Lounging in a Time Capsule

Lounging in a Time Mid-Century Modern with a Mad Men Flair

“Make it simple, but

significant.” – Don Draper

Sometimes history likes to repeat itself in fashion, architecture, decor and design, and today people are often enamored by the styles, kitschy or classic, that represent a bygone era. Nowhere is this more true than the fascination with Mid-Century Modern (MCM) and all its popculture elements. It’s one of the many reasons why the television series Mad Men, set in 1960s New York, garnered rave reviews for seven seasons. Fans scrambled to find the furniture and accessories to recreate the look. Enter Perry Boire and Maxine Boese. Respectively, dedicated chef and operating room attendant by day and by night and weekends, mad with all things MCM. Their converted detached garage proves it.

Character Home with a Possibility

“We both like character homes so we went to those neighbourhoods when we decided to buy,” says Perry.

Capsule

BY: KARIN MELBERG SCHWIER PHOTOS: LILLIAN LANE

“It happened a friend was moving out of the country, and asked if we might want to see her house.” The couple drove to Buena Vista, had three separate looks, brought in Max’s brother-in-law who was in the construction industry, and within a month, the 1912 bungalow with views of the park was theirs. That was 22 years ago and they still love it.

A small detached garage at the back of the lot, too small for their full-sized cars, was good for storage. Lindal Cedar Homes I 76 Year Anniversary

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Even the exterior of the detached garage-cum-lounge exudes an MCM vibe.

But it seemed the little shed was channeling Don Draper: “Success comes from standing out, not fitting in.”

Back to the Future

“We were watching random YouTube and came across videos from the UK, where homeowners converted tiny sheds into backyard bars,” Perry recalls. He and Max looked at each other and the collective lightbulb went on.

“Max went on trips to Palm Springs for Black Friday shopping, and fell in love with MCM style and philosophy of confidence, happiness and socializing it suggested,” says Perry. “I wasn’t too keen until I sat down and watched a few episodes of Mad Men with her.”

He was hooked. It was the blend of simplistic style, a design lending itself to smaller scale furniture and the space that contained it, and the mix of comfort with a modern look. MCM celebrates and incorporates natural light and an organic flow through the space.

The 1960s was a time of change and turnover. An intense political landscape, the hippie movement and beatnik culture, the Space Age race to the moon; they all combined to create this new style. MCM was a confluence of traditional sombre tones, bright pops of primary colour and sleek futuristic lines.

Perry and Max settled on a blend of MCM and Mad Men.

“We both work in fastpaced environments. We wanted a place to relax with lounge music, drinks and conversation. No TV, no LED lighting and no cell phone texting.”

Authentic Renovation

The little shed had to walk before it could fly in the way Perry and Max imagined. Skylights went in for that all-important natural light.

“This would have never happened if it wasn’t for coworker and friend, Rob Husband, who came to

It’s a perfect blend of quality and kitsch. The couch is a favourite for curling up with a book–and a cocktail, of course–or taking a nap.

Max and Perry have curated their collection thoughtfully, applying restraint to maintain the look without impulse buying retro items.

the rescue. He handled all the major tasks like framing and installing the windows and plywood walls,” says Perry. Plywood was used instead of gyproc so items could be hung without wall plugs. Notable period items include locally sourced solid wood custom windows, walnut window and door trim and period-correct mahogany baseboards.

Not all went according to plan. “Although the shed is insulated, we bought a vintage Preway fireplace,” says Perry. “We talked with our insurance agent, and we’d have to make extensive modifications. So now the fireplace gives some ambiance to the deck.” Because the shed has no utilities like water or heat, it’s still insured as a detached garage.

MCM Bits and Pieces

Then it was time to create a 1960s pad that would feel authentic and not just like a collection of retro items.

“Because we are in a very small market, we knew it would be tough to acquire items,” says Perry. Undaunted, they started searching locally, and checked MCM-specific websites. They collected slowly, resisting and usually avoiding impulse buys.

“We knew it was

The couple is hoping for a post-pandemic MCM-Mad Men cocktail party, but in the meantime, they enjoy their own cocktail tradition.

going to take a while since we aren’t in MCM hub centres like Palm Springs, San Francisco or Florida. We wanted it to be period perfect so we accepted the blending of MCM with a retro theme.”

“That’s what money is for,” another classic Don Draper quote, seems fitting. The couple admits this project hasn’t been cheap. They’ve upgraded the sofa and chair three times. The one they’re happy with is almost 100 inches long.

“We replaced our china cabinet with an authentic MCM teak cabinet,” says Perry. “We replaced our cocktail bar. It’s important to be true to the period when we can, and we do that with Mid-Century barware,” he adds. “We’ve grown an exceptional collection of period sets.” The search continues for authentic MCM bar stools, Holt Howard cherry and olive containers and black cat swizzle sticks.

Max’s favourite element is the lighting, including the table lamps. “We scored those from the Godfather of MCM lighting in Saskatoon, Ian Simeon Shorting. My favourite pieces,” says Perry, “are the 1959 Italian Atomic ice bucket and the pristine Bavarian cocktail bar. And we are both delighted by the variety of spirits we’ve collected to make any cocktail for visitors.” The current collection stands at about 70 bottles and counting. And wine is always in style.

“We used to buy wine by the bottle.” Max laughs. “Now we buy in kits.”

WHISKEY SOUR

The Old Fashioned might have been Don’s cocktail of choice, but no one wants to get stuck in the past. Anyone can get their Don Draper on with a Whiskey Sour. Perry says this is a basic recipe. “We’ve learned to adjust. Make batches! We use bourbon in addition to whiskey, whichever bottle is closer at the time. And finally, a lemon slice along with a Luxardo cherry and kafir lime petal is a great garnish.”

Ingredients

2 ounces whiskey 3/4 ounce lemon juice. Freshly squeezed. 1/2 to 3/4 ounce simple syrup, to taste Maraschino or Luxardo cherry, lemon peel or kafir lime petal garnish.

Steps

1. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, pour the whiskey, lemon juice and simple syrup. 2.Shake well. 3.Strain into a chilled Sour glass or over fresh ice in an Old-Fashioned glass. 4.Garnish with cherry, lemon peel or lime petal. Turn on a Mad Men rerun, sit back and enjoy.

Sixties Socializing Adjusted

While social distancing has put a crimp in the classic cocktail party, a hallmark of the era, Perry and Max hope by next summer it will be possible.

“We’re planning on having a retro/MCM-theme party and inviting the handful of collectors,” Perry says. “With appropriate dress and a local jazz band to make the evening complete.”

But even with socializing on hold, the couple uses the bar shed nearly every day throughout the summer, winding it down in the fall.

“Even if we don’t have a cocktail, we use it to cool down in, read or have a nap on that awesome sofa,” Perry explains. “It’s the most utilized indoor space during the spring and summer months. In keeping with that Mad Men vibe, the couple has a bit of a tradition.

“But we do enjoy Whiskey Sour Friday in the bar. It’s a nice way to start the weekend.”