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While collecting the objects that fill the Yugodom, designer Mario Milakovic was surprised to discover the love-hate relationship many Serbians shared with the products of the period. "For some people this furniture stayed around until nowadays, surrounding them their entire lives," he says. "That furniture is more like a monument, sort of like a witness."
While collecting the objects that fill the Yugodom, designer Mario Milakovic was surprised to discover the love-hate relationship many Serbians shared with the products of the period. "For some people this furniture stayed around until nowadays, surrounding them their entire lives," he says. "That furniture is more like a monument, sort of like a witness."
The owners brought their Elmira Stove Works appliances, including the Model 1958/1959 refrigerator and the matching Model 1955 stove, into their new home. Custom cabinets and IKEA chairs provide an equally bright finish.
The owners brought their Elmira Stove Works appliances, including the Model 1958/1959 refrigerator and the matching Model 1955 stove, into their new home. Custom cabinets and IKEA chairs provide an equally bright finish.
The ground floor is comprised of a living room, kitchen, and bathroom that are all detailed with larch wood. In the kitchen, a retro Bompani refrigerator and freezer blend in with the minimal aesthetic.
The ground floor is comprised of a living room, kitchen, and bathroom that are all detailed with larch wood. In the kitchen, a retro Bompani refrigerator and freezer blend in with the minimal aesthetic.
The front facade of H House, a 1962 house by architect Richard Banta restored by resident Brent Nichols.
The front facade of H House, a 1962 house by architect Richard Banta restored by resident Brent Nichols.
"The credenza is probably my favorite piece of furniture, and in the Yugodom I set up one in each room," Milakovic says. The piece in the 1970s-themed bedroom features an array of period products that the former owner bought in Trieste, Italy, a favorite destination for buying "Western" goods during the socialist era. All of the objects except the fan are marked Made in Yugoslavia.
"The credenza is probably my favorite piece of furniture, and in the Yugodom I set up one in each room," Milakovic says. The piece in the 1970s-themed bedroom features an array of period products that the former owner bought in Trieste, Italy, a favorite destination for buying "Western" goods during the socialist era. All of the objects except the fan are marked Made in Yugoslavia.
The lounge also features bits of cinematic history, with a focus on the kitchy comedies of the 1980s that introduced queer themes to mainstream movies. "Working on Yugodom was not only a designer process, but also a historical research and curatorial creation," says Milakovic.
The lounge also features bits of cinematic history, with a focus on the kitchy comedies of the 1980s that introduced queer themes to mainstream movies. "Working on Yugodom was not only a designer process, but also a historical research and curatorial creation," says Milakovic.
Recalling the look of the classic Bauer Pottery design from the 1930s, this Salt and Pepper Shaker Set features a distinctive shape and textured ridges. The vintage look of the shakers adds a retro charm to the dinner table, and the texture provides a pleasant tactile experience when the shakers are in hand.
Recalling the look of the classic Bauer Pottery design from the 1930s, this Salt and Pepper Shaker Set features a distinctive shape and textured ridges. The vintage look of the shakers adds a retro charm to the dinner table, and the texture provides a pleasant tactile experience when the shakers are in hand.
The Wire Potato Baskets are inspired by old potato farming baskets, matching the silhouette, sturdiness, and functional handles. The baskets are available in several colors, adding personality to the container. Although originally intended for transporting potatoes, these storage baskets can be used for holding throw blankets in a living room, magazines in an entryway or office, toys in a playroom, or even laundry.
The Wire Potato Baskets are inspired by old potato farming baskets, matching the silhouette, sturdiness, and functional handles. The baskets are available in several colors, adding personality to the container. Although originally intended for transporting potatoes, these storage baskets can be used for holding throw blankets in a living room, magazines in an entryway or office, toys in a playroom, or even laundry.
Observation Deck“A very modern, gravity-defying retreat for TWA employees before or after a long flight,” Murphy says.
Observation Deck“A very modern, gravity-defying retreat for TWA employees before or after a long flight,” Murphy says.
Desert DeChirico“This is a view of a Miesian-inspired desert dwelling set in the milieu of a DeChirico composition,” Murphy says. “With a Barbara Hepworth sculpture thrown in for good measure.”
Desert DeChirico“This is a view of a Miesian-inspired desert dwelling set in the milieu of a DeChirico composition,” Murphy says. “With a Barbara Hepworth sculpture thrown in for good measure.”
Privacy Screen“This is another desert house where I wanted to imply a U-shaped plan by looking from the inside out across the pool,” Murphy says. “I’m not sure how much privacy one would really get from this screen though.”
Privacy Screen“This is another desert house where I wanted to imply a U-shaped plan by looking from the inside out across the pool,” Murphy says. “I’m not sure how much privacy one would really get from this screen though.”
Un, Dos, Cha Cha Cha“A modern house design with a touch of Tiki, and, of course, a glowing lightbox sign,” Murphy says. “My wife who is from Spain was singing ‘Un, dos, cha cha cha’ one day and I though it was the perfect fit for the house.”
Un, Dos, Cha Cha Cha“A modern house design with a touch of Tiki, and, of course, a glowing lightbox sign,” Murphy says. “My wife who is from Spain was singing ‘Un, dos, cha cha cha’ one day and I though it was the perfect fit for the house.”
Quiet Night at Home“This is an airless, moonscape-like scene where the military officer has decided to take a break form the action and just stay in for the evening in his modern abode,” Murphy describes.
Quiet Night at Home“This is an airless, moonscape-like scene where the military officer has decided to take a break form the action and just stay in for the evening in his modern abode,” Murphy describes.
We first came across Michael Murphy’s Forgotten Modernism series, which depicted structures across San Francisco. With Supersonic, his latest release, Murphy creates his own worlds using Atomic-age imagery as source material. “The ultimate goal is to create a fresh, contemporary tectonic, while recognizing certain influences of mid-20th century design and cultural zeitgeist,” he describes on his site. We asked Murphy to tell us about a few pieces in his series, which are available for sale at supersonicmodern.com ArrivalArrival depicts a house in the desert, “which is the theme for much of this series,” Murphy says. “Solitude and isolation, and a mix of styles and genres with a 1950's Constellation airplane and a late 1960's Chevy Impala.”
We first came across Michael Murphy’s Forgotten Modernism series, which depicted structures across San Francisco. With Supersonic, his latest release, Murphy creates his own worlds using Atomic-age imagery as source material. “The ultimate goal is to create a fresh, contemporary tectonic, while recognizing certain influences of mid-20th century design and cultural zeitgeist,” he describes on his site. We asked Murphy to tell us about a few pieces in his series, which are available for sale at supersonicmodern.com ArrivalArrival depicts a house in the desert, “which is the theme for much of this series,” Murphy says. “Solitude and isolation, and a mix of styles and genres with a 1950's Constellation airplane and a late 1960's Chevy Impala.”
Departure Lounge“An airport bar, Tiki style,” Murphy says. “This was inspired by an old bar called ‘Ishi’ at the San Francisco International Airport—a wonderful place.”
Departure Lounge“An airport bar, Tiki style,” Murphy says. “This was inspired by an old bar called ‘Ishi’ at the San Francisco International Airport—a wonderful place.”
Cocktail Before Target Practice“This is a study of some of London's modern architecture,” says Murphy, “where a sniper has decided on a quick drink at the Lancaster Gate Hotel before heading off for his target practice.”
Cocktail Before Target Practice“This is a study of some of London's modern architecture,” says Murphy, “where a sniper has decided on a quick drink at the Lancaster Gate Hotel before heading off for his target practice.”
Smeg Retro Appliances Mimicing bold, strong industrial styles from the ‘50s, this streamlined collection of appliances debuted at Milan earlier this year.
Smeg Retro Appliances Mimicing bold, strong industrial styles from the ‘50s, this streamlined collection of appliances debuted at Milan earlier this year.
Crafted from olde growth pine salvaged from antique flooring from a 19th century home, the Reclaimed Wood Tree Swing from Peg and Awl adds a vintage, charming look to a backyard or garden, and works best when hung from a large tree branch. The thick slab of wood is finished with hand-rubbed natural tung oil, which makes the seat water resistant and durable.
Crafted from olde growth pine salvaged from antique flooring from a 19th century home, the Reclaimed Wood Tree Swing from Peg and Awl adds a vintage, charming look to a backyard or garden, and works best when hung from a large tree branch. The thick slab of wood is finished with hand-rubbed natural tung oil, which makes the seat water resistant and durable.
These simple key rings from Areaware were a favorite personal accessory at Dwell on Design. Available in two shapes—Bend and Drop—The Contour Key Rings recall the look of retro, oversized key rings, with a modern slant. Crafted from 10-gauge brass wire, these key rings close and secure with a simple screw clasp.
These simple key rings from Areaware were a favorite personal accessory at Dwell on Design. Available in two shapes—Bend and Drop—The Contour Key Rings recall the look of retro, oversized key rings, with a modern slant. Crafted from 10-gauge brass wire, these key rings close and secure with a simple screw clasp.
The Geneva WorldRadio pairs throwback looks with modern technologies. A contemporary version of the traditional world receiver, it can broadcast all radio stations. The radio also has a built-in wireless Bluetooth receiver, so it can broadcast Internet stations. It includes a sturdy carrying handle for easy transport.
The Geneva WorldRadio pairs throwback looks with modern technologies. A contemporary version of the traditional world receiver, it can broadcast all radio stations. The radio also has a built-in wireless Bluetooth receiver, so it can broadcast Internet stations. It includes a sturdy carrying handle for easy transport.
Another retro bathroom in the house. Photo by Diana Budds.
Another retro bathroom in the house. Photo by Diana Budds.
The retro-chic vibe of Copenhagen's Hotel Alexsandra
The retro-chic vibe of Copenhagen's Hotel Alexsandra
The menu was custom-designed and inspired by retro train station signage.
The menu was custom-designed and inspired by retro train station signage.
Retro Bin 20-liter in Mineral Mint by Brabantia, $137 An unusual pastel shade, a matching removable liner, and a carrying handle distinguish this petite pedal bin from its competitors. johnlewis.com
Retro Bin 20-liter in Mineral Mint by Brabantia, $137 An unusual pastel shade, a matching removable liner, and a carrying handle distinguish this petite pedal bin from its competitors. johnlewis.com
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Stand Mixer by Smeg, $450 Known for retro refrigerators, Smeg has branched out into small appliances. The stand mixer features an aluminum body, stainless-steel bowl, and ten speeds.
Stand Mixer by Smeg, $450 Known for retro refrigerators, Smeg has branched out into small appliances. The stand mixer features an aluminum body, stainless-steel bowl, and ten speeds.
The HC1 also features classic wheel fenders and comes in seven retro-inspired colors.
The HC1 also features classic wheel fenders and comes in seven retro-inspired colors.
Another European company making great out of waste is Westermann & Co, affectionately called Wesco; the Germany company has been manufacturing kitchenwares since 1867. The rounded, slightly retro Kickmaster style is available at Williams Sonoma for $280.
Another European company making great out of waste is Westermann & Co, affectionately called Wesco; the Germany company has been manufacturing kitchenwares since 1867. The rounded, slightly retro Kickmaster style is available at Williams Sonoma for $280.
Retro inspired Kitchen
Retro inspired Kitchen
The Luminous Electronic Barograph Clock
The Luminous Electronic Barograph Clock
To pay homage to the home’s era, the couple chose a midcentury-inspired Pacific Green Starburst III tile from the Cement Tile Shop to go behind the Moreno Bath MOB rosewood vanity. Hudson Valley Lighting fixtures and CB2 mirrors add some retro bling to the bath.
To pay homage to the home’s era, the couple chose a midcentury-inspired Pacific Green Starburst III tile from the Cement Tile Shop to go behind the Moreno Bath MOB rosewood vanity. Hudson Valley Lighting fixtures and CB2 mirrors add some retro bling to the bath.
The Bluetooth Sound Machine - Edison
The Bluetooth Sound Machine - Edison
A retro desk provides a space for quiet time in the uncluttered loft.
A retro desk provides a space for quiet time in the uncluttered loft.
The 27-foot retro trailer needed work done on both the interior and exterior.
The 27-foot retro trailer needed work done on both the interior and exterior.
The boxy retro profile is unique and appealing.
The boxy retro profile is unique and appealing.

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