Living in the 1970s

Greetings from the 1970s world of my Delray Condo. Now, it’s true that the harvest gold appliances and the curved plastic ceiling were tossed out when our kitchen was remodeled, but the spirit of the seventies remains.

Harriet, the original owner, spared no expense in bringing her condo up-to-date. In 1979, she hired a master craftsman specializing in formica. He made built-ins and furniture throughout our condo. In the kitchen, there is a formica storage unit and matching round kitchen table that looks something like a giant mushroom in a drug-induced fantasy.

Luckily for us, my in-laws purchased the condo furnished and changed very little. With all of the extras--built-ins and mirrors—we are no doubt the envy of our neighbors. The den has two storage units with shelves for the TV, VCR, etc. Who knew that one could get formica in knotty pine design? In our master bedroom, there is a built-in office area where we keep our computer that is made of beige—you guessed it—formica! Two matching dressers and end tables were also constructed, but alas, they were removed by a relative who apparently had formica envy.

The formica continues in a shiny, dark brown credenza that hangs on the dining room wall. It matches the shiny, dark brown dining room table, which is surrounded by pink velveteen chairs. The glass chandelier cascades playfully over the table and is reflected eternally in the large mirrored closets that were built to store Harriet’s ball gowns. I have added a turquoise lava lamp to the mix. After dark, when the lake’s lighted fountain reflects in the mirrored wall along with the indoor lights, the effect is psychedelic.

Continuing into the living room, one is overwhelmed by the enormous sectional sofa in a wavy, gravy brown and white pattern. It can easily sleep two adults on the sitting surfaces. Across from the sofa is a huge formica entertainment center in a curly maple pattern. It is all one piece, so it must have been built on location. Needless to say, we can never get rid of it. Not only does it have glass shelves and mirrored backing, but it also houses a bar and fluorescent lights. Every night is like going on a trip, man. Far out!