No one does kitsch better than Baltimore. That’s my opinion, anyway, and I give it with humility, respect, and a little bit of awe.
Welcome to Papermoon Diner, where the fries are curly and the brownie sundaes are warm. There are THINGS glued to every surface. Action figures, toys, cars – what isn’t glued down is displayed in glass-fronted cabinets. (Incidentally, I recognize that this isn’t such a helpful post for those of you looking for tips on decorating your houses. But what self respecting design writer could stumble upon a place like this and not blog about it?)
The items on the ceiling are larger, so you can see them in all their glory: a button-encrusted ceiling fan, dolls, trikes, chairs…it’s Dorothy meets garage sale right as the cyclone hits.
The mannequins and funhouse colors add to the slightly spooky aspect of the restaurant. This is not a place designed for kids, although you may not believe that until you experience it.
Only John Waters could get away with a look like this in his house, but for a Baltimore restaurant-slash-art student hangout, it’s entirely appropriate.
Please, for your own safety, do not try this at home.
Unrelated to kitsch or interiors but related to Baltimore: I’ve just discovered a writer named Laura Lippman, who lives there and sets her books in and around the city. She rocks.