Ian McMaster
- Marketing Specialist, Neurova Labs
Round Rock
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Articles by Ian McMaster
MCM Products in Primary Colors
Bring your favorite room to life with these MCM products in primary colors, the essential building blocks of color. And of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube for more Atomic Ranch articles, house tours, and ideas! Related Topics MCM entertaining MCM Furniture primary colors
Noteworthy Spaces
Some images just stick. Here are a few shots of some iconic and noteworthy spaces that are hard to forget. Photo by Jim Brown Issue: Spring 2006 At the time this house was published in the Spring 2006 issue of Atomic Ranch, Joan and Gary Gand’s Swiss Miss house in Palm Springs, California, was only newly discovered to be created by Charles Dubois.
Poul Henningsen: Brilliance by Design
Learn more about Poul Henningsen and his lighting innovations. Poul Henningsen (1894–1967) was a Danish designer, architect and cultural critic whose groundbreaking work in lighting remains iconic. Born in Copenhagen to renowned writers Agnes Henningsen and Carl Ewald, Henningsen grew up an intellectual, shaping his creative and critical approach to design. Initially trained as a functionalist architect, Henningsen shifted his focus to lighting in the 1920s.
The Best in MCM Living Room Furniture
Browse our picks for the best of the best in MCM living room furniture. From coffee tables to credenzas, from lounge chairs to sofas, we’ve curated a list of the best in MCM living room furniture. Peruse our list below, and of course, peruse our site to get ideas for how an MCM living room can really come together. Coffee Tables Monstera coffee table, visit joybird.com. Androgyne coffee table, visit dwr.com. Eames molded plywood coffee table, visit store.hermanmiller.com.
Celebrate Pride Month With Trina Turk
From October 29 to November 9, Trina Turk is unveiling a vibrant, Pride-themed window display at their boutique located at 891 N Palm Canyon Drive, featuring the unique and eclectic Tres Rainbow Chair via DDC&Co. This carefully handcrafted chair will be available for pre-sale exclusively through Trina Turk. Don’t miss the chance to see this stunning installation and pre-order a statement piece that celebrates both style and pride.
Retro Renovation Product Picks
Our renovation product picks to make the best of your next MCM home project. Lighting, wallpaper, tile, and hardware are all touches that make a world of difference in your home. Whether you’re doing a full-scale renovation knocking down walls or you’re simply trying to spruce up your MCM home, explore these retro friendly product picks perfect for freshening up your home. Renovation Product Picks: Lighting ELEIPSE wood pendant light on amazon.com. Phosphorescent chandelier. Visit vakkerlight.com.
Palm Springs Modernism Show October 2024 Booth Preview
It’s that time again: Palm Springs’ Modernism Week October 2024 is almost upon us! Oct. 25-27, marks this semi-annual extravaganza of tours, talks and other events. Atomic Ranch will be there with our own events plus our booth at the Modernism Show! Here’s a sneak peek into who will be with us at our Palm Springs Modernism Show booth. Of course, we’d love to see you in Palm Springs, but even if you can’t make it, we think you’ll still enjoy browsing our vendors’ excellent MCM-inspired products.
Palm Springs Modernism Show October 2024 Booth Preview
It’s that time again: Palm Springs’ Modernism Week October 2024 is almost upon us! Oct. 25-27, marks this semi-annual extravaganza of tours, talks and other events. Atomic Ranch will be there with our own events plus our booth at the Modernism Show! Here’s a sneak peek into who will be with us at our Palm Springs Modernism Show booth. Of course, we’d love to see you in Palm Springs, but even if you can’t make it, we think you’ll still enjoy browsing our vendors’ excellent MCM-inspired products.
Modern Artists in the MCM Tradition
These artists in the MCM tradition are creating works inspired by—and perfect for—mid mod interiors. Erich Meager Our first artist in the MCM tradition is Erich Meager—the world’s first and only ratiolaminartist. Based in Palm Springs, California, he creates layered works of art from precision-cut paper, wood, acrylic and metal.
The Mid Century History of the Trampoline
Find out how the trampoline bounced its way into American culture. The origins of the trampoline can be traced to ancient civilizations like China, Iran and Egypt. The Inuit people in Alaska used walrus skin to launch each other in the air for games, rituals and scouting their surroundings. Similarly, the Persians are said to have used a type of trampoline made of stretched animal hides for tumbling and acrobatics. However, the modern trampoline only began to take shape in the early 20th century.
Stylish Storage Units for Your Prized Possessions
Explore these stylish storage units to hold your records and books. Whether or not your life is affected by back to school, the beginning of a new academic year is still a helpful cue to turn your attention to getting organized, starting fresh, and these stylish storage units can help you do just that. If your prized possessions are books, vinyl records, mid century ceramics or a mix, particleboard furniture just won’t do to house them.
Trendsetting Tastes: A 1956 Kitchen Renovation in LA
A 1956 kitchen renovation brings together bold materials and exciting design elements in a seamless and functional way. Creating your dream kitchen is a balancing act. Juggling the needs of your family, maximizing space and including your favorite design elements can often seem like an impossible task. But for one lucky couple in the Los Angeles neighborhood of El Sereno, everything fell into place in extraordinary fashion when it came to their 1956 kitchen renovation.
Trendsetting Tastes: A 1956 Kitchen Renovation in LA
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MCM Essentials for a Backyard Bash
MCM essentials for a backyard bash, summer soiree or pool party. Planning to host anything in your backyard this summer? These MCM essentials for a backyard bash will help set the tone. They don’t make things like they used to—except when they make retro-inspired things like this Legacy 54-quart cooler, $199.99. Visit igloocoolers.com.
Bold Planters
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments.
Bold Planters
Stand out with these striking, bold planters to house your potted plants. We love houseplants, and whether it’s for an exterior or interior space in your home, they provide mental health benefits as well as another chance to showcase MCM style. Find bold planters with bright MCM colors, funky shapes, or the classic mid century planter to enliven any place in your home. Utopia Stackable Planter. Visit jamespiatt.com.
Radiate Retro: Exterior Lighting Picks
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments.
Radiate Retro: Exterior Lighting Picks
Create an outdoor mid-century ambience with these exterior lighting picks with classic charm. Exterior lighting picks can imbue your yard with retro charm. Whether it’s pathway lighting or exterior sconces, we’ll get you well on your way to stylish exterior lighting to imbue your yard with a Mid Century Modern glow. Grant 18” High Black LED Mushroom Path Lights, Set of 2 Visit lampsplus.com. Factory 2 Surface Mount. Visit schoolhouse.com. Ease Portable Lamp. Visit muuto.com. Bower Wall Sconce.
Elevate Your Exterior with MCM Outdoor Furniture
Browse this selection of designer, MCM outdoor furniture that will take your backyard to the next level. Turn your backyard into another room of the house with the help of these MCM outdoor furniture pieces that may leave you tempted to spend all your time outdoors. Eclypse Mid-Century Sunshade. Visit cfrpatio.store. Vignelli rocker. Visit hellerfurniture.com. Linear steel table and armchairs. For pricing, visit muuto.com. The Seat Cushion. Visit hazy-sunshine.com. Line lounge chair and ottoman.
Colorful Breeze Blocks
Looking for a way to give your home instant Mid Century Modern impact? Look no further than the classic breeze block. They’re unmistakably identifiable and instantly eye-catching. And while their invention and use predate the mid-century period by more than a hundred years (read more on that here), they’ve become an icon of the era. We’re talking about breeze blocks. And if you’re looking to add, imbue or amp up your mod style, they’re the perfect material to add to your space—inside and out.
Leveling Up in Sarasota
Built in 1959, this coastal Sarasota home was transformed into a two-story beach retreat that combines contemporary elements with the best of Mid Century Modern design. When homeowners Rachael and Ed Eible purchased this originally 1,700-square-foot home in the lovely South Gate neighborhood of Sarasota, Florida, it was the answer to a several-year search. They spent many years living in the home before embarking on a project to breathe new life into it.
Alluring Addresses: Mod House Numbers
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments.
Alluring Addresses: Mod House Numbers
Make a memorable first impression with these mod house numbers and plaques. Browse mod house numbers that will help the outside of your house match the inside. After all, when someone is coming to your house for the first time, it’s the essential detail they’re looking for. And like jewelry with a good outfit, they can be the final, finishing touch. Also like jewelry, it’s fairly easy to swap out to mix up your home’s look.
The Desert Golf Rush
Discover the rich history of golf in the desert. Though an improbable home for the sport, the Coachella Valley has become known to some as the “golf capital of the world.” With 122 courses to choose from, 300 days of sunshine a year and pristine playing conditions, it is no wonder that golf is the premier attraction in the desert.
Turn Your Backyard into a Colorful Oasis
Browse our picks to transform your backyard into a colorful oasis. Get ready for time in the sun! These chairs and shade umbrellas would look particularly fab beside a pool (perhaps with a cocktail in hand), but whatever your backyard looks like, embrace summer by turning your backyard into a colorful oasis! Take a look at these bright and cheery mod finds. Set of two. Visit h3khome.com. Visit lolldesigns.com. Visit hazy-sunshine.com. Visit chellesummer.com. Visit lolldesigns.com. Visit store.mom.org.
Products for a Groovy Guest Room
Create a warm and stylish guest room for friends and family. You spend time and effort getting the main areas of your house in MCM order, but don’t forget about your guest room. Guest rooms can serve multiple purposes, but the most fundamental one is, of course, hosting. Get ideas for how to make yours multi-functional here. But first, enjoy the hunt for MCM furniture and decor for a welcoming and groovy guest room. We’ve collected some MCM favorites to get you started.
Style Spotlight: MCM Ceiling Lighting
Find design-focused MCM ceiling lighting to brighten any room. Even if you have a Saarinen dining table and Russel Wright ceramics, lighting can make or break a room. Finish off your rooms well with stylish and functional MCM ceiling lighting. We gathered up some of our favorites to get you started.
High End MCM Furniture
Looking to level up your furniture? Take a look at these high end MCM furniture options for bookshelves, chairs, desks and sofas from some of our go-to sources for MCM design. Looking for more furniture choices? Not to worry, we have many resources from additional product guides to dreamy house tours showing pieces in their context. And of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for more Atomic Ranch articles and ideas!
Palm Springs Modernism Show Feburary 2024 Booth Preview
It’s that time again: Palm Springs’ Modernism Week Spring 2024 is almost upon us! Feb 15-25, marks this semi-annual extravaganza of tours, talks and other events. Atomic Ranch will be there with our own events plus our booth at the Modernism Show! Here’s a sneak a peek into who will be with us at our Palm Springs Modernism Show booth. Of course, we’d love to see you in Palm Springs, but even if you can’t make it, we think you’ll still enjoy browsing our vendors’ excellent MCM-inspired products.
Ring in the New Year with MCM-Inspired Glassware
Toast to the past as you greet the New Year with our picks for the best MCM-inspired glassware. Hepburn Lowball Glasses This glassware evokes MCM vibes with its sculptural shape designed for those muddled classics like a Negroni or White Russian. Hepburn set of four lowball glasses by Brad Ascalon. Visit us.nudeglass.com. Cocktail Time Made for an old fashioned specifically, this etched Cocktail Time Old Fashioned Glass comes in a set of 4.
Atomic Ranch Christmas!
We asked our audience on Instagram to help us share some holiday cheer this year by using #atomicranchchristmas. Here are some of our favorite looks from all over the country! A Blue Christmas in Chicago, Illinois The holiday decor in this 1958 brick ranch started with some impressive finds by homeowner Libby Paulsen. Inspired by the colors of her Witco world map, rescued from an estate sale, Libby went for a classic MCM scheme.
The Christmas Song
Celebrating Nat King Cole’s timeless holiday album. Nat King Cole’s 1960 album “The Christmas Song” stands as a crowning achievement in an already illustrious career. Released during a transformative period in American history, this album solidified Cole’s status as a trailblazing musical figure and continues to be a cherished holiday classic. Launched on March 30, 1960, the album perfectly encapsulates Christmas.
Stylish Storage
Keep your dining room uncluttered with storage that blends form and function. The holidays, with its attendant decorating and hosting needs, makes us newly aware of our spaces every year–which often includes a lack of stylish storage. The good news is MCM design is all about stylish storage, and we’ve gathered some standout options for keeping all that tableware and serve ware tucked away, mid mod style. Enfold sideboard.
Level Up Your Living Room
Stylish pieces to elevate your downtime and level up your living room. With shorter days, longer nights and cool temps, the living room becomes even more central in the recreational and social life in your home. If you’ve had the same overstuffed sofa for decades, there’s no time like the present to level up your living room with MCM pieces designed for style, function and durability.
Formica + Function
How Formica, a laminated plastic company, influenced an era of kitchen design. The kitchy 1950s kitchen is characterized by the mixing of candy-colored surfaces and futuristic materials. Mint, pink, turquoise, yellow and powder blue were all the rage, creating bright and vivacious cooking spaces across the country.
Atomic Ranch Events in Palm Springs This October
You’ve booked your flight to Palm Springs, made your hotel reservations, and are eagerly awaiting Modernism Week this October. But besides cocktail hour and dinner parties, you are still looking to make the best of your mid-mod-mecca vacation. Don’t worry, we are here to help! Fill your weekend with our upcoming events that celebrate the spirit of Palm Springs and school you in the ways of Mid Century Modern design.
Retro Resources for Your MCM Renovation
Find some of our favorite resources for your MCM renovation. If you’re thinking about, or neck-deep in planning, or in the middle of, an MCM renovation, there are so many categories of products you’ll need. They need to be functional and reflect your spin on the MCM aesthetic. It can all be so much research, so we took some of the legwork out for you and assembled a variety of MCM products to choose from, whether it’s lighting, tile, wallpaper, hardware such as faucets and showerheads.
Give Your MCM Home Office a Refresh!
These retro inspired products will keep your MCM home office comfortable, stylish and fun. If you work from home, the same scenery gets a bit stale after a while. Maybe a new accessory is all it will take to help your home office feel more fun, or maybe it’s time to revamp the furniture or invest in organizational aids. If you’re looking for stylistic inspiration for an MCM home office, take a tour of these and then hop over back here to shop MCM home office products.
The Resource Guide
Whether you’re a new mid-century modern enthusiast, a seasoned collector, or a homeowner looking to revamp your space, this guide is your go-to source for all the essentials. Within these pages, you’ll discover a treasure trove of connections to the mid-century modern world. Explore iconic pieces from trusted purveyors and discover heirlooms for tomorrow from modern makers. Get connected to industry leaders in renovation, architecture, interior design, and landscaping across the country.
Turn your Backyard into a Retro Resort
Make every day a staycation in your very own backyard retro resort with our favorite mid mod finds for your backyard. Whether or not your backyard has a pool, you can transform your outdoor space into a backyard retro resort with these fabulous mid mod furniture finds. From lounge chairs to outdoor worthy lamps, as well as a bar cart and patio umbrella, these MCM inspired options will have your backyard looking and feeling like a retro resort in no time.
Brighten the Mood: Exterior Lights
From string lights to outdoor sconces and even outdoor floor lamps, exterior lights can be many shapes and sizes. Temperate summer nights make it appealing to linger outside with friends and family. Equip your home’s exterior with lighting as stylish as the inside of your home so that the party can continue long past sunset. Find some of our favorite different types of exterior lights to suit your Mid Mod home’s style and set the scene for outdoor summer nights. Walthall 120-foot string light.
Nifty Numerals: Mid Mod House Numbers
Add to your home’s curb appeal with these stylish mid mod house numbers. When you hem and haw over your home’s every detail, finding mid mod house numbers that suit your home’s style can be the cherry on top. In addition to font, you can also get creative with where you place your house numbers–on a mailbox, in an illuminated lantern, and, of course, along the exterior walls of your home.
Modern Planters for your Home and Garden
You take great care to curate your Mid-Century Modern home, so why not do the same for the planters that house your plants? Modern planters can add just the right finishing touch to a room, garden corner, entryway, or patio. Whether you’re beautifying your interior or sprucing up your patio or garden, we’re here to help you find modern planters that are just as stylish as the rest of your mid-mod home.
Ruth Shellhorn: Pioneering Landscape Architect
Rigorous training, beautiful yet utilitarian designs and a respect for nature set the landscape architect’s work apart from her contemporaries. From small gardens and business parks to expansive campuses and a legendary amusement park, Ruth Shellhorn’s illustrious landscape architecture career spanned from 1933-1990, and her distinctive style became what is now known as the “Southern California look.” Born September 21, 1909, Shellhorn spent her childhood in South Pasadena, California.
Outdoor Furniture for a Modern Oasis
Outdoor furniture to turn your backyard from bland to beautiful. Browse some of our favorites for outdoor furniture this year. Key to an outdoor furniture is an outdoor sectional. The slim profile of the Platform One sectional sofa from lolldesigns.com will lay an excellent foundation to your outdoor space into an inviting outdoor room. Get comfy with the Abeo lounge chair from valyoufurniture.com.
Modern Makers: Mercury Mosaics Modern Makers: Mercury Mosaics
An entrepreneurial spirit, passion for innovation and dedication to craft are what power this company’s pursuit of enhancing the world—one handmade tile at a time. Mercedes Austin started her entrepreneurial journey in the Powderhorn neighborhood of Minneapolis 21 years ago. Using her basement as a studio, Mercedes was a commercial painter and just beginning mosaics. After apprenticing for a tile maker in exchange for materials, she started a business selling her one-of-a-kind mosaic art.
Palm Springs Style with FLOR
Atomic Ranch is back from a week in the California desert, and we were lucky enough to tour two homes with design elements showcasing the spectrum of Palm Springs Style. Watch this video to see how a couple of our favorite designers use FLOR modern carpet tiles to complete every room and the role the rugs play in each of these Mid Mod aesthetics.
Design-Focused MCM Lighting
Illuminate your amazing style with some design-focused MCM lighting! We’ve rounded up a few of our favorites. Now that you’ve selected your lighting, browse some Retro Art for Your MCM Home. And of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for more Atomic Ranch articles and ideas!
Bookshelves, Dressers and Beds-Oh, My!
Elevate your bedroom with these stylish bookshelves, dressers, beds. With these solid, standout pieces your bedroom will be a Mid Mod haven. Browse some of our favorites! To go along with your bookshelves, dressers, and beds, don’t miss Mid Century Modern Bedding to Spruce Up Your Bedroom. And of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for more Atomic Ranch articles and ideas!
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