Handmade Modern: Mid-Century Inspired Projects for Your Home

by Todd Oldham

Seventy–two step–by–step projects for modern do–it–yourself home and office design, by world–renowned designer Todd Oldham. Love the look of mid–century, modern, retro design, but don't feel like dropping two weeks' pay on an Eames chair? Todd Oldham shares his passion for mid–century modern homes with over 72 do–it–yourself projects for anyone who loves crafts and longs to add character to every corner of their home. Each project is charted through step–by–step photos and instructions until the fabulously mod end. Other projects include home–computer face–lifts, Xerox wallpaper, aluminium lighting fixtures, and cosy shoe–storage systems. In additional to Todd's brilliantly engineered projects, the book comes complete with a tutorial on modern home design in the form of sidebars and short essays throughout –everything from that now–famous Eames chair to the case–study houses of the 1950s. Handmade Modern promises to revolutionise the way the reader looks at his or her own home and capacity to beautify a space. Chic, accessible, and fun, this is the achievable new look of modern home design.

Genres: Nonfiction, Crafts, Design, Interior Design, Adult, Art

224 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2005

About the author

Jacky Todd Oldham is an American fashion designer originally from Corpus Christi, Texas. He hosted a segment called "Todd Time" on MTV's House of Style in the 1990s. He produced a clothing line associated with the Warner Brothers Batman Forever. Oldham designs furniture and home accessories for the La-Z-Boy Furniture company and was named creative director for Old Navy effective Oct. 1, 2007.

Oldham is openly gay. He is a member of the board of advocates for Bailey House, the nation's oldest supportive housing program for persons with HIV/AIDS. Additionally, Oldham supports the animal rights movement and has worked with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

Oldham was the host of Top Design on Bravo for the 2007 season.

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were only a couple of ideas I liked in this book but it had all the measurements and details to make all of them. It was a well done book but not really my style.

[Patrice Doten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though I wouldn’t (or couldn’t) make most of the things in this book as they’re depicted, I did get a lot of ideas and inspiration for other possible projects. Instructions seem pretty clear and straightforward, so anyone wanting to give these specific projects a go should be able to follow easily enough.

[Anna Ortiz · Rating 2 out of 5]

H

[Sonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the projects they are nice designs and pretty basic to skilled there seems to be something for everybody. I love Todd's quirky style.

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

drool-tastic. this whole book is filled with projects (from decorating drinkware to building pieces of furniture) that look so cool. and toddy makes them look so easy! but, as mr. happy stuff says, “great. just what we need. more projects.” so, sigh, back to the library it goes. but maybe i’ll check it out again sometime in the future…

[Nicole Zeckner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't built anything in here yet, but the projects they have listed are awesome. But more so than that, the author has described his inspiration. He details not only how to make the projects, but why. I'll update as soon as I build one of these projects.

Edit: After building a few projects this book is great as a starting point for building your own furniture.

[Clayton Littlejohn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not a huge fan of the projects in this book, but it's a good place for hacks like me to get started in diy. I just built the floating platform bed. With a few modifications, I think it will come out quite nicely.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good range of projects, instructions seemed detailed enough, though I can't say for sure as I don't have time to make anything right now, though I plan to make a few of the projects over the winter.

[Laura Stiller · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book wasn't my style at all. The book was about handmaking furniture and decor. I think was expecting smaller, craftier projects, and I definitely wasn't expecting the 70s style that pervade the book (although I suppose I should have taken a clue from the title).

[Incredulous Harrumpherous · Rating 3 out of 5]

Warning: Do not even pick up this book unless you go into it with a vision. Thank you and construct responsibly.

[Todd]

TBee got me this amazing book with lots of fun do it your self type projects with a mid century twist. Some of the projects are tres hard some are tres easy.

[Peppermintlisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

but i haven't made anything yet.

[Jose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book...good way to recycle...

[Tara Carpenter · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thumbed through this book & some of the projects were interesting, but just not my aesthetic. Good pictures and directions though, and very doable DIY projects.

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not really my style, but some great/easy ideas.

[Candace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Has some really great ideas. Modern, clean lines. I would not call these easy projects. Diffinately not for beginners.

[Tisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book promised more than it delivered. The one thing that was useful was the resources list - it tells where to get hairpin and wood legs, among other things.

[LemontreeLime · Rating 2 out of 5]

I ended up disappointed in this book. Think 'target' meets 'home depot'. sigh. not sure what i wanted to see in it, but it didn't speak to me.

[Jen Lindblad · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately has almost nothing to do with the aesthetic we associate with mid-century. Drab, cheap and outdated. Glad it was in the $5 bin at Strand.

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great design ideas, but I would never do like 60% of them. Amazing curated example rooms and designer information though

[Valerie Stephan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting material, the projects look cool, but I don't know how many are necessarily doable for the average person without a fully stocked workbench, woodworking experience, and many powertools.

[Meganators · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good ideas... maybe modified for teen programs?

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had no idea that contact paper came in so many different wood grain patterns!