[DiamondSmiles]

I wasn't sure where to post this.

Cassandra Lewis
littlethings.com

I don’t know about you, but I’m crazy about two things: the color pink and antiques.

So when I saw this stunning, all original, 1950s kitschy kitchen, I immediately fell in love!

According to the homeowner, the house was built in 1956 — but, was never lived in until he came along in 2010!

When he moved in, the twinkly appliances — state of the art during their time — had never been used, and their original manuals were still taped to their sides! Why was the house never occupied? That’s still a complete mystery!

Today, the powder pink counters and appliances might turn many off — but did you know that the color pink played a very important role in the 1950s?

What do you think? Do you like the bubbly pink, or is it a little too much?

The color pink actually had a deeper meaning for people living in the 1950s.

Inspired by the favorite color of First Lady Mamie Eisenhower, pink was an exceptionally popular color for kitchens and bathrooms in the 1950s.

Mamie loved the color so much, even her cotton balls were pink!

Dubbed, "Mamie Pink," the color soon became a national symbol for the joy felt at the close of WWII and the remaking of the American household.

Mamie, so refined in her lovely shades of pink, became the ideal model for an American housewife. “Ike runs the country. I turn the pork chops," she once famously said.

Mamie was ladylike and down to Earth. She loved Lawrence Welk. She wore noisy charm bracelets. She played Scrabble and watched soap operas and served TV dinners!

Because of her, pink was suddenly a symbol of class, refinery, and patriotism.

Contrary to our modern perspective, pink was not seen as a, "girly," or, "feminine," color. Housewives dreamed of homes slathered in pink.

It's estimated that over five million households featured a pink kitchen or bathroom — or both!

It's rumored that Mamie always carried around paint swatches of pink, green, and cream.

Throughout all of her military moves, even into the White House, Mamie used these swatches to make her house a home. She got to painting and decorating right away.

The presidential headquarters was so pink, the White House was actually dubbed the, "Pink Palace."

With pink appliances in such high demand, this kitchen must have been quite the dream!

It's like a time capsule of the 1950s. The appliances still have the original manuals.

And though the appliances might seem a little dated, I wonder if they still might work!

With a top loading dishwasher like this and the original detergent, a person might feel like he or she has stepped back into another time.

That's why this kitchen is so special! It's a little piece of American history that we can enjoy for a long time.

The owner is now trying to sell this kitchen.

http://fb-131.sfglobe.com/2015/02/21...rc=fbfan_35581

More photos, including light fixtures, may be viewed here.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/272125...7623429185132/



Photos by Norman Chandler

[DiamondSmiles]

Too much pink for me, but, had John Waters known, I'm sure he would have loved it for one of his movies starring the late, Divine, aka, Harris Glenn Milstead!

May she rest in peace!

[MesaGrande]

Wow He should sell that equipment to the museum or something

[DiamondSmiles]

Originally Posted by MesaGrande ↗

Wow He should sell that equipment to the museum or something

It is for sale, but, I don't know how you can sell one room of a house.

[FearsMuse]

Everything looks so pristine, what a shocking find . I wonder why nobody ever used anything in there? It is funny how times change isn't it? Knowing the history behind objects puts a good perspective on things, especially antiques- which are fascinating on their own. For someone who likes pink or the meaning behind the color, cute. A little too pink for my liking, but it's eeriness is what intrigues me most! Cool read too, thanks for sharing-

[DiamondSmiles]

Originally Posted by MzMamacita ↗

Everything looks so pristine, what a shocking find . I wonder why nobody ever used anything in there? It is funny how times change isn't it? Knowing the history behind objects puts a good perspective on things, especially antiques- which are fascinating on their own. For someone who likes pink or the meaning behind the color, cute. A little too pink for my liking, but it's eeriness is what intrigues me most! Cool read too, thanks for sharing-

Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

I found it interesting, but, too much pink for me as well.

[mandragora]

I LOVE it! Grew up in something similar...

[BLT]

Interesting! I did a little more reading and Nathan purchased the house in 2010 from the original homeowner, apparently with an agreement not to disclose why the house was never lived in... Hmm. He has been living in the house for around 5 years and does in fact use the kitchen, just not the original equipment (notice the modern stainless steel dishwasher!). Hes only selling parts of kitchen, this is from his Flickr page.

I am selling: side-by-side wall refrigerator, wall oven, cooktop, double bowl washboard sink, and dishwasher. If you are interested please email me at web@nathanchandler.com

[jackhunter21]

50s and later construction is not really something to admire. Most of the beautiful architecture like those beautiful stucco or limestone faced apartments in France or even in Manhattan were built before the 1920s. Pink is a horrible color for a kitchen or bathroom.

[DiamondSmiles]

Originally Posted by BLT ↗

Interesting! I did a little more reading and Nathan purchased the house in 2010 from the original homeowner, apparently with an agreement not to disclose why the house was never lived in... Hmm. He has been living in the house for around 5 years and does in fact use the kitchen, just not the original equipment (notice the modern stainless steel dishwasher!). Hes only selling parts of kitchen, this is from his Flickr page.

Now, I want to write to Norman. For some reason, this story just broke in California recently.

I wonder if someone died there or something. Thank you for that information, BLT!