enabled the carpet industry to expand its offerings and wall to wall carpeting went on steroids, existing even in kitchens and bathrooms in some model homes. The rec room morphed into “the Family Room”......

Here’s my 70’s List:

Wood paneled walls in the family rooms; glazed mirrors; huge brick fireplaces with large raised hearths; sectional sofas; wicker chairs; recliners; macrame’ wall hangings, and swag lamps. The bold colors of the 60’s were replaced with a trio of colors: Avocado Green, Harvest Gold (also known as Mustard Yellow) and Brown. Hate to admit it but I bought into that color scheme pretty much thru’out our home and thought it was just

beautiful! Even my kitchen appliances were in one of those colors. And let’s not forget the popular shag carpeting in the family room. What was I thinking?? A few daring people embraced the Disco Glam or Boho Chic. Happily, most of these trends did not survive the test of time! Popular TV programs were MASH, Happy Days, All in the Family, Columbo, Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Brady Bunch, Waltons, Saturday Night Live, and Miami Vice.

Homes in the 80’s continued to increase in size and eventually led to the building of “McMansions”—a derogatory term used when people bought older homes, razed them, then built enormous “castle” homes on the existing property. It was at best a lop-sided result, without balance or scale for the lot size and surrounding homes. The open concept was still in full swing and the theme for the ’80’s decorating style was “bold and playful”.

Here’s my 80’s list:

Brass was in; as were chintz and ruffles; geometric designs and graphic patterns reappeared; mirrors were attached to everything— on walls, closet doors and even a few bedroom ceilings. Curved furniture, Laura Ashley floral prints, and lots of baskets completed the look. TV shows that grabbed our attention were The Golden Girls, Cheers, Dallas, Magnum,PI, The Cosby Show, the return of Jeopardy with Alex Trebek, Hill Street Blues, Bob Newhart Show and my favorite, St.Elsewhere. Most homes also had vcr machines and families made frequent visits to Blockbusters to rent the latest movies

on a vcr tape.

Thanks for taking the time to accompany me on my stroll. Would love to read YOUR recollections of those decades. “See” you in the Comment section or in a conversation!