Northern Home - Spring 2021

Pyrex and Pink Daisies: Midcentury cookware is fab again

Vintage pieces of Pyrex sets, including “Cinderella” bowls and refrigerator dishes in the Pink Gooseberry pattern, manufactured in the 1950s and 1960s, appear in a kitchen cupboard. Vintage kitchenware is back in style. Some collectors buy vintage dishware to try to resell it at a profit, while others are in it for nostalgia. (Lauren McCullough via AP)

This image provided by Tracee Herbaugh depicts two vintage peach lustre Fire-King chili bowls. There are lustrous chili bowls with handles, stackable refrigerator boxes, and casserole dishes set on top of brass candle warmers. These are durable dishes, often smaller than modern serving pieces, that can go from freezer to oven to table. But collectors usually acquire them for enjoyment, not utility. (Tracee Herbaugh via AP)

This image provided by Tracee Herbaugh exhibits some of the vintage kitchenware available at a Waltham, Massachusetts antique shop. Television and social media have also generated interest. Series like “WandaVision,” “Firefly Lane,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “Mad Men” all highlight midcentury kitchens and kitchenware. (Tracee Herbaugh via AP)

By Tracee M. Herbaugh

THE ASSOCIATED PRESSIf you want to freshen up your kitchen, look no further than Grandma’s old casserole dishes.

Vintage kitchenware is back in style -- pieces from the mid-20th century painted with flowers, bright colours, and specific functions, such as bracketed chip and dip bowls or four-piece refrigerator storage sets.

“I’ve always been an old soul and loved anything old,” said Megan Telfer, a collector of vintage dishes, salt and pepper shakers, cookie jars and “a little bit of everything.” The 26-year-old parole officer from the Dallas area said this hobby started with family.

Her grandmother gave her mother a green and white Pyrex “Spring Blossom” mixing bowl. “That’s when my interest was piqued,” Telfer said.

Three years later, she has more than 300 pieces of vintage Pyrex, displayed on three large bookcases. Her 5-year-old daughter has some vintage Pyrex, too.

“We don’t use 90 per cent of it,” Telfer said. “I display it.”

Some collectors buy vintage dishware to try to resell it at a profit, while others are in it for nostalgia.

“It reminds them of their mothers, A4

aunts, grandmothers,” said Hope Chudy, owner of Downstairs at Felton Antiques in Waltham, Massachusetts.

A year of pandemic lockdowns has led to a surge in home cooking and time spent hanging out in the kitchen. Vintage cookware fits right into that homey, old-fashioned vibe.

There are lustrous chili bowls with handles, and casserole dishes set on top of brass candle warmers. These are durable dishes, often smaller than modern serving pieces, that can go from freezer to oven to table. But collectors usually acquire them for enjoyment, not utility.

“It really sets your kitchen apart from others,” said Victoria Aude, an interior designer in Canton, Massachusetts. “It’s not an item you can just buy off the shelf at Bloomingdale’s.”

The old dishes are also nice accents when decorating a room, said Atlanta-based interior designer Beth Halpern Brown. “They can add that quick pop of colour,” she said. “You can decorate a wall with them, or put one on display and change the space.”

Corning first released a Pyrex dish in 1915. By the 1930s, Anchor Hocking Glass Corp. released its competitor brand Fire-King. But it’s the kitchenware made between 1950 and 1980 that seem to be

most popular right now.

Jo Adinolfi, a 62-year-old nurse from Shelton, Connecticut, collects Pyrex mixing bowls and stackable refrigerator sets, what collectors affectionately call “fridgies.” She started collecting and selling about 10 years ago and owns more than 2,000 pieces.

The mid-20th-century glass bowls and casserole dishes from brands like Fire-King and Pyrex haven’t changed, but their prices have.

“The more people that collect, the higher the demand is, the more people are trying to source the right goods to be able to feed that request,” said Stan Savellis, 42, of Sydney, Australia, who has collected vintage kitchenware since his teenage years and runs the online store That Retro Piece.

Television and social media have also generated interest. Series like “WandaVision,” “Firefly Lane,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “Mad Men” all highlight midcentury kitchens and kitchenware.

And then there’s social media too, said Vicki Matranga, the design programs co-ordinator for the International Housewares Association and author of the book “America at Home: A Celebration of Twentieth-Century Housewares.”

“With everyone at home now, you can look at collections on Facebook

or Instagram,” she said.

In pre-pandemic days, vintage collectors would meet up at swaps. Now, people are buying and selling on eBay, Etsy, Facebook and other websites.

The rarest pieces have sold for thousands of dollars, such as the 1959 “Lucky in Love” covered casserole dish that Goodwill sold for $5,994 in 2017.

Still, some enthusiasts simply like the vintage look and sentimentality.

“It goes with my house,” said Ashley Linder, 37, of Lake Jackson, Texas.

Linder’s vintage collection includes can openers from the 1950s, and they still work. “Fortunately, I have the space to display most of it, though some are seasonal-use,” she said.

One of her most treasured finds was a Pyrex “Pink Daisy 045” casserole dish on eBay. It was in great condition, still in the box.

“You don’t come across a lot of pink pieces in the box,” she said.

She paid $300 for it and messaged the seller in hopes of finding out how it was so well preserved. “The lady had bought an old farmhouse in Nebraska, and it was left there,” she said. “It’s an investment.”

SPRING 2021 | NORTHERN HOME

Spring cleaning: get your backyard ready for summer

As the days get longer and warmer, you may find yourself anticipating how to make the most of your outdoor living space. Here’s some advice to ensure your backyard is ready for summer.

The patio and fence Since the patio and fence are prominent features of your outdoor living area, their appearance will set the tone for the space. Sweep away any rocks, leaves and other de bris before cleaning the patio and fence with a pressure washer and specialized product. Make sure you choose the right setting so you don’t damage the surface. Depending on the material, apply a coat of varnish or paint to freshen up and protect these backyard features.

The furniture As you take each piece of furniture out of storage, check to make sure it’s in good condition.

You may need to wash it to spot rust, stains or other signs of damage. In some cases, you might get another season out of your furniture by applying a new coat of paint. Additionally, worn cushions can be replaced or repaired by a professional. However, if your patio furniture has seen better days, consider starting off the season with a new setup.

The barbecue To make sure you’re ready for summer cook outs, clean all the stainless-steel surfaces of your barbecue. Be sure to check the con dition of the grates and any other components that come in contact with food. Finally, inspect the propane tank and test each burner.

By following these tips, you’ll soon be ready to enjoy lazy afternoons and warm evenings outside.

SPRING 2021 | NORTHERN HOME

4 factors to consider when decorating with flowers

your dream door starts here

Flowers are emblematic of spring and can make a great addition to your home. Here are four factors to consider when decorating with flowers.

1. Think about the decor. Flowers can be used to enhance the atmosphere of a room, so reflect on the design style you want to create. You can use floral arrangements as accent pieces or to draw out the colours in furnishings and other decorative pieces.

2. Choose the right size. You want to ensure you maintain a cohesive look when adding flowers to a space. Con sider whether a room would benefit more from a single, large bouquet that draws the eye or several subtle arrangements.

NORTHERN HOME | SPRING 2021

3. Get creative with placement. Play around with height and texture by hanging plants in macrame holders or securing them to the wall to create a vertical flower garden. Make sure your flo wers get enough natural light, as this will make their colours pop.

4. Pick the right flowers. Choose plants that don’t require more maintenance than you have time for, and consider how they grow to ensure your flowers won’t overwhelm a space. If you want to forgo the hassle, opt for dried or artificial arrangements.

Finally, keep in mind that moving or replacing your flowering plants and bouquets a few times a year is a simple way to freshen up your decor.

4 tips to

freshen upyour home

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change in season provides the perfect excuse to freshen up your living space. Here are four simple ways to revitalize your home this spring.

1. Make some room Start by getting rid of anything you don’t like or that no longer serves a purpose. Whether it’s furniture that never gets used or decor that you’re tired of looking at, removing these pieces will make it easier to rethink the space.

2. Improve organization Take time to reflect on how you store various belongings. For example, is there a way to make items you use regularly more accessible? Find storage solutions that enhance both the functionality and esthetics of a room.

3. Update the decor Consider repainting a few walls, replacing some furnishings or adding new decorative features such as plants, wall art, vases and mirrors. Even simply changing the pictu res in your frames can create a sense of newness.

4. Clear the air Whether you use candles, potpourri or essential oil diffusers, swap out the spiced scents of winter for the fruity and floral aromas of spring. Additionally, don’t forget to open the windows on nice days to let fresh air into your home.

To stock up on design accessories and ideas, visit the home decor shops in your area.

SPRING 2021 | NORTHERN HOME

How to makeroom for a

DREAM BATHROOM & KITCHEN REBATE

home office

Have you recently started working from home? If you need a good-size office space but don’t have a spare room, here are a few options to explore.

• Basement. As long as it has adequate headroom, your finished basement (or a portion of it) can be a great place for an office. However, this isn’t the best solution if your basement has moisture issues.

• Attic. Some attics can be converted into usable living space. This isn’t a small renovation, however, and you may need to install electrical outlets, solid flooring and much more to support your setup.

• Garage. If you rarely use your garage to park your car, it can be made into an office. You’ll undoubtedly need to invest in a

number of up dates to make it a comfortable space to work.

• Addition. This isn’t a budget-friendly option, but it could add permanent value to your home. Additions can be built above, be hind or to the side of a house.

• Outbuilding. An office space that’s completely separate from the main house may offer the ultimate distraction-free work zone. However, this can be a costly project. The funds may be better allocated if spent on renovations to the main house.

When deciding how best to make room for your home office, be sure to assess all of your needs. Furthermore, find out if the re novations will affect the resale value of your home.

A weekend guide to welcomingspring into your home

Are you ready to shake off the bleakness of winter and embrace the season of new beginnings? Here’s a guide to help you welcome spring into your home in just two days.

SATURDAY In the morning, focus on cleaning your home from top to bottom. Dust and vacuum each room, and put away thick blankets and other winter decor. Now’s also a good opportunity to declutter your home, setting aside items to throw out, recycle or donate.

In the afternoon, get all of your shopping done. Head to a farmers market or garden shop to pick up an assortment of plants and flowers. Additionally, stop by a home decor store to find spring accessories that’ll help brighten up your living space.

SUNDAY In the morning, transplant your new flo wers and greenery into pots you picked out the day before. Take the time to create a variety of arrangements. While you’re at it, trim yellow leaves and dead stems from the plants

already in your home.

In the afternoon, set about finding spots for your new decorative items. Play around with tones, textures and shapes to best showcase each piece. Consider rearran ging some of your furniture or installing lighter curtains to make the space feel airier.

After the weekend’s over, you can sit back and enjoy the beauty of spring in your own home.

How to use the 2021 Pantonecolours of the year in your home

For 2021, Pantone announced not one but two colours of the year: Ultimate Grey and Illuminating. Here’s how to incorporate these shades of natural, stony grey and warm, uplifting yellow into your home.

In the bedroom Opt for bedding or pillows that combine both colours. For a more dramatic change, consider painting the walls grey and furnishing the room with a bright yellow bedside table, lamp or reading chair. In the living room Add touches of these trendy shades by replacing curtains, throws, cushions or rugs. You could also hang artwork that features these colours.

If you want to use paint to make an impression, consider creating a grey or yellow accent wall, and provide contrast by placing a footstool, shelf or side table in the other colour against it. Wallpaper in these shades can also wow.

In the kitchen Find accessories or small appliances in grey or yellow. Look for serving dishes, oven mitts, towels, toasters and more in these colours. You can also change your chair cushions, tablecloth and ta ble runner.

Ultimate Grey and Illuminating can be integrated into any design style. Consider bringing these colours that evoke fortitude and optimism into any space that could use a pick-me-up.

A space dedicated to your

well-being is a must in 2021

Calm and inspiring spaces are becoming increasingly popular. To design your own little wellness retreat, choose a spot in your home that’s as removed as possible from all noise and activity.

Once you’ve selected a location, surround yourself with colours that evoke nature such as sky blue, forest green and stone grey. Be sure to have at least one live plant nearby.

Additionally, consider including a comfortable chair, a soft mat and decorative or meditation cushions. A lamp emitting a soft glow or a light fixture with a dimmer switch can be useful for lighting the space according to your preferences.

Once the space is set up, use it for meditating, daydreaming, reading, breathing deeply, writing in a diary or listening to music. In 2021, a respite from the stresses of everyday life may be exactly what you need.

NORTHERN HOME | SPRING 2021

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How to style your curtains

Are you considering updating your curtains? If so, here’s what’s fashionable when it comes to this window treatment.

HANG HIGH Installing curtain rods closer to the ceiling will make the room feel larger. The extra height visually increases the vertical space occupied by the windows and creates the illusion of a higher ceiling. If possible, hang your curtains 10 to 15 centimetres above the windows to maximize their impact.

GO LOW Contemporary curtains are long and should hit the floor or even puddle onto it. However, puddling curtains are best reserved

for drapes that stay open since they need to be restyled every time they’re opened or closed. Curtains that skim the floor shouldn’t hang more than 1.5 centimetres above it.

GET WIDE Add visual width to your windows by opting to go broad with your curtains. Mount rods that extend 7.5 to 15 centimetres past the window frame on either side. Although you can go even wider, the curtain rod shouldn’t be more than one-and-one-third the width of the window.

GO FULL Curtains look best when they’re full, so make sure you have enough fabric to adequately

cover the intended area. The rule of thumb is that the combined width of the panels should be two to two-and-a-half times the width of the window.

To find curtains you love or the fabric to make them, shop at stores in your area.

4 hacks for your at-home office

Working from home can be challenging. Here are some helpful tips to make your office a productive, comfortable and functional place to work.

that are a good size and effortless to operate. Also, use ergonomic pads to protect your wrists. Avoid slouching or keeping your arms at odd angles.

Lastly, invest in quality electrical lighting. Bright overhead illumination and a good desk

lamp will help reduce eyestrain and in crease productivity.

1. INVEST IN A GOOD CHAIR Considering the number of hours you’ll likely spend sitting at your desk per week, it’s worth taking the time to select a chair that’s a good fit. Pay attention to back, thigh and arm support. On the other hand, you may want to consider investing in a standing desk.

2. USE ERGONOMICS TO STAY COMFORTABLE Whether you sit or stand while you work, keep your back and neck straight and ensure your computer screen is at eye level. Choose a mouse and keyboard A14

3. SET UP A SECOND MONITOR An additional screen can make coding, designing, writing, researching and other tasks easier. This small upgrade can seriously en hance your productivity and allow you to better juggle multiple tasks.

4. PERSONALIZE THE SPACE Use art, paint, wallpaper and office accessories to decorate your space in a way that’s cohesive and energizing. Consider adding touches like a fragrance you love, a quote that inspires you or a novelty vase to hold fresh flowers.

SPRING 2021 | NORTHERN HOME