Moonlite Monday Guest:: Catherine of The Shiny Pebble

 

Moonlite-ing today is Catherine from The Shiny Pebble, recently offered a decor challenge for her living room to a few fabulous interior designers who happen to have blogs. Stop by to read about it. Word is this fall she will move the challenge to her bedroom. I can’t wait to see who makes the cut for this challenge.

Now you know we always ask our age old questions, before we get to the good part. So, her we go.  

CMV:  Why did you start blogging?

Catherine: I had been discussing different topics with my friends on Facebook and decided that I needed more space to add to my banter. The idea was to share info in a format where we all could contribute to the conversation and help each other out. Groundbreaking! So I actually thought I was doing something new. Little did I know that blogging, of which I knew nothing about, is a community that already does that.

CMV: Five words that describe your blog as it is today.
Catherine: Inspirational, eclectic, art-focused, pragmatic, evolving.

CMV: What is a typical day like for you?
Catherine:Clean baby poop, clean cat poop, clean dog poop. All this glamour sprinkled with play dates and family/friends get togethers.

CMV: 7 things that you love

Catherine: My family, my pets, Visiting new places and revisiting old ones, gardening, gorgeous surroundings, going out for breakfast, Skiing in Colorado, Bloody Mary’s by the shore {that’s more than 7, we know}

CMV: Any recent finds or purchases that you are most proud of?

Catherine:This will sound quite trivial, but I just found this yahoo group for my neighborhood mom’s and it is an awesome place to find used kid’s toys. I am talking about $1,500 train sets for like 300 bucks. I have been buying all of the neighborhood’s toys.

CMV: What’s in your purse you think you can’t live without?
Catherine:Again, trivial but try finding yourself in the need for baby wipes and having none at hand. You will never make that mistake twice!

CMV: Anything else you'd like to tell readers ?

Catherine: The blogosphere is a fantastic place to learn about style and what is the newest trend on anything. Read up, because it will be here first before it even hits the magazines. Our opinion dictates the trends. Not because we are geniuses, but because the information disseminates quite quickly in this medium. If you have a minute, watch this video

Now, that I’m done chatting with Catherine, and be sure to take at the video….and I gotta get some other questions {these are getting a little old}

And now with further ado Catherine, take it away!

Planters and Containers for Indoor Plants

For the past 8 weeks I have been lucky enough to have eight fabulous interior designs create very unique looks for my dining room based on their own design aesthetics. I love having real plants in my house, after all, I consider myself a gardener. Compiled here are the designers’ ideas for displaying plants or flowers in a way which is congruent with each style. I hope this will help you come up with just the perfect container for YOUR decorating style. Enjoy it.

THE ASIAN INSPIRATION:

If your style is more Boho Contempo, like my first designer Raina Cox’s Indochine inspired look, go with the sleek modern planters. Black and simple lined with a little luster. This type of container is appropriate for all Asian inspired decor.

TRANSITIONAL STYLE:

The Transitional style is a mix of traditional and contemporary furnishings with a muted color scheme and a minimalist approach to accessories. Usually a simple orchid or a bunch of twigs in a clear glass container is all that is needed to achieve this look. Christina Fluegge (Greige), in her Transitional Eclectic Mix design, recommended a collection of clear glass with some fresh branches as a centerpiece.

BRITISH COLONIAL:

Beth Connolly (Chinoiserie Chic)defines British Colonial Style as “encompassing elements from the Caribbean, the Far East, India, Africa, and even Hong Kong. It was about civilized people living in a tropical climate (like Houston), combining their tastes and furnishings with local ideas like Chinese porcelain, bamboo, linen slipcovers, and mahogany. The feel is romantic, sophisticated, and classic-very Out of Africa”. This gorgeous chinoiserie blue and white porcelain vase personifies the style.

TRADITIONAL:

Amy Forshew’s (Pemberley Style) Soft Tones Traditional is a not to be missed piece. This decorating style is extremely popular in the States in that it is timeless and fits well with most households inherited heirlooms. What says traditional more than boxwood topiaries in clay containers, usually in pairs?

SWEDISH:

Charlotta Ward’s (Space for Inspiration) Elegant Nordic Conceptualizations showcases the style beautifully. Simple, clean and crisp arrangements against a bright light background. Unique blooms in clear glass is again the solution for this decorating style. Add some other natural elements, like twine or wood and you are there!

BELGIAN:

Leigha Oak’s (Elle Oh ) The Belgian Look with a Twist is enriched by the addition of clear glass AGAIN. This time it is important to look for either antique bottles or flasks with a history. The idea is to follow today’s modern philosophy of refinish, reuse and repurpose. Even a simple broken tree limb can breathe a new life as vase.

BOHEMIAN-ish:

Kellie Collis (Ada and Darcy) shows us An Aussie’s Interpretation of the Bohemian-ish look. Colors and patterns abound enveloped in a white background. This is a youthful look: bright and happy. Luxury is achieved with unique touches of silver and crystal. To keep things light and fun a colorful pink container is all that is needed to keep your gorgeous flowers or plants, or perhaps a little blue and white porcelain bowl.

SOUTHERN ELEGANCE

Traditional elegance sprinkled with gorgeous glamour is what Gwen Driscoll (Ragland Hill Social) Dramatic Glamour design has achieved. Drinking horns are the perfect vessels for flowers in her style.Whatever style you may currently have at your house, my number one choice for large plant containers is the ubiquitous weaved basket. Unless you live in an ultra modern penthouse or are planning a very formal room, this humble container will fit in most decors.

 

Thank you, Tonia, so much for having me part of this series. If you all have a chance, please come over to The Shiny Pebble to check out the work of these talented designers.

credit: all pictures came from my blog via each designer. the baskets are from pottery barn and williams-sonoma home

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Thanks, Catherine there is plenty of inspiration you've shown us. Please visit with her over at her blog.

Nina Simone+Erykah Badu=Chic Neo Bohemian

So we all know what Coco Chanel said…  A lady should be classy, fabulous.  Well, in my fashion take, the definition of a lady is more than just tweed suits and pumps.  If Erykah Badu and Nina Simone could put their spin on what a lady’s style should embody, it would be the au naturel with a little twist (just to keep folks guessing!).  Every women who rocks the au naturel style needs the matching abode… Nets to adorn the walls, shells, tied curtains and a tufted settee for a touch of glam is the perfect solution. I compare these two songstresses because even though they’re from two different eras their personal styles are the same.  It’s all about independence and making a statement while staying true to themselves.  A woman who can rock a wrap like a beehive or a hat atop a huge afro or long dangly shell earrings is a woman I admire.  More than the style, it’s the attitude and the boldness to pull it off that inspires me.  And I just love how sweet those nerd glasses are. 
Post by Adrienne of Mustard Seed Collective contributor for {yesterday today}, please be sure to visit her over at her blog too.

{MOONLITE MONDAY} Niki from Single Bubble Pop

Today we have Niki of Single Bubble Pop. What that means exactly, I’m not sure. I should have asked her, but I don’t want to bore you with my chatter, let’s go ahead and ask the questions. {I’ve got to get some better questions} but until then here we go.

CMV: Let’s begin with the proverbial question. Why did you start blogging?

Niki:  I began blogging because I made the drastic switch between pursuing a MD degree to chasing my dreams of being a self-employed interior designer and artist. My blog became a place to catalog all the inspiration I find around the web and a way to connect with like minded people!

CMV: Five words that describe your blog as it is today.

Niki:    Bright, Artistic, Genuine, Fun&; Thoughtful

CMV: What is a typical day like for you?

Niki: I work a day job that pays the bills but is totally unrelated to what I want to do. It's what I have to do now in order to get where I want to be later! So a typical weekday for me is spent doing the tasks at hand and counting down till 5! On the weekends you can find me at a thrift store, the public library, enjoying one of the many events going on in Atlanta or just spending QT with my boyfriend. :)

CMV: 7 things that you love

Niki:   I love my family. They have always nurtured and encouraged me to be myself, even when I wasn't convinced of who I am.

I love my boyfriend. I don't know what I did to deserve such a great person in my life!

I love music! I have been a musician for as long as I've been an artist. Music is a big part of my life.

I love North Carolina.... and Atlanta! I've been fortunate to live in two great states, NC & GA and I love them both.

I love Sarah's House on HGTV. This is the one show on HGTV I look forward to watching every week. She's so fab!

CMV: Any recent finds or purchases that you are most proud of?

Niki:   I recently bought a pair of wood platform sandals that I wear all the time and get the most compliments on - and I only paid $16 for them! ;)

CMV: What’s in your purse you think you can’t live without?

Niki:   My iPhone! I'm addicted. And my Moleskin sketchbook, I'm always making notes or sketches in it.

CMV: Anything else you'd like to tell readers?

Niki: I live for comments on my blog. It truly makes my day to provoke conversation about the things I post! Thank you to everyone that read, especially those that comment!

Speed round:
Modern or Vintage, Combo of the 2
pumps or sandals, pumps
skirt or pants, skirt
stove or microwave, stove
house or condo, condo
grits or oatmeal, oatmeal

Now that were done with these dull questions...Niki I’m letting you take the wheel.

Kim Myles is one of my favorite designers because she believes in accessible design. She knows that great design doesn't have to come from high end stores or follow rules. Her rooms always seem collected and inspired, which appeals to me every time. Last week, Kim posted a before and after of her own living room on her blog and I fell in love with the bright & eclectic look she came up with.


I decided to create a moodboard based on Kim's room filled with budget friendly items. For details on what Kim actually used, please check out her blog. To see what I chose, read on! I first chose this convertible sofa from Urban Outfitters because it's a great price($588) and serves two functions. One of my favorite details of this room is the light pink wainscoting effect around the room. Mythic Paint, an eco-friendly high performance line, has a similar shade in their collection. I found a mirror similar to the center mirror Kim used at Zgallerie, however, she found hers at Home Goods, and I've seen that style mirror there all the time. Kim had a great eclectic mix of pillows on her sofa, and I think this Etsy find and  

West Elm pillow cover give that same look at a great price point. She received her amazing coffee table as a gift, but you can splurge on this one from Environment Furniture and get that organic (and eco-friendly!) look. Kim's yellow curtains add drama and warmth; you can get similar IKEA curtains for cheap. And lastly, Kim's amazing floral rug grounds the entire room and pulls all the color together. My pick from Target is a great option and only $379 for a 8x10 size. Kim's personality shoes throughout the room via her accessories, like the blue vases on the tables & framed mask at the center of the room. There are throws scattered strategically throughout the room giving it an inviting and cozy feel + more color. All these elements are things you probably already have in your home!

I hope this moodboard inspires you to add some style to a room in your home. If you like what you saw, please check out my blog SingleBubblePop for more art and design inspiration. Thanks so much Tonia for letting me be apart of your blog!

Niki, thanks so much for taking time to MOONLITE with Chic Modern Vintage today. Please visit Niki over at her blog. Niki also does space planning, e-design, AutoCAD drawings among other things.

Diana+Beyonce=Diva Mathematics

Post by Adrienne of Mustard Seed Collective contributor for {the series: yesterday today}

One of the most essential people to fashion is the Diva, darling… the Diva.  She sits front row at Spring and Fall fashions shows in New York, Paris and Milan.  She graces the covers of Elle, Marie Claire and vies for the coveted September issue of Vogue.  Yes, the Diva is dressed at all times.  Her face is flawless and her shoes are always on point even if it’s a round-toe season.  If you are the most girly of girls, you anticipate her red-carpet appearances and have primped and preened like her in the privacy of your own home.  So just in case you didn’t know how the Diva achieves her fashionable look (despite the clothes and hair stylists all the dollar bills can buy) here is how I break down the Diva Essentials.  In fact, let’s call it Diva Mathematics.  From old school to new, the equation remains the same!  Let’s break it down with the legend that is Diana Ross and one who is nipping at her heels, Beyonce. And it doesn’t stops there, my friends.  The Diva has a plethora of looks… And there you have it… Diva Mathematics.  Add one part diva,two parts friends, plus a sprinkle of make-up, a toss of the hair and a dab of sweat off your brow and you have the essential ingredients to the fashionable diva lifestyle. Disclaimer: This is all my personal opinion which may or may not reflect the views of Chic Modern Vintage.

Moonlite Monday Guest:: Shari of Little Blue Deer

We have Shari from Little Blue Deer MOONLITE-ing today.  We have a few things we want to to know about her, so we’ll ask a few of our standard questions.

CMV: Five words that describe your blog:

Shari: Elegant, glamorous, chic, sophisticated, light-hearted (I hope!)

CMV: What is a typical day like for you?

Shari: Oh my!  It varies, every day is different.  I do always get up and go running, feel much better when I do that.  I also do some meditation in the mornings, as well.  My husband and I own a coffee shop and roasting company, so of course I'm there most every day.  It's really nice because it's flexible, and I can blog while I'm at work, which is great!  Pretty much every night I'm out doing something, not going out necessarily, but seeing friends, that sort of thing.  One rule that I live by is that I try to be of service to other people as much as possible, I do my job, try to be helpful to others, and then enjoy my creative pursuits when I can! 

CMV: 7 things you love:

Shari: Oh my, let’s see… cappuccinos (fortunately I have full access to all the cappuccinos a girl can drink!), hot baths, Diptyque candles, ballet flats, Siamese cats (we have 2!), luxury bedding (with all that coffee you wouldn’t think I could sleep, but I sure can!), and good books.

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CMV: Any recent finds?

Shari: I recently did a few DIY projects.  I got some old mirrors at Goodwill, spray painted the frames gold, then wrote quotes on the mirrors.  They look fabulous, you write with a thick black Sharpie, and if you don't like the way the quote comes out, you can simply use nail polish remover to erase and try again.  I'm also getting very into chalkboard paint! 

CMV: What's in your purse that you can't live without?

Shari: Oh my.  I wish I could answer that it was my black AMEX card, but unfortunately, that is not the case!  My wallet, of course, and lipstick. I never leave the house without lipstick, ever.  Also my trusty aviator sunglasses and this fabulous olive oil hand cream by Cucina.  

CMV: Anything else you'd like to tell readers?

Shari: I love you, I love you, I love you!  My readers mean the world to me, I read every comment and truly, they make my day!  I so appreciate anyone taking the time to visit my little world, it is incredibly flattering.

Speed Round:

Modern or Vintage?  Definitely vintage.  I love shabby chic and romantic, modern is often too stark and cold for my taste.

Flip Flops or Sandals?  Sandals!  My friends tease me because I don't approve of flip flops!  LOL!

Stove or Microwave?  Unfortunately for my husband, microwave.

House or Condo?  We own a house, but truly I think I might prefer a condo.  Our yard is so much upkeep, I like the idea of an adorable little townhouse with a tiny terrace!

Grits or Oatmeal?  I grew up in Atlanta, so I'm afraid to say anything other than grits!  

Shari, now that we know just a little but more about you, please; take it away

I am so delighted to be guest posting here at Moonlite Monday! I love Tonia’s blog, and the way that she combines all sorts of gorgeous design elements to create her own unique style! I was thinking about Chic Modern Vintage, how these are some basic elements that, when combined, make some truly gorgeous rooms!

I’m very partial to Chic:

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 How chic are those zebra print sheets, and the Louis bag, ah, yes! 

I’m not as big of a fan of Modern, but how can you go wrong with a flat-screen television and electric fireplace in the bath?

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And I always have a soft spot in my heart for vintage, there’s something so romantic about days gone by:

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Ooh la la! I love this settee and all of the embroidery and fringe! So very Victorian!

So I got to thinking about what happens when all of these elements are combined! As I mentioned above, if you can successfully pull these style elements together, you have yourself one amazingly stunning room!

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 I love how that glamorous chandelier is offset by the sleek, modern table, and notice that lovely vintage candelabra in the background!

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And this one is just Chic, right? Says it right there! I love this statement art combined with the classic striped settee and bright colors! What a combination!

Clearly, Tonia is on to something here, with her Chic, Modern and Vintage style! She’s a daily read for me, I hope she is for you, too!

Wow, it’s been a blast moonlite-ing here for Moonlite Monday, thank you so much to Chic Modern Vintage for inviting me! XO!

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Shari, thanks so much for MOONLITE-ing with Chic Modern Vintage, so please be sure to visit with her soon and often, over at Little Blue Deer.

{A very special guest} Buster from My Life by Buster

I have never been a guest blogger before.  

Maybe I was asked because I am a very famous artist like my Dad.

 I work mostly work in paper, wood and cardboard. 

Here I am in my project and I'm thinking about what to do next.

Here it is all done!

Thank you for letting me be your guest, and you can visit my Mum's blog here, and you can visit me Buster here.
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Thanks Buster, I appreciate you filling in for me on my last day of vacation. You guys, please be sure to visit Buster at his blog. My life by Buster.

THE MOONLITE CONTINUES: with Kiki from Life SunnySide Down

June is when I normally make my way to Atlanta, but my friend that I was visiting will not be in town, so I’m off to  Mississippi instead and while I’m away Kiki with Life SunnySide Down is holding it down…… MOONLITE-ING in my place instead.

Hi everyone, I am so excited to be guest blogging for Chic Modern Vintage today. One of my very first blog world connections was with Tonia and now here I am. To be honest, when she suggested I could guest blog for her while she was away on ‘vacay’, I was very nervous! You see, I looked through the posts of her previous guest bloggers and I realized I was in "blogger's awe". I am very grateful to be here and I only hope I can live up to the expectation.

Without further ado, let's get this party started. Today, I decided to go retro! In homage to "Chic Modern Vintage", we are going to talk about all things retro. So much of what we love, desire and crave is vintage inspired or as I call it "vintage reclaimed". Vintage innovations have gone from being things in your granny’s closet, to being chic modern must haves, even for those who can afford to wear haute couture. People want something different , I know I do, as opposed to the same garb in every modern designer’s sketchbook. I cannot begin to tell you how much fun I have vintage shopping and finding treasures that I can make into chic little pieces!!

Today's cluster of vintage innovations includes everything from fashion to antique furniture and vintage inspired interiors.

The Ultimate Fashion Vintage Icon & Pin-Up Girl - MM

Marilyn Monroe's sense of style is almost as iconic as the name itself.

With a bold sense of style, MM is already a fashion inspiration to many!

Fashion Inspired by the Iconic Vintage Pin-Up Girl

Bright Designs Inspired by Vintage Patterns

With so many futuristic/geometric silhouettes walking the runways in past shows, it was truly refreshing and quite a relief to see that some designers still refer to a classic, simpler time. Classic looks from the 1950’s and 60’s are revisited in several collections, especially that of my fave designer, Michael Kors.

Kitchen Accessories

These kitchen garbs are full of color and lots of spice. Inspired straight out of the 1940’s, they reflect the spirit of the ‘homemaker era.’ Vintage-inspired aprons and dish gloves enhance the merriment of playing whimsical dress-up, like we did when we were little girls, all combined with the indulgent delights of the ever so naughty pin-up girl.

Vintage Furniture Transformations

Today, we see so many vintage furniture pieces being transformed into chic modern-day accessories. From the fabric selection to the design choice - vintage has inspired it all...

Old vs New Furniture

The Barcelona chair is a vintage design with a modern style. When it comes to cool furniture, this is the chair to have. Designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1929, this architectural piece still looks the part in any room even to this day..

Luggage

Viktor & Rolf’s Samsonite Black Label luggage line was inspired by 50’s and 60’s jet flights. The collection uses a vintage airplane print to capture the essence of the era. These luggage pieces are uber trendy and chic! They scream vintage mixed with modern day glamour and fashion.

Interior Design

Talk about statement pieces that transcend eras! We have seen so many luxurious and clean lines made from vintage inspirations. The classic, vintage look of pieces always makes a bold statement in any room.

Thanks for having me today and hopefully you were indulgently inspired by everything vintage!! You can visit me at Life SunnySide Down.

Interior images via Elle Decor; Marilyn Monroe via Getty Images;Luggage via Samsonite; Fashion via Michael Kors Runway; Kitchen via Carolyn's Kitchen; Furniture via Lotus Bleu Designs; and Trend Hunter!

MOONLITE MONDAY: Katherine from The Old Boathouse

Well guys today we have MOONLITE-ing, Katherine from The Old Boathouse. Please help Chic Modern Vintage give her a great big welcome. She’s visiting all the way from Australia. Yes, Australia. Katherine and I share the same love of thrifting and estate sale. Before we give her the floor, we're going to quiz her a little.

CMV: Let’s begin with the proverbial question. Why did you start blogging?
Katherine: We started blogging to share our daily search for antique and vintage goodies with others who love vintage.

CMV: Five words that describe your blog as it is today.
Katherine: Fun, Eclectic vintage  Antique treasures

CMV: What is a typical day like for you?
Katherine: Well I am a Mum, so it usually begins with the normal Mum stuff of lunches, school run, washing and so on and then it depends either off to an estate to purchase goods, off to the Cottage Garden Nursery or Woolloongabba Antique Centre where we have shop spaces or photographing stock for our weekly Ebay listings.

CMV: Give is a list of 7 things that you love
1. Family and friends
2. Decorating my house
3. Gardening
4. Going to the movies
5. Searching through Estate houses to purchase items for The Old Boathouse

You have to look everywhere when you buy the entire contents of an old house!

6. Home Magazines

7. All the lovely bloggers who take the time to comment

CMV: Any recent finds or purchases that you are most proud of?
Katherine: Hard question, each week there is something really special...but the best finds are the rare items and the surprise finds that sometimes come from homes you would not think would have anything much, but you open a door and then WOW the blood rushes and you know you have found something great.

CMV: What’s in your purse you think you can’t live without?
Katherine: I can't live without the various wardrobe and door keys on my key ring...this is a good tip for those who love thrifting or going to garage sales. A lot of old doors had standard keys but these can get lost over time. People are reluctant, understandably to sell cupboards etc they cannot open and remove or check the contents. If you can open it...well that is a different story. I have been able to purchase many lovely items thanks to my small collection of various keys on my car key ring and it also impresses the seller that you are serious and girl scout prepared.

CMV: Anything else you'd like to tell readers?
Katherine: These questions are harder to answer then you think...LOL

Speed round

Modern or Vintage:  I admit I like everything, but my heart is with vintage.
Heels or Flats: Flats, you need sensible shoes to move antiques
Dress or pants: Definitely pants, dresses tend to twirl up when moving furniture...not a good look!
City or Country: The dream is country but my heart is in the noises and lights of the city
Toast or English muffin: Both! hey what can I say...I love my food...LOL

Now that we’re done quizzing Katherine and without further delay, here's Katherine....

Thanks so much Tonia for kindly inviting me to Moonlite here at Chic Modern Vintage. Today I thought I’d talk a bit about how to display collections in a fun way in our homes without them looking like displays.

Generally people that love vintage also have collections of certain specific things. The two seem to go hand in hand. Just as a love of vintage can be sparked from childhood memories, often collecting has its start there too. If you ask a collector how they got started it usually is with either one special item from childhood that belonged to or had an association with a loved one, or an item that they dreamed of having as a child and were never allowed, or the family could not afford, and now as an adult, they can indulge their desire.

As a licensed dealer in Antiques and Second hand goods for just on 17 years now, we have met and helped a huge number of "collectors" and love their passion;  But how do we display what we collect where we can enjoy them, but not have our homes look like a crammed trophy cabinet in a school hall? So I thought I would show some ideas that have helped me and maybe you could let us know some that have helped you.

Display your collection in a less traditional setting...outside the usual display cupboard or the like.

Here some of my sailor dolls sit on the exposed shelf above my kitchen entry

Another suggestion is to have small groups of items rather than a large group that can just look like clutter.

Here some of my favorite German floor vases are grouped together.

Use your collection, if you can, for other purposes. I use my mortar and pestle collection as fruit bowls...and pot plant holders

Another suggestion is to display a small selection of your collection

Swap them over from time to time so you get to enjoy them all but not all at the same time.

In my bathroom I have some of my vintage souvenir life rings on the picture rail above the tiling.

I also group Chintz China together and use it as different pot plant holders.

Please leave a comment and let us know what you collect and some of the ways you display it in your home?

Thanks a bunch Katherine for taking the time to MOONLITE with us  all the way from Australia. All of you visiting today, please visit Katherine over at The Old Boathouse.