Americana

Fantastic Americana Pieces You Can Add to Any Décor

I'm Italian. Well, Italian-American. My mother was born in Italy. She moved here when she was still a child back in 1956. She was heavily influenced by both cultures - still is. I've inherited that from her, among other things.

Turn your theme room into a diner with this booth, chair and stool selection. It comes in a variety of color swatches from baby blue to this cool violet. They're great for a game room, a truly decadent dining room or a classic living room. They're comfortable and fashionable pieces that will stand the test of time.

To me, nothing says Americana more than a slot machine. This classic Triple Rose slot is bold, brash and sassy. It's fully functional and 3-coin operated. It's truly an attention getting piece that you can gamble on. Your friends and family will think you hit the jackpot with this winner. (Okay - that's enough Casino metaphors, right?)

Not many people know this about me, but I love vintage signs. You know - advertisements for Coca-Cola, Pepsi and so forth. Oh yes. They're not just collectibles. They are true pieces of history. Why not display one in your den, living room or study. I had a friend in college who displayed one in his apartment - in the bathroom. Of course, I wouldn't advise that - but you can do what you want. It's your sign, after all! This piece is not just an advertisement for Coca-Cola. It's also a functioning wall clock. It's not just 'mod', it's modern. The piece comes from the 60s and is made of both plastic and metal. It's a clock that has withstood the test of time.

This vintage Coca Cola vending machine is a nice complimentary piece for the wall clock. The piece is circa 1959 and vends real soda or beer cans - so fill 'er up! It's perfect for a basement bar or a game room. Astound your friends and amaze your family. This piece dispenses one can at a time and even gives change. Can you beat that?

Here's a must have for any Americana theme room. It's a ROWE-AMI CD Juke Box. Yes indeedy. The juke box holds up to 100 cds. You can set it to run on free play, a single song or on all CD. You'll want to twist the night away and party with this juke box.

What a great - and fashionable - way to house your CD collection?

If you're like me, a room isn't a room without a telephone. I love phones. They're not just for communication purposes - at least not this piece. Who needs a cell phone when you can use a vintage pay phone!?! It's wall mountable, has a rotary dial with tone and ringer adjustments. There's even an on/off switch for when you don't want to take - or make - another call!

The coin bank is fully functional and the metal ear piece is large and made for talking. This phone even has a redial feature! Don't you just love it?

The final piece I'll focus on here is from the 1980s. As a child of the 80s, I have to say that I remember playing Ms. Pac-Man at the arcade. I loved arcades - still do. This 1981 piece from Midway-Bally is an original. It's in perfect-working condition. The game accommodates one to two players and is an absolute must-have for your game, or entertainment, room. The kids will love it. If not, the adults will. I know I could play this game anytime and anywhere.

Well, that's it for my trip down memory lane. Nostalgic pieces like this vintage Americana items can bring fun and whimsy to any room in your home whether you live in Torino, Toronto or Toledo (Ohio). They're kitschy. They're classic and they're great additions to your décor.

By Domenica DiPiero