WALKING THE WALK. Chris Williams’ home in Menomonie is decked out floor-to-ceiling in vintage furniture and wares from the ’50s and ’60s.

Chris Williams’ Menomonie home looks like it’s straight out of 1960-something. We talked to her about how she was first inspired, how she finds her décor, and her struggles.

When did you move into your home?

It will be two years ago in September, and I have been busy ever since.

What inspired you to go after this retro-themed house?

After years of collecting all sorts of items from the ’50s and ’60s it only made sense that when it came time to buy a house it should also be from that era. In general, mid-century houses have a lot to offer and are still perfectly suited to a modern way of life. Often they are ranch-styles and after years of living in an upstairs apartment, I was ready to never see a set of stairs again. They also tend to have open living spaces, large windows that connect you to the outdoors, and were solidly built with quality materials. Also, it was important to me to try to find one that still retained at least some of its original details and features. The house I chose still had the colorful original bathrooms (one yellow and one blue) which I love, irregular slate tiles in the front entrance, a brick fireplace, retro lighting fixtures, and an in house intercom system. All of which are still in great condition and attests to the durability, quality, and well-thought-out designs of the postwar era. These details may seem to others to be in need of updating, but to a collector like myself, they are coveted and treasured features that deserve to be preserved.

Where do you find the vintage ’50s and ’60s items to fill it?

There are so many places you can find mid-century treasures and depending on what you are after some places are likely better than others. For larger items like furniture, going local is definitely best to avoid expensive shipping charges. Estate sales, thrift, moving sales, Craigslist, and local vintage, antique, and thrift shops can offer up a range of good quality furnishings. If you are looking for something rare, or very specific, going online to places like eBay and Etsy are a good source as well. And of course, even if you are not looking for anything in particular, scouring the local secondhand, vintage, and antique shops can be a fun way to spend an afternoon and will surely turn up some treasures.

What reactions do you get when people see the house all decked out?

I think most people are a bit taken aback at first – or perhaps taken a bit back in time! All of the reactions are really positive, even if mid-century isn’t their particular style, I think they appreciate seeing an entire house furnished true to the era it was built in.

What’s your favorite piece in your house?

Definitely the pieces that I have sentimental attachments to. There is a 1960’s floor lamp that was purchased new by my grandfather. Sadly, I never got to meet him, but I believe he is where I get my sense of style. I also have a spectacular mid-century modern chair that was gifted to me by a dear friend who has since passed, it constantly reminds me of her and makes me smile.

What are some of the struggles with trying to match this era?

One of the hardest things is having the patience to wait to find the perfect piece. It’s one thing to say, “I need this, I’ll just run to the store.” It’s another to say, “I need this, I’ll see if I can get a vintage one,” then have to wait until you can find what you are looking for. It can also be rather time consuming. However, part of the fun is the hunt! Also finding things in good condition can be difficult as well, especially if you are trying to stay on a tight budget. Mid-century items are becoming quite collectable and so many things are fetching much higher prices than they used to. Of course, if you are handy, steals can be had if you are willing to put some time in to fix it up.

What’s next? Anything on your shopping/bucket list?

I am planning on a kitchen renovation in the near future, I was lucky enough to get my hands on a large set of 1960’s St. Charles steel kitchen cabinets in great condition at the fraction of the cost of buying new. So I am now scouring for vintage kitchen goodies. I am really looking forward to bringing the kitchen back to its retro roots!