Mid-Century Kid's Microscope Set

I hit my first Austin estate sale in a while. It was on a Thursday and Friday, which led me to believe that it wouldn't be fully picked over by the time I got there. And it wasn't; there was a great kitchen table and a few other pieces left. 

One of the smaller pieces left was a mid-century kid's microscope set. I had to pick it up for the kid in hopes of a happy atomic future. Also, the design of the case (with the old school Steel logo) and the materials inside was worth the cost of purchase.

Pantone Paint Universe at Lowes

I thought it'd be nice and easy to match Pantone colors with real-world objects, and then just use Pantone paint colors as mid-century wall colors. But it turns out that Pantone has stopped making their own paints and has partnered with Lowe's to bring 100 colors to every Lowe's store. The problem is that you can't match Pantone color chips to their paint colors anymore. They all have hardware store style names now instead of numbers, and they're limited in color. Sadly, what was once a great resource for the color perfectionist has become limited version for the general public.

Matching Real-World Objects to Pantone Colors

I don't know why I never thought of this, but Pantone is perfect for color matching real-world items. Luckily, Tiny PMS Match thought of it and has started a collection of photos doing just that.

It's a great idea for your mid-century home because you can take your favorite flower, a beloved knickknack or even a vintage magazine ad and turn them into mid-century modern paint colors for your wall. It will be especially easy if you use Pantone paint.

Memorial Day Mid-Century Shopping

I spent part of my Memorial Day doing something completely mid-century American, cleaning the garage. I spent the other part doing something I haven't done in a while, shopping Austin vintage stores.

I hit up Rave On Vintage for the first time (a new favorite), Remixologie, Uptown Modern, Room Service and Antique Marketplace (for the first time in a while).

I was looking for a large mid-century wall unit and didn't find anything. I now believe that wall units are the hardest thing to find in Austin (I've been looking for a while). Part of the reason I say that is because I saw a Moe Honeycomb light in person on my multi-store trip (at the Antique Marketplace)

It was a bit tarnished, but it was hanging there, which is more than I can say for the wall unit I was looking for.

Charlie Brown on Mid-Century Furniture

I never thought Charlie Brown thought much about mid-century furniture, but this 1953 comic proves otherwise. He's clearly forgotten about the old and moved in with the midcentury. And who can blame him when that midcentury includes an Eames molded plywood lounge chair, a Barwa lounger, a butterfly chair, some mid-century art on the wall, a pole lamp and tiki inspired drapes?