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(music by Melodium, animation by JuliaPott)
Tina Spangler, a.k.a LuxtonLake, uprooted herself from her hectic New York City lifestyle for the woods of Upstate New York five years ago. She found her home in a forgotten community of Narrowsburg, NY, called Luxton Lake. Once a thriving vacation destination for African-American New Yorkers, the area was mostly abandoned in the 1970s when the dam was removed and the lake was drained. Tina found a dilapidated 1950s cabin in foreclosure and with very little funds, decided to take the leap and fix it up.
With an eye for decor from the 1930s and ’40s, Tina loves to salvage old objects and give them new life. From her 1920s linoleum rug to her 1940s barkcloth curtains, this stylish abode has an air of practicality. Tina values the history of her possessions. Whether it’s the dishes her mother dumpster dived, the old medicine bottles she found in the yard of the schoolhouse in which she grew up, or the remnants from the Luxton Lake Clubhouse, each object has a story to tell.
This vintage linoleum rug from LuxtonLake is a rare find. I love the old-fashioned feel and the fact that older linoleum was made with all-natural materials such as pine sap and lindseed oil (unlike what we know as linoleum today, which is really just vinyl).
Tina is the local Luxton Lake historian of sorts. While researching for her short documentary Lucky Lake, she found many bits and pieces of the community’s past. From old signage on the Luxton Lake Clubhouse to forgotten relics from long abandoned houses, Tina has gathered a compelling narrative of New York’s yesteryears.
Tina collects Fire King Jadite‘s beautiful colors and sturdy design, though it was “made probably a little too popular by Martha Stewart,” Tina says. The green is most popular, but Tina’s great-grandparents collected the blue colored glasses.
This teacup from jaditekate is just one of the many wonderful pieces you can find from a variety of vintage jadite sellers on Etsy.
Tina grew up in an old schoolhouse in rural Wisconsin. As a child she would find evidence of the history of the place by the names carved into the bricks and old bottles she would dig up in the yard. Tina likes the things in her house to have a history that she can tell as well as a practical use. She utilizes her collection of old bottles as vases for the flowers she grows in her Narrowsburg garden.
This vintage glass bottle from opendoorstudio would make a lovely vase for your fresh-cut flowers.
Right after college, Tina moved into an apartment in Boston fully furnished with 1940s and ’50s decor left there by the previous elderly tenant. She has been adding to the collection ever since. One of the original treasures she found was an old figurine lamp that she still uses.
This porcelain figurine lamp from castleofcharm reminds me of the pretty lamp in Tina’s little cabin. It doesn’t take much to add a lot of color and style to your end table or bureau.
Tina discovered a wonderful collection of 1940s portrait paintings by Joseph Unger while living in New York. From what she could glean, these works were from a painting class that Unger attended and the subjects were various figure models. This lovely portrait by emberatia makes me think of Tina’s fantastic collection.
Looking for more styles and interiors? Check out our video series, There’s No Place Like Here, where creative types show us their unique spaces — infused with their aesthetic and filled with the treasures they collect. Get involved and show us your amazing space in this Flickr pool.
What Etsy items would you add to your retro cabin? Leave a link in the comments!
Items Tagged “Cabin” on Etsy | Lucky Lake Film
A Cozy Home Gift Guide | Housewares Category | Vintage Housewares
142 comments
Sign in to add your ownclothpaperstitches says:
This makes me very eager to build and decorate my own home! Can't wait!! Thanks for sharing.
3 years ago
clothpaperstitches says:
I love all the colors and the cool curtains! Great house!
3 years ago
PrimaryRedux says:
Another great piece here weirdwolf! As I watched the video and saw the wonderful things in that sweet little house I was taken back to my grandparents house when I was a kid. They had a lot of old things pieces that, the colors and textures, I could almost smell my grandmas cooking. Tina you've got a great eye and a wonderful outlook on how things are or how they should be. very nice indeed!
3 years ago
VixVintage says:
I love it all, some of this stuff is making me weak in the knees...
3 years ago
VixVintage says:
Great house Tina, love your style.
3 years ago
blossomnbird says:
so cosy and sweet. Lovely to that old house loved again and all of the treasures that fill it.
3 years ago
shagginapuppet says:
so cute...i love all of the flowers she has tucked in everywhere...
3 years ago
JoannasPhotography says:
love old things, they can make everything around so pretty.I have a lot of appreciation and sentiment for everything that comes from past.
3 years ago
onecreativegirl says:
wow! great stuff - i collect jadeite and i LOVE LOVE LOVE linoleum.
3 years ago
sandali says:
AWESOME ~~ what an inspiring article filled with sooooo many amazing fun finds for our home -- Happy Days ;)
3 years ago
enhabiten says:
double awesome weirdwolf! imperfection plus vintage equals a great interior space.
3 years ago
UglyBaby says:
That vintage linoleum rug is spectacular. I had no idea that older linoleum was made with natural materials. I learned something on the Storque!
3 years ago
aprilmist says:
What beautiful vintage finds! Love your photography and lovely story, thanks for sharing
3 years ago
ParadiseBodyShop says:
So much great stuff! Personally, milk glass gets me :)
3 years ago
polkadotHOME says:
Go Tina! So cool, love it all :)
3 years ago
janellelile says:
Great finds and I really get a sense of Tina's personality through the video. Thanks for sharing!
3 years ago
MagnetGames says:
you did a beautiful job on your house. <3 susan.
3 years ago
livingstonandporter says:
So neat! There's no place like home...Especially when it's decked out with goods like this!
3 years ago
aggieray says:
Brings back memories!
3 years ago
southernladysvintage says:
You did a beautiful job!! Love all of these great finds too!!
3 years ago
shabbyvintagehome says:
LOVE what you've done, your home looks so cozy & homey!! Thank You for sharing your video :)
3 years ago
BlueToad says:
such a great article! Selections are amazing and nothing beats found treasures, especially when they've been amongst ruins. Place sounds beautiful!
3 years ago
missbatch says:
What an incredibly charming home! You can really see the love that has gone into it. All the textures and colors, those portraits (!) and the linoleum rug are awesome. Great video too!
3 years ago
blueberryshoes says:
i just drooled a little
3 years ago
bijougirldesigns says:
Great video! I love her cute little house and her charming style!
3 years ago
CoquelicotSalon says:
Beautiful! Love the style...
3 years ago
asundrynotion says:
Well done home & video. Handmade & vintage furnishings bring comfort & warmth to a home that simply can't be duplicated. I adore linoleum rugs! When I was a teen, I worked at a store that had oodles of 1920s, 30s linoleum rugs rolled up and stacked on end in the warehouse. I so wanted to buy the room size rose decorated black rug but had no where to store it. To this day I regret not buying it. It cost ten dollars.
3 years ago
PipocaHandmade says:
Such a charming home! Those linoleum rugs are fantastic!
3 years ago
girltuesdayjewelry says:
Beautiful colors! I love the jadite and barkcloth picks!
3 years ago
baconsquarefarm says:
Enjoyed this video thank you for opening your home to all of us. Love the pictures of the ladies on your walls, the bark cloth covering the closet such pretty colors. Jadite is such a pretty color and looks fabulous showing off in open cupboards. Learned something as well, recall my great grandparents house with the vinyl linoleum, had no clue why they would have covered wood floors. I was just a kid who loved grandma's cookies. Thanks again for sharing your home with us tina and weirdwolf for the story.
3 years ago
whichgoose says:
I collect jadite too!!!!!!! :)
3 years ago
BlueRoseRetro says:
That Linoleum rug is fabulous! I have real linoleum (cork, linseed...the whole deal) in my bathroom and I love it. What a treasured life Tina Spangler leads. It is fun to take a peek into her creative genius. It looks like she has a great eye for color as well as giving history a new life in her cabin-home. Nice article.
3 years ago
somethingshidinghere says:
so sweet! we just love it! shauna & stephen
3 years ago
thirteeneightyfive says:
oh!!! ohh!! this is exactly the little cottage that I've been daydreaming about lately!! Tara you did such a beautiful job with this! Tina has so many beautiful things it's lovely to be able to peek inside her world!
3 years ago
PoleStar says:
Very cool! Such a romantic lifestyle.
3 years ago
Morado says:
I have a fun fun Retro canvas...hope you like! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28543657
3 years ago
SecondHandNews says:
Gorgeous House and wonderful choices
3 years ago
ravenwren says:
This made me sad. People discard everything, even houses. I'm a huge vintage lover and my office is all 1930's and 40's as well. Love your style!!!
3 years ago
1AEON says:
pretty house!!!
3 years ago
opendoorstudio says:
could not wait to watch the video WHICH WAS AWESOME!and right up my alley I might add!!!...then i decided to scroll down... and much to my delight ...my glass bottle listing is featured... double your pleasure! Thank you for including my in this wonderful compilation. I am honored!!!
3 years ago
Lunatiger says:
BEAUTIFUL! Classy, elegant, who wouldn't want home decor like that?
3 years ago
kbdowry says:
Love it! Cudoos to you :)
3 years ago
gertuine says:
I was really inspired by that house and appreciated the curtains... the monitor top refrigerator makes me wish I had one! Thanks for the tour.
3 years ago
odiliafu says:
Enjoy watching the video. Warm and special home full of lovely things. I want to have them all!!
3 years ago
PinkKittyCrafts says:
I thoroughly enjoyed watching this video...what a great little place she has!
3 years ago
contrary says:
So unique, I always look forward to the new no place like here releases! xoxo
3 years ago
junkyjunk says:
How exciting, to fix it all up and make it 'new' and loved again! What a great job Tina did in decorating as well! I love hearing other 'fix it' stories!
3 years ago
RetroLane says:
so subtle and beautiful!
3 years ago
LisaFerinDesigns says:
beautiful!
3 years ago
missmaisy says:
oooh, tina, swap?!!! what an adorable, happy, fun home :)
3 years ago
galit says:
Beautiful!!!!
3 years ago
evihan says:
such a great house...thanx for shaing with us:-)
3 years ago
spacejam says:
very elegant and stylish!! love it
3 years ago
PookieLovesOlives says:
Wow! what a beautiful house and interior!
3 years ago
riorita says:
I have always dreamed of renovating an old dilapidated house... Until I do so, I am collecting old vintage items from flea markets and antique shops. My favorite items in this article are the portrait by Emberatia and the Vintage glass bottle!
3 years ago
kaylovesvintage says:
Tina, I love your house and now need some Fire King mugs
3 years ago
BabbidgePatch says:
all the items are fabulous! cottage hutch would fit nicely in my cabin by the lake!
3 years ago
steinschmuckdesign says:
So lovely, thank you very much!
3 years ago
irisschwarz says:
Love your story and your house, Tina. Thank you!
3 years ago
herefido says:
Very well done! Nice place too! Thank you for sharing.
3 years ago
MooBeeTees says:
I enjoyed your story so much - thank you for sharing with us and allowing us a peek inside :-)
3 years ago
HereAndNowAntiques says:
Wow, Tina! You did a great job on renovating your little house...thanks so much for sharing it with us through the video tour. Isn't it comforting to be welcomed home and to be surrounded by things you love! And the simplest arrangements...like the lilies in soda bottles...make the clearest statements about you and your chosen "place". I had to smile when I looked at your hoosier cupboard shelves. Shelf paper with the drop edge...what a classic! (I have some vintage shelf lining paper listed now.) Thanks so much for the video...Good Luck to you on etsy!
3 years ago
SpiritedWoodland says:
Bravo! What a great vision... You did a fantastic job. Whenever I pass an abandoned place, I've always wondered how it got that way. Thank you for sharing your story - and for breathing life back into that place.
3 years ago
TheNebulousKingdom says:
I love this article, and I love the way Tina sees decoration in her house! This is so true, we don't have to follow a special decade, we can arrange beautiful stuff from the 20' mixed with things from the 50', and even the 80'. So cool :) Thank you for this!
3 years ago
jpgallery says:
The eclectic style is wonderful. And I'm a sucker for any renovation. Keep up the great work!
3 years ago
abbyfroman says:
Oh I looove the teacup. If I were really going retro I'd want some cool paintings, like this Elvis portrait: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24071458
3 years ago
PawPawsWorkshop says:
Great article
3 years ago
amoronia says:
Eclectic is all about personality! Fabulous!!!
3 years ago
2ndcoming says:
I'm crazy about that vintage glass bottle
3 years ago
vintagebutterfly94 says:
Wait. Has she been shopping my store???? That stuff looks crazy familiar.... I just need some of those portraits. LOVE them!
3 years ago
JAdamsDesigns says:
Just awesome! And I LOVE that vintage 1940's pastel painting!!!
3 years ago
LeelaBijou says:
Very beautiful! Great article!
3 years ago
chARiTyelise says:
this makes me smile. i love to see old and forgotten places and things loved into new life. what a sweet cottage!
3 years ago
TheCottageCheese says:
Tina, I love adventurous and proactive chicks like you! Your style is beautiful, and your cottage renovation and the work you are doing to bring "Lucky Lake" back is inspiring. Fantastic documentary. My husband and I renovate older homes and if I lived anywhere near you, we would jump in and help bring some love back to Luxton Lake. It would be fun to follow Luxton Lake's progress on a blog, hint hint ;). The barkcloth deer curtain panel on your closet my favorite barkcloth ever, and I just love your collection of 1940's portraits!
3 years ago
beachhouseblues says:
Wonderful details!
3 years ago
funkeyfinds says:
le sigh. I LOVE vintage paint by numbers, I found my favorite one at a yard sale for .25! great finds!
3 years ago
blueskyclouds says:
Simply lovely!
3 years ago
thebestvintage says:
I love cottage life surrounded by vintage items!
3 years ago
SimpleTraditions says:
It makes me want to go back home (also upstate NY)!
3 years ago
lizjewelry says:
Thanks for sharing your home with us! A mixture of things you love! That's how I like to decorate too... keep it simple!
3 years ago
mtraub says:
What an inspiring home and video! One of my greatest passions is knowing the history of our objects.
3 years ago
ForVagabonds says:
A girl after my own heart...ahh I love the 30s and 40s
3 years ago
weirdwolf says:
That linoleum rug is AMAZING! Would go perfectly with the grandma decor in my turn of the century Brooklyn apartment. I am all about getting Tina's look! Such an inspiration.
3 years ago
incoldstorage says:
What a gorgeous house and gorgeous finds!
3 years ago
paramountvintage says:
truly amazing and isnpiring! this is the ultimate craft project!!!
3 years ago
Beadymonkey says:
What a sweet little video and such a wonderfully bright and cozy home, Bravo Etsy for sharing this!
3 years ago
EarthenTreasures says:
this cottage reminds me of going to Gramma's house...the jadite, rugs, and beautiful curtains...thanks for the tour!
3 years ago
heartcity says:
what a wonderful home, she has done great stuff with color in there!
3 years ago
Luncheonettevintage says:
adorable and what a great story. I think I might have sold her that barkcloth she has up in the kitchen! Could it be?
3 years ago
okaysee says:
what a great space! like other folks here - gotta say that the linoleum rug is awesome!
3 years ago
babook says:
I like flower print with that all colour . my style shop http://www.babook.etsy.com/ Joying : )
3 years ago
LuxtonLake says:
Love reading all your comments. Weirdwolf and the Etsy crew did a great job on the video! Will be adding more items to my Etsy shop www.luxtonlake.etsy.com, but for now check out my linoleum rug. Would love to hear tell of other linoleum rugs, if you have an experience to share! I made a short documentary about Luxton Lake, you can watch on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNlAKl_ZLk8
3 years ago
CutieDynamite says:
Beautiful picks! I love the quality of real linoleum. My kitchen floors and counters as well as bathroom are all marbled linoleum and I love it!
3 years ago
MilkGlassVintage says:
Thanks so much for including my Jadite cup & saucer! So many great finds in this article, and that cabin is absolutely adorable!!!
3 years ago
lynnrhodadates says:
Tina, I saw your video when you presented at Minnowbrook this past Spring - for the NYSCA Decentralization Coordinators - - great job! It looks like you are up to good things and it is good to see you featured here! Best, Lynn Dates The ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes
3 years ago
TheBeesWrists says:
What a lovely home!
3 years ago
niTeBecOmEsdAy says:
gorgeous!
3 years ago
norakaren says:
lovely retro combination for deco.
3 years ago
HerenciaVintage says:
Unbelievable collection..love to put together the old with the new...
3 years ago
SmallEarthVintage says:
Fabulous video--this really spoke to me! I left NYC 10 years ago and now live on a lake in a semi-rural area. I can't say I've fixed up a house like Tina has (so admirable and inspiring!), but her aesthetic and philosophy (things don't need to be perfect, or all from the same era) is very similar to mine. I had never heard of linoleum rugs! Wonderful. Can't wait to watch the Lucky Lake documentary. Cheers to you, Tina and weirdwolf!
3 years ago
ReactionSB1 says:
New illustrations in my shop!!! Give e'm a look!!!!!!!!
3 years ago
valdo says:
Adorable video and adorable house! i really enjoyed the tour. Lots of great pieces and many conversation pieces. thanks...
3 years ago
OwlandMouse says:
I love the history of this house and community! It's so lovely that people are going in and reviving it again!
3 years ago
larzebub says:
I love it! You've done a beautiful job.
3 years ago
Fondue says:
One of the coolest things I've seen on Etsy. Love it!
3 years ago
jbeaudet says:
This was really enjoyable. The lamp in your house looks like one my grandma had. I always admired it. Very nice vintage house Tina!
3 years ago
lolaminch says:
I love the little house and that you have kept so many of the original items. Thanks for the video!
3 years ago
thecraftykid says:
I love it it looks so cute
3 years ago
lauratrevey says:
just lovely!!
3 years ago
lalalatootoot says:
I thought this was just beautiful. What a cozy home with so much history. Bravo on the renovations! The paintings of the ladies are absolutely beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing.
3 years ago
TheAntiquePalette says:
Woohoo, I have a breadbox similar to yours! I've never seen another like it..... I love your cottage, takes me years back, thanks for inviting us inside!
3 years ago
BayMoonDesign says:
Really enjoyable and informative piece!
3 years ago
Zabba says:
Great comment on how when people decorate it's not just from one year. That is how it so true. I love an ecclectic house that tells a story about a person.
3 years ago
jensingh says:
I REALLY love this, thanks for sharing!!
3 years ago
DreamyIsabel says:
love
3 years ago
violavintage says:
I think Tina would look great in some of my dresses!! Love the cottage and it looks very cosy and comfortable.
3 years ago
richmade says:
Sweet!
3 years ago
ladylunacyvintage says:
Aw, I love this little house and am so pleased I was able to vicariously visit it! Amazing job decorating, it really does have a nice lived in and loved in feel!
3 years ago
TheShabbyPinkCottage says:
very stylish. Love it
3 years ago
emilybidwell says:
this house is so cute! i really like learning about linoleum rugs.
3 years ago
foofoogal says:
I love vintage as you can so create with unique items. Great treasury. Over 130 vintage items in my shop and 1800 to go.
3 years ago
GoodEye says:
Wonderful and inspiring video clip..love the cabin renew and the history behind it all.
3 years ago
go2girl says:
Lovely video, great style. Decorating is all about making a house a home, your home.
3 years ago
dayslonggone says:
Love this cabin! Thanks for sharing this tour with us!
3 years ago
thevintageholicfrog says:
this is such a gorgeous house! thank you so much for letting us in :)
3 years ago
BellaVintageANDmore says:
I enjoyed the video and love gaining any new knowledge of vintage. Thanks!
3 years ago
TuttiFruittiDesigns says:
Thanks for the peek into your home, I love having things that make me smile around my home too:)
3 years ago
anothertimeantiques says:
Love her sense of style. Boy this little video takes me back! I once decorated a farm house walls (lath actually) completely with all barkcloth when we were re-doing the house. Best fabric on earth! Any body see Harold & Maud lately?? :)
3 years ago
LittlePinkHouse says:
She's just darling. I want to hang out with her!
3 years ago
StudioZen says:
She's living the dream!
3 years ago
smalltownartist says:
Inspirational, educational, motivational - thank you, Tina, for the tour of your charming cottage! I want to start looking for Upstate NY property NOW!!
3 years ago
danielabesso says:
Great video and article I love the concept, just be surrounded by things of love and like great well done!!
3 years ago
softboiled says:
I really enjoyed this video! The house is darling.
3 years ago
luckylife says:
What a beautiful home, filled with so many treasures. I loved hearing about the history of this area and of the things in Tina's home. This is such a great series! Thanks so much for sharing! xo Melissa
3 years ago
twokidsstudio says:
what a lovely house!
3 years ago
beachcombing says:
such a dream!
3 years ago
Frankenkitty says:
What a sweet and charming place! I can believe I haven't seen this yet. Tina used to be my upstairs neighbor here on Brooklyn. Small friggin world!
3 years ago
AtlasSigns says:
Tina, I think it is interesting how our tastes are influenced by unsuspecting people and places. Beautiful job and great information.
3 years ago
ripstylebanners says:
Love the house! And I had never seen the jadeite in blue before. will have to start looking around... Jan
3 years ago
JeansVintageCloset says:
This quaint refurbished in the 1920s, 1930s beauty reminds me of my grandmothers duplex. She had one bathroom and it held a clawfoot tub, She had the metal fans, and shelves with items that my grandfather had treasured that originated from his native land Kiruna, Sweeden
3 years ago
humboldthoney says:
I live in a 1932 cottage and I really appreciate your unique finds. It definitely makes me regret selling my Jadeite at a yard sale, though.
2 years ago
SissymFairy says:
It is amazing! Everything is so beautiful. I like the colours! I appreciate to look the transformation of the place!
1 year ago