Jolene Nolte
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Articles by Jolene Nolte
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Designed to Rent: How to Furnish a Vacation Rental-Friendly Second Home - Atomic Ranch Homeowners of a 1957 Alexander/Krisel home give an inside perspective on how to style a mid century modern vacation rental.
Introducing our 2027 Project House!
Set in the charming lakeside community of Carlton Landing, Oklahoma, this new showcase home by Scissortail Homes will blend cottage character, modern farmhouse ease and earthy, organic design details.
Framed for Fashion
A homeowner with a love for flea-market finds, Krista Kousens creates her own little paradise in her California flea market home. By displaying her handmade jewelry in shadow boxes, Krista takes the term ‘jewelry box’ to a new level! Here’s how you can create a similar display. This clean white wall is adjacent to the brick wall in Krista’s bedroom. “I hung all of my jewelry in display boxes as, shall we say, ‘functional art,’” she says. She makes shadow boxes just to showcase her jewelry.
DIY Modern Farmhouse Mirror
Brand Ambassador, DIY, Home Improvement, Lifestyle Add a custom farmhouse mirror to any space in your house with these steps. Astra’s hardest DIY renovation to date was the primary bathroom, which she redid in 6 weeks as part of an online challenge. “We tore it down to the studs,” she says. “I have a family friend who’s a general contractor. I told him all my crazy ideas, so he’d come every weekend, look at my progress and walk me through things I didn’t know how to do.
Introducing Southern Crafted Shutters
Southern Crafted Shutters: Where Craftsmanship Meets Home We are delighted to present our preferred partner for exterior shutters for Project House Austin! It was a delight to work with them and in a world of shortcuts and quick installs, Southern Crafted Shutters brings something refreshingly rare: shutters made with intention, by people who still believe in doing things the right way.
Illuminating Homes for a Century: The Story of Capitol Lighting/1-800 Lighting
As our preferred lighting partner for Project House Austin, Capitol Lighting/1-800LIGHTING.com impressed us in every way. Get to know this fantastic retailer who we are proud to confidently recommend to you! For over a century, Capitol Lighting — also known as 1‑800LIGHTING.com — has been a shining example of family-driven success in residential and commercial lighting.
Treasure Hunting on America’s Backroads: About The World’s Longest Yard Sale
Each summer, thousands of bargain hunters, antique lovers, and road trip enthusiasts take to the highways for a truly one-of-a-kind event: the 127 Yard Sale, proudly known as The World’s Longest Yard Sale. This annual event stretches nearly 700 miles through six states, beginning in Addison, Michigan, and ending in Gadsden, Alabama. Along the way, it winds through scenic small towns and rural communities, offering a roadside shopping experience unlike any other.
Meet the Chicago Modernist Collective
The Chicago Modernist Collective, in a way, started at the House of Tomorrow. That’s where prinicpals Alexa Glade DeTogne and Megan O’Sullivan met in 2017. Both were members of the Chicago Bauhaus and Beyond group, and Meg was hosting the event while Lex was working with an auction house that helped to stage the home with period appropriate decor and furnishings.
A Flexible Functional Dream Home
American Farmhouse Style | August/September 2025 A builder designs a model dream home with his family in mind: Imagine getting the chance to build a new home on preserved property you know no one else is going to build on or around. That was just the opportunity afforded to Scott Brannock, President of Tidewater Homes, LLC. BUILDING A FLEXIBLE AND FUNCTIONAL DREAM HOME The home is an expansive 4.166 square feet in St. Johns, Florida, designed by builder Scott with his family in mind.
Hidden Sculptures and Landscaping in Southern California
Here you see cactus, redwood trees and office building in one glance—a juxtaposition that visually articulates the California situation indeed! One of the midcentury’s renowned designers, Isamu Noguchi, was also a sculptor and landscape architect. It may surprise you then to learn that you could find his work tucked away in Costa Mesa, California, in a installation known locally as the Noguchi Garden.
Discover a New Cookbook Loaded with MCM Vibes
That Time We Ate Our Feelings showcases recipes from the Mid Mod era. Ever want to host an MCM-inspired dinner party? Now’s your chance with That Time We Ate Our Feelings written by actors, producers, activists, and now authors, Lisa Lucas and Debrianna Mansini. It’s a tongue-and-cheek cookbook chock-full of heartwarming family anecdotes and recipes perfect for honoring the Mid Mod era.
A Beginner’s Guide to Bidding at a Mid Century Auction
Are you thinking about bidding at a mid century auction but uncertain where to start? Auctions can offer a thrilling mix of discovery and competition. With the right preparation, you can score a timeless piece for your own personal collection. Whether you are a seasoned collector or stepping into an auction house for the first time, consider these steps to help you confidently navigate the process. Step 1: Research Before Auction Familiarize yourself with the auction inventory.
10th Anniversary Indian Canyons Home Tour
As part of the 2025 Modernism Week event in Palm Springs, Indian Canyons neighborhood commemorates their anniversary with eight fabulous homes that will be open to more than 500 people on Saturday, February 22, 2025. Tickets are $130 per person and are available here. Follow them on Instagram @IndianCanyonsNeighborhood. The Modernism Week tour is the principal fundraiser for ICNO.
Palm Springs Modernism Show February 2025 Booth Preview
The Palm Springs Modernism Show is among the many events of Palm Springs’ Modernism Week where vendors and creators show their MCM inspired wares. What’s more, this year marks the event’s 25th anniversay! Come celebrate this modernist extravaganza and check out Atomic Ranch’s booth. Read on for a sneak peek here of what you will find at our Palm Springs Modernism Show February 2025 Booth.
Attract Backyard Birds with the Right Seeds
While almost all bird seed may look pretty much the same to you, it doesn’t to the birds you’re feeding. Knowing what kinds of seeds different backyard birds like can help you attract a variety of fine feathered friends to your feeders. Consider these popular seed types and the common backyard birds they attract: Sunflower: Black sunflower seeds attract blue jays, goldfinches, woodpeckers, purple finches, chickadees, titmice and nuthatches.
Step Inside a Sackley Chase Sensation
We don’t mean scroll through photos on your screen. No, physically step foot inside this extraordinary home in Palm Springs known as the Sackley Chase Sensation on Monday February 17. The house is a Modernism Week Featured Home.
Visit the Star-Studded Ocotillo Lodge
The Ocotillo Lodge, built in 1957, once served as a hotel for those lured into the glitz and glamour of Palm Springs living. As part of the larger Twin Palms development, guests often stayed there as they eyed a new home being built just across Palm Canyon Drive. Today, it’s a coveted condo community. Designed by Palmer & Krisel and built by the Alexander Company, the innovative bungalows featured skylights, jalousie windows, and deep overhangs to provide respite from the desert sun.
Live at a Little Beverly Hills Gem
Nestled in what is known as “Little Beverly Hills,” this Alexander Construction Company-built home belonged to an Olympian in the 1950s. It suffered neglect and fell into disrepair until the latest two homeowners restored it to its former glory and transformed into a midcentury paradise. About Little Beverly Hills Originally named Ramon Rise Estates, this neighborhood of Palm Springs was built in the 1950s, in part by the Alexander Construction Company.
Mid Century Neighborhoods: Arapaho Hills
This mid century neighborhood in Littleton, Colorado, had a rocky start. Arapaho Hills was supposed to be the second community developed by the partnership between architect Edward B. Hawkins and contractor Clyde Mannon. They had developed nearby Arapahoe Acres from 1949-1957, and Hawkins had purchased the second piece of property in 1954.
Meet Mocha Mousse, Pantone 2025 Color of the Year
Pantone has selected Mocha Mousse as the 2025 Color of the Year. Since 2000, Pantone has selected a color of the year that is meant to give visual expression to the feelings and events of the present cultural moment. Read more about their choice and what it represents here. It also influences color choices for people for whom color is important—including those in interior design. Here at Atomic Ranch, we of course add the additional filter of what suits Mid Century Modern style.
Merry Modern Outdoor Holiday Decor
Whether your style is more haute or kitsch or somewhere in between, find modern outdoor holiday decor that will greet passersby with cheer! Douglas Fir Prelit Wreath, King of ChristmasUse this wreath on its own on your MCM front door, or add some retro cheer with Shiny Brites or the modern ornaments of your choice. Elegant Tree, AllModern.
Juan O’Gorman: Through Functionalism and Beyond
Mexican architect and mural artist Juan O’Gorman’s works comprised a range of unexpected styles. Nevertheless, the distinctive character he brought to his works throughout his life makes them easy to recognize in an instant. In this post, we explore his early enthusiasm for functionalism, and how he cast it aside over time in favor of a more organic style.
Simplify Your Holiday Storage
Professional organizer Amanda Burns Clark offers her tried-and-true advice on dealing with the decorations and simplifying holiday storage. Keeping holiday decorations neat and tidy is often at the bottom of our to-do lists. If the idea of untangling your Christmas lights (again) is delaying your decorating, try these tips from professional organizer Amanda Burns Clark to simplify your holiday storage (and therefore your holiday decorating too). Photo by Valeriia Svitlini on Unsplash Set a limit.
How to Insulate a Mid Century Home
If you live in a mid century home, it may be a pressing question: How do you insulate a mid century home? Whether you’re bundling up or still sweltering, as a mid century homeowner, you’re probably intimately familiar with a very significant drawback of MCM homes—lack of insulation. There’s good news and bad news. The good news is that living in a mid century home doesn’t mean you have to sweat all summer and shiver all winter.
Outdoor Halloween Decor with a Mid Century Vibe
If you take your year-round design inspiration from the mid century, why not your outdoor Halloween decor too? We’ve gathered some of our favorites to make your exterior say “Happy Halloween” with a nod to mid mod. Pumpkins, cats, skulls, and ghosts, oh my! In the lead image above, you can see Loll Design’s collection of outdoor Halloween decor. Mix and match with different figures, shapes and colors. The best part? They’re made of recycled milk jugs! For more, click here.
Mid Century Halloween Costume Ideas
Trying to think of mid century Halloween costume ideas? Let’s go straight to the source. Here are some photos from mid century Halloweens and ideas pulled from period costume magazines to get your wheels turning! Costume Ideas from the Mid Century Photo taken in 1967 Alaska, courtesy of KurtClark/Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license It’s hard to go wrong with a big cat costume. A little face paint for the whiskers ties it all together.
Check Out a Stunning, Unique Long Beach Home
This unique Long Beach home, built by a firm most known for its bowling alleys, has some striking original features. Hidden within the Bixby Knolls neighborhood of Long Beach, California, sits a 1954 mid-century ranch with a mostly brick exterior, separated only by some paneling and a small window. However, the impeccable landscaping in front of the home offers a telling clue to the lush greenery and playful style that lies beyond the home’s understated exterior.
Modern Makers: Meet Hazy Sunshine
When you look at Hazy Sunshine’s website, you’ll see cushions for patio furniture and fringed umbrellas in retro, floral patterns with carefree, sun-soaked vintage vibes. But in sitting down to meet Hazy Sunshine (albeit over the phone), Alexandra (Alex) Hardin-Gonzalez and Julianna (Jules) Berg, we found there’s so much more to know about this bespoke company committed to custom, handmade and American-sourced business practices.
Collecting Election Memorabilia
If you love to collect mid century ephemera and have an interest in politics or political history, you can collect election memorabilia. Presidential campaigns in particular came with a bevy of campaign paraphernalia such as bins, bumper stickers, cups, handkerchiefs, you name it! How to Start Collecting Election Memorabilia If you’re interested in collecting election memorabilia, keep your eye on auction sites, or you may happen upon a find at an estate sale, flea market or thrift store.
Collect Election Memorabilia
Presidential campaigns of the past came with a bevy of campaign paraphernalia such as bins, bumper stickers, cups, handkerchiefs, you name it! You can collect election memorabilia and display it along with your patriotic décor. If you’re interested in collecting election memorabilia, keep your eye on auction sites, at estate sales, flea markets or thrift stores. Keep in mind that often condition matters. If something is in mint condition or is more rare, it will likely fetch a higher price.
MCM Gift Ideas
It is better to give than to receive, but sometimes coming up with the idea is a real labor of love, especially if the recipient has a strong design sense. Not just anything will do! So we spent some time brainstorming for you and scouring the web for MCM gift ideas. You know it’s a good gift when you are tempted to keep it for yourself, so these MCM gift ideas all passed that test! You can feel good about giving these to the MCM enthusiasts on your Christmas gift list.
Welcome to the Dinah Shore Estate
An Iconic Mid-Century Gem in the Heart of Old Palm Springs The first thing you notice upon entering the Dinah Shore Palm Springs Estate–aside from the wood ceilings, stainless steel flooring and natural stone wall in the foyer–are the windows, or rather, the walls of glass through which sublime views of the San Jacinto mountains can be seen from practically every room in the house…and what a house! Designed in 1964 by famed “desert modern” architect Donald Wexler for actress, singer and...
Old Windows to New Greenhouse
A DIY journey with KBS Coatings to a magical, multi-purpose space Written, styled, and photographed by Stephanie Leleux, 2024 Brand Ambassador Building a greenhouse has been a long-time dream for me and my husband, Skip. Over the past few years, we’ve been continuously thrifting and collecting materials that could bring this dream to life.
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.
Get to Know Our Instagram Columnists
There’s always more to know about all things retro and Mid Century Modern, and our Instagram columnists are here to help. Each month, they share their expertise with us on Instagram Live. Atomic Ranch Brand Leader Jickie Torres speaks with each columnist on Instagram for rich and informative conversations on a variety of mid mod topics.
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.
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.
An Award-Winning La Jolla Home Opens Its Doors for a Special Event
Step inside a beautifully restored 1961 La Jolla home in a house tour event coming up on August 10, 2024. The historically designated Liebner/Gand residence has garnered a La Jolla Jewel Award 2022 and People in Preservation Award 2022 as a result of its gorgeous preservation. Ke On August 10, see how homeowners Joan and Gary Gand have restored the home, and purchase VIP tickets to hear Atomic Ranch Editor Jickie Torres interview the Gands on the restoration process.
An Award-Winning La Jolla Home Opens Its Doors for a Special Event
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Tucson: A Modernism Oasis
Mid century optimism is alive and well in the Arizona desert. Nestled amid the backdrop of the Santa Catalina mountains in the southeast corner of Arizona, Tucson stands as a living testament to a bygone era; a vibrant city that’s embraced a post-war past when architectural innovators and designers left their mark on the burgeoning desert community.
George Bell House Talk & Tour Event
Atomic Ranch has exciting news! On September 9, in partnership with Rick Chesmore of Chesmore Buck, Atomic Ranch is hosting a George Bell House Talk & Tour! At this event, you’ll get an opportunity to step inside MCM builder George Bell’s home in Bellevue, Washington. Recently renovated, the Bellevue, Washington home was lovingly renovated by a homeowner who had childhood memories of the house and by an architect who lives in a George Bell home.
Polynesian Inspired Rooms and Gardens
Polynesian touches were popular in the mid century, and the tropical style exudes a carefree charm. (Popularly known as “tiki,” the term is a misnomer as “tiki” refers to a Polynesian god rather than a region or popularized image of a culture.) If you love touches of Oceania and the simultaneous mid century and tropical vibes, find inspiration from these MCM homes. Grasscloth wallpaper and bamboo furniture gives this bedroom an updated and subtle Polynesian feel.
Design Ideas for Galley Kitchens
Mid Century Modern kitchens can be tight on space, so making use of every square inch of a high-traffic, high-function room of the house is especially important. Many MCM homes have a galley kitchen, a layout like the kitchen on a galley or ship, that makes use of tight quarters with a parallel design with cabinetry and countertops on each side of the long, narrow kitchen. While galley kitchens are practical, how do you design them to also make them as appealing as they are practical?
Spotlight on 3 Vintage Scandinavian Modern Shops
If you love vintage Scandinavian Modern furniture, maybe you’re always keeping your eyes peeled for gems on Facebook Marketplace or garage sales, but finding a reliable source of vintage Scandinavian Modern furniture is a real treasure trove. Urban Americana is Long Beach’s ultimate source for vintage furniture and home décor. Our mid century warehouse stretches more than 16,000 square feet and houses an incredible variety of unique home goods.
Vintage Doors: Practical, Functional & Beautiful Doors
Near the St. Lawrence River, nestled in the heart of vast farmland in upstate Hammond, NY, Vintage Doors has been honing their craft for over thirty years to provide authentic, one-of-a-kind, meticulously handcrafted wood doors to properly anchor and define any space. Practical, functional, and beautiful-their products are sure to transport you back to a simpler time, where high-quality materials and fine craftsmanship are combined to yield a superior product.
Atomic Ranch Hosts the Shag House Series This May
The Shag House Series hosted by Atomic Ranch arrives this May. If you didn’t get to attend the grand unveiling of the highly anticipated Shag House in Palm Springs this past February for Modernism Week, you’re in luck. By popular demand, Atomic Ranch is hosting The Shag House Series at the now iconic newly renovated mid century modern home in Palm Springs’ Little Beverly Hills neighborhood.
4 Ways to Outfit Your MCM Guest Bedroom to Suit You and Your Visitors
A guest bedroom plays two roles: It keeps your visitors comfortable when they stay and adds an extra place for you to retreat after they leave. In fact, you could argue that a guest bedroom serves as a miscellaneous room for you 90% of the time, so striking that balance between purposes is key. Here’s a recipe for a calm and clutter-free space for sweet (day)dreams for you and a relaxing stay for your guests. The Daybed. A daybed is the perfect piece to allow this room to serve multiple purposes.
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.
Why Canvas Prints Can Make Mother's Day
The bond you share with your mom is truly unique—which makes it a shame that so many Mother’s Day gifts on the market can be routine and predictable. But that’s starting to change, thanks to the rise of fast online custom printing and the wider availability of personalized wall art, such as canvas prints, at accessible prices.
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