Leave a comment in today’s post by October 11th 2017, and you are in the running for this vintage decorating book that is an amazing look into the past.
Open to U. S. residents only please.
Take a walk down memory lane with this 1950s decorating classic, re-released for a whole new generation
The year is 1956. America is a mere decade past World War II. Richard Nixon is next in command to President Dwight Eisenhower, the Dow Jones soars above 500, and Norma Jean Mortenson legally changes her name to Marilyn Monroe. Two words described the decade, as John Updike wrote in the short story “When Everyone Was Pregnant”: Fear and gratitude. And during this boom period, grateful young families thrilled to find themselves homeowners after the uncertainty of the Great Depression followed by a second Great War. Those empty rooms needed filling in order to make the house a home, and homeowners turned to the iconic Better Homes and Gardens brand.
Better Homes and Gardens Decorating Book, the first edition of a title that would spawn ten editions over the years, became the new home bible for injecting class, style (and the occasional misguided cowboy wallpaper) into American homes. While exploring numerous styles, the main theme of the book is the on-trend mid-century modern sensibility, a style as appropriate today as it was six decades ago when the book was initially released.
Filled with hundreds of full-color period photos, dozens of adorable illustrations, and decorating tips and tricks that are both helpful and nostalgic, the book remains a fun classic. With this welcome hardcover release, reproduced exactly as it looked and read in the 1950s, everything old is new again.
LD Siess says
Ooh, ooh! This appeals to me – I was 2 in 1961 ????
Jan OBrien says
We would LOVE to have this wonderful, inspiring mid-century modern book full of fabulous 50’s style, including the cowboy wallpaper : )
Marsha Burtch says
I would be thrilled to win this book! Thank you!
KatieS says
That looks wonderful. I just bought a house this year and am planning to decorate mid century so this would be perfect!
Molly Gibbs says
Just love mid-century!
Kim Reid says
I would love to enter for this Better Homes and Gardens mid-century decorating book, it sounds amazing!
Mary Helene says
Love the gorgeous cover of this book
Linda Tillis says
I remember these 2 tangerine leather chairs that my Mom had in the living room when I was 10. The color was incredible.
MARY SWITRAS says
Wow, useful nostalgia! This only predates me by two years – i love it.
Sally H says
What a find! Would LOVE to read the articles on color and see the illustrations.
S says
Gorgeous!
Donna Jean says
My most memorable decade ever.
Melody says
I am vintage!
Bree says
My favorite time period for style. What a treasure this book must be!! Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy.
Julie Henderson says
So smitten am I by all things retro/mid-century, as I was born in ’62. My minor in college was Interior Design, such a rich & fascinating study. Would be thrilled to win this….thanks for the giveaway!
Shay Simmons says
Some of the projects in a 1956 McCall’s Needlework & Crafts that I own, would look right at home on that cover.
Brenda J Moore says
Cant enter- being a Canadian; but I remember playing , looking through that book throughout my childhood…it’s the year I was born.
Elizabeth Jane Gotts says
Such a cool looking book – thanks for the chance to win
Rose Schlem says
I graduated high school in 1962 and would like to win this book. What a book to refresh memories!
Susan Stone says
I love vintage because I am vintage. I would love to have this book. Can we buy this somewhere?
Jeano Matters says
Growing up in the 50’s, I had cowboy wallpaper in my bedroom and loved it, would like to see some in this book.
cassews says
Oh my what a great give away and its mid century modern stuff … Oh thank you for the chance to win !!!!
Shelley S. says
Love it! I remember Gramma’s house and the home I grew up in and love the retro look. I would be thrilled to have this book!
Debra says
I would love this book! My son just bought a 60’s ranch and is restoring it back to it’s glory…