Well-Preserved Dated Decor The New York Times

If you like the Guess The Decade features on Apartment Therapy Chicago, you'll this story and slide show from The New York Times: homes that are caught in a decor time warp. This collection of homes from across the country all have distinct styles that remain untouched style-wise and in near-pristine condition. A modern 50s home in Berkeley, a 60s ranch in New Jersey, a 70s home in California, and an 80s apartment in NYC...

• 1 Donald E. and Helen Olsen have lived in this modern Berkeley, California home since 1954. Their furnishings include original Marcel Breuer chairs and a George Nelson sofa from 1955.
• 2 S. Stephen and Alice Atkins 60s ranch in Livingston, New Jersey — check out the brass wall hanging!
• 3 Jason Reitzin's home in Encino, California is very 70s — he even rents it out for film and TV productions as a "period home."
• 4 Richard and Barbara Rubens triplex in Riverdale, the Bronx shows of a harsh 80s style of mirrors and glossy black finishes. The furnishings include a black leather sectional sofa from Thayer Coggin.

Check out the full story and ALL the pictures: Living in a Time Capsule and the slide show.

GUESS THE DECADE
• Guess The Decade Archives on Apartment Therapy Chicago

Comments (22)

Someone please promise me that the 80's will never come back in style...

That first picture is great. The only thing that gives it away is the art is a bit dated and the books aren't a decal or organized by color ( ;) )

Is that last one supposed to be a kitchen or a casino?

When I read this this morning in the paper, I KNEW you were going to feature it!

1,2 and 3 have held up very well. 4 hurts.

My eyes! My eyes! The 80's... *shudder*

#1 and #3 are terrific. Except for the art in 1, I would have thought it was "now". (But then, I'm no expert). Love the first picture. I could SO live there. ...Oh, well, but a girl can dream, right?
#2 is nice, just not my thang.
#4... I'd better not say anything.

everyone will be drooling over #4 in a few years, just as they were mocking the others a few years ago.

I would have voted for both the '50s and '60s houses. Try not to act surprised.

The 80's were really scarey . . .

#4 never had any redeeming value.

This look is a poor rehash of art deco without the quality, whimsy or integrity of materials. Oval mirrors around rectangular windows? Puhlease.
The cabinet wall holds up pretty well.
There really is nothing original, interesting or uniquely efficient about this kitchen.
It was a bomb then, it's still a bomb.

And just for the record, red skinny ties don't work on anyone over 16.

I grew up in the '80s and didn't like '80s styles even as a child. I remember loathing shoulder pads, permed hair, huge, overstuffed leather, marble and gilding, and faux rustic even then. Maybe the trend-heads will go for it if #4-style decor comes back, but I will neverthink any of this stuff looks good.

Every style, or a close imitation of the original, always resurfaces eventually. There are styles popular now that we thought were old fashioned junk in the 80's. I think this is why we should always hold on to things we love....regardless of if the styles around you change.

call me crazy, but i think homes with "well preserved dated decor" are going to be worth an absolute mint down the road. in the age of HGTV and gut rehabs, harvest gold might just become the real estate equivalent of 14K!

Ok, I have those chairs in picture number 1 and a few weeks back someone here was making fun of them and saying how awful they are. Just shows, we all have different tastes. I have had the chairs recaned and the last caner told me that the chairs were going for top dollar in the SF area. I love mine and plan to keep them.

dkzody, you're right. I was brought up in a house full of MCM and now I can't stand it. I do love 'anglepoise' lamps (they say '70's to me) and I'm sure your chairs are comfortable.

If the 80s are back in style in clothing, they're coming back in decor. Just you wait (in fear, like me).

That last photo is horrendous! I pray that 80s decor does not come back in style....just as I pray that stirrup pants have died a slow and agonizing death and will never come back.

I like photos 1 and 3. It was a toss up between the two. The last one, I had to turn my head away.