So Your Style Is ... ‘Wet Hot American Summer’
11 ways to bring nostalgic early-’80s camp fun to your home
Did you miss the fine film Wet Hot American Summer the first time around? It’s likely you didn’t catch it in a theater back in 2001, as it grossed less than $300,000 at the box office. But during the 14 years since its premiere, the camp romp set in 1981 has become a comedy classic, and many of its cast members have gone on to become TV and movie stars.
The original movie took place on the last day of camp; now, on July 31, Netflix is releasing a prequel series that takes place the day the campers arrive at Camp Firewood. The stars look even more ridiculously old to be playing young camp counselors, which means the story is likely to be even funnier this time around. Whether you’re looking for fun activities to do with your kids or to bring some camp style to a lake house, there are some design gems from yesteryear to be found throughout the series.
The original movie took place on the last day of camp; now, on July 31, Netflix is releasing a prequel series that takes place the day the campers arrive at Camp Firewood. The stars look even more ridiculously old to be playing young camp counselors, which means the story is likely to be even funnier this time around. Whether you’re looking for fun activities to do with your kids or to bring some camp style to a lake house, there are some design gems from yesteryear to be found throughout the series.
On a California farm, architect Heidi Richardson designed this camp-inspired cabin for a grandfather to build for his grandkids.
2. Add curb appeal with camp-cabin charm. Another thing we can pick up from camp cabins is making the most of a modest front porch and a screen door. At this charming rental cottage in Virginia, benches and a bright green door and screen door welcome vacationers.
A camp kitchen is purely utilitarian, but items like metal baker’s shelves, large ranges and spots to keep plenty of pots, pans and utensils handy are features to bring home on a smaller scale. This Michigan kitchen by Rebekah Zaveloff captures the camp spirit. The steel peninsula, Toledo stools and even the white painted tree post recall casual and utilitarian camp style.
Denim works well at camp, because it’s durable and can take on stains. In this guesthouse by Smith & Vansant Architects, it’s great as a sofa slipcover for the same reasons.
For the makeover of this 10-year-old’s real-world bedroom, his decorator mom, Cathy Zaeske, chose bold tie-dye for the window treatments.
This rug in a children’s playhouse by interior designer Dona Rosene is a more modern take on the braided rug because of its square shape, and the plush beanbags are updates of the old Naugahyde version from the 1970s and 1980s.
See more of this shed-turned-playhouse
Rug: Capel; chairs and beanbags: Pottery Barn
See more of this shed-turned-playhouse
Rug: Capel; chairs and beanbags: Pottery Barn
I love an old-school landline and I love a vintage phone, particularly a dial phone hanging on the wall, with the superlong cord Mom could drag all over the kitchen while she worked. And apparently so do Matt and Megan Patton, who use this one in their their historic home in Water Valley, Mississippi. In these days of 10-digit dialing instead of party lines, though, push buttons are a much better option.
See more vintage phones around Houzz
See more vintage phones around Houzz
10. Decorate with maps. It doesn’t seem as if these young campers are too interested in studying much at camp. OK, so the borders and country names have changed a lot, but the colors and graphics in these older versions are very appealing and nostalgic.
In this photo from the series, Kevin (David Bloom) is rocking a denim jacket and bandanna simultaneously.
In this photo from the series, Kevin (David Bloom) is rocking a denim jacket and bandanna simultaneously.
An elementary school set of scroll maps suits this home office in a summer sanctuary on Rhode Island’s Block Island, by Eck MacNeely Architects Inc.
11. Glorify red and white. This is my favorite shot of the obnoxious musical theater duo Ben (Bradley Cooper) and Susie (Amy Poehler). Reason No. 1 is because I live for Amy Poehler and am still in Parks and Rec withdrawal. Reason No. 2: It is so great that after multiple Oscar nominations, Bradley Cooper has returned to these hilarious roots of his career. And Reason No. 3: In third grade I performed in a group tap dance at a recital in an almost identical Andy costume.
Yes, we can match up the glory of Raggedy Ann and Andy costumes with a charming room, and this happy porch by Periwinkle Designs is it. All that’s missing is one of the dolls.
Have you brought any camp activities or decor home this summer? I’m sure you’re doing a better job than McKinley (Michael Ian Black) and J.J. (Zak Orth). Please share your memories — and camp decor — in the Comments!
More: Lessons from Camp: Cottage Inspiration for Home
More: Lessons from Camp: Cottage Inspiration for Home
1. Create a space for camp-cabin camaraderie. At the show’s Camp Firewood, seen here, the accommodations are tight and get messy fast. Staying in such close quarters with people can be annoying, but it also fosters a lot of bonding — though these Camp Firewood campers seem to be running out of the cabin as fast as they possibly can.