Come see what I have to share today about hope and home!
This is a big honor for me. I’m sharing hope and home, an interview with my friend CoCo from the blog The Crowned Goat. CoCo is one of those people whose writing just draws me in. Each time I read one of her blog posts, I’m fascinated and captivated by her story telling, her life advice and beautiful photography. I’ve never met her in person but I feel like I know her. CoCo has an incredible gift and I’m so excited to share her and all of her knowledge with you today!
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Photo courtesy of thecrownedgoat.com
Hope and Home: An Inspiring Interview With CoCo from The Crowned Goat
Question 1: How did you get into finding and decorating with antique and vintage decor?
CoCo: I grew up in a military family and we moved around a lot. Most of the bigger pieces of furniture (like our bedroom suites) stayed the same from house to house. But my Mom always tried to make each place feel special so she would frequently take us treasure hunting. She had a great way of mixing new finds with cherished family heirlooms. She also LOVED magazines and would frequently create scrapbooks of rooms and color combinations she wanted to try long before Pinterest came on the scene. I don’t ever remember a time when she didn’t involve us in some kind of decorating from setting to table every night to changing up our bedrooms.
Photo courtesy of thecrownedgoat.com
Question 2: What are 3 of your favorite vintage items to use when decorating your home and why?
CoCo: Gosh, this one is hard! I would say ironstone or dishes, vintage linens and baskets because they are 3 of the most practical and utilitarian pieces you can use. You can literally dress them up or down in any season. Plus they’re usually affordable and budget-friendly too!
Photo courtesy of thecrownedgoat.com
Question 3: What is it about interior decorating that you love? Is there anything in particular that inspires your decorating?
CoCo: I love creating a home that speaks to the people who live there. Our lives are made of moments whether they be joyful, busy, ordinary, celebratory, grief-filled, extraordinary – you name it! It’s comforting to know we can make the spaces we live in to meet our needs no matter what is happening in the world or what season of life we currently find ourselves in.
Photo courtesy of thecrownedgoat.com
Question 4: We both have a love for vintage dishes. Where do you find your vintage dishes and how are some ways that you use them in your home?
CoCo: LOL, I am right there with you on the vintage dishes! It’s almost a weakness for me! I look for them everywhere. Church tag sales, charity shops, yard sales, estate sales, antique malls and outdoor events. Even online at Etsy, Charish, and eBay. Vintage dishes are super easy to decorate with and are budget-friendly too!
You can create a gallery wall with them, use them on a tablescape, use them to hold rings, photos, brushes, bath salts, office supplies, use them to decorate a bookcase or hutch, as a tray, under a plant – honestly the possibilities are endless!
Photo courtesy of thecrownedgoat.com
Question 5: Where do you shop for vintage decor? When you are shopping, do you have a method for finding vintage pieces?
CoCo: I look for vintage decor at antique malls, church tag sales, yard sales, estate sales, charity shops, outdoor antique events, warehouse sales, auctions and online. Sometimes the tiniest shops or the places that look cluttered, like old barns, are the best places to treasure hunt. In the old days, I used to bring home anything that struck my fancy. But as I’ve worked to refine my style over the years, I’ve learned how to let go of “good” for “best”. I try to stay with a specific color palette, pattern, or maker now. It’s not always easy though, especially if you see something that steals your heart immediately.
Photo courtesy of thecrownedgoat.com
Question 6: What are your top 3 pieces of advice for finding decor at estate sales?
CoCo: If at all possible, try to view the sale online before you go. That way, you don’t get caught up in the excitement and it helps you to stay within your budget.
Take notes and measurements of the pieces of furniture you need or the small items you’re looking for and store them on your phone. I would even take a picture of your room so you can make sure the estate sale pieces you’re interested in go with the style/vision you have for your space. Finally, take a friend! I can’t speak for all places but estate sales can be very competitive so it helps to bring a buddy to be a second set of eyes, ears, and hands.
Photo courtesy of thecrownedgoat.com
Question 7: You decorate shelves in such a beautiful way. What is the process that you use for styling shelves throughout your home?
CoCo: That’s so sweet of you to say, Rachel, thank you! I always try to stick with a specific color palette or collection. Grouping items en masse is a simple but proven way to display your favorite pieces. Another thing is to vary the height of your items. It helps to add interest almost immediately. Finally, vintage plates, artwork, or architectural salvage pieces are a great way to help bridge the gap, especially if you’re just starting out.
Photo courtesy of thecrownedgoat.com
Question 8: Your blog is so full of encouragement. What are 2 pieces of life advice that you could share with us today?
CoCo: Ok, now you’re making me weepy in the sweetest possible way 🙂 I would say always be kinder than necessary because you never know what people are going through. It’s a piece of advice my Mom gave us very early on in our military days that has been with me ever since. It’s also a sentiment that can apply to anyone from a janitor at your kid’s school to a CEO to the people living under your roof.
The other is that we all have the power to make a positive change in the lives of the people who have been placed on our paths. It could be as simple as making someone smile, making an ordinary moment extraordinary, or as big and courageous as putting your best gifts out into the world. I believe we were all created for a purpose and a hope. We’re unique and different and our value is far more than we could ever imagine. Even on the hard days.
Photo courtesy of thecrownedgoat.com
Closing Tidbits
See? I told you she is incredible! (Also, side note: I’m OBSESSED with her transferware dish collection!!) CoCo always gives me hope, joy and the perseverance to keep going. The Crowned Goat blog is chalk full of inspiring ideas, tips, and advice for not only your home for your heart as well. Whenever I am lacking creativity or motivation, I go to Coco’s blog and read one of her many posts and I instantly feel better. She is such a gift and I am truly lucky to have her as a friend and mentor in this big and sometimes overwhelming blogging world. I hope you found encouragement in this hope and home post today. As CoCo says, we are all created for a purpose and a hope. May you have the courage to see that.
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Other Posts To Enjoy:
5 Habits Of A Successful Antiquer
11 Comments. Leave new
Rachel- This was such a great post! I am so impressed that you interviewed Coco. Her advice is spot on and I find myself continually practicing kindness. Sounds easy but it’s not – for example when someone cuts you off in traffic. Thank you for sharing. Pinned
Thank you, friend, and thank you for reading!! This was a super fun one for me to write!
So happy you interviewed Coco! I really love her blog, personality and decorating style. Very fun to read
She’s SO amazing. Thanks, Meagan!
CoCo was a wonderful interview choice, Rachel! I love her understated decorating, and her gentle approach to life. Your questions were perfect to highlight all the things we love about her. Thanks for the inspiring post – I’m excited to explore your blog more!
Hi Barbara!!
Thank you SO much for your amazing and lovely comment! I really had so much fun with CoCo. She is truly a gem! I’m happy to have you here…thanks so much for stopping by today! I do appreciate it SO much!
Thank you so much for including me in your blogger series, Rachel, I really appreciate it. It’s definitely an honor to be included among such fabulous and creative ladies. It is a treasure to call you a friend and to have your support and encouragement as we travel this blog journey together. You constantly inspire me and I’m blessed to have found you. Big hugs and thanks yous, CoCo
You are SO welcome and deserving! I had so much fun writing this. Thanks so very much for being such an amazing human…I truly appreciate you!
[…] Hope and Home […]
What a fun post. CoCo truly has an amazing eye for design. Have a wonderful 4th of July weekend.
Hi Laura!!
Thank you so much for stopping by the blog today and for leaving such a lovely comment!! This was a super fun post for me to write and I’m so grateful for CoCo! Happy 4th to you!