Where Coastal Living Meets Refined Elegance
In the South, especially here in Virginia, we like to take a moment to introduce ourselves before diving into business – it’s just our way. Maybe it’s the European roots in my family, where hospitality is a ritual, or the Southern charm I grew up with, but I believe in starting with a connection. It’s a bit like sharing a glass of sweet tea (add splash of Bourbon) on a wrap-around porch – an invitation to slow down, share stories, and feel at home before anything else.
A Life Shaped by Shorelines
My story begins where the land meets the water, where the tides shape not only the shoreline but also the soul. I was born into a life that danced between two captivating coasts: the serene shores of Virginia and the vibrant island of Bermuda. These places, so different yet equally enchanting, became the foundation of my lifelong love affair with coastal beauty, Southern elegance, and timeless design.
Growing up on Virginia’s shores was like stepping into a painting. The Chesapeake Bay stretched endlessly before me, its waters shimmering under golden sunsets. My childhood was filled with days spent crabbing off wooden docks, sailing under skies that seemed to go on forever, and running barefoot through sandy paths lined with wild marsh grasses. The Bay wasn’t just a backdrop; it was a teacher, instilling in me a deep appreciation for nature’s rhythm and resilience.
And then there was Bermuda—a place as vivid as a dream. In the 1980s, Bermuda was a kaleidoscope of pastel-colored houses perched on hillsides, lush bougainvillea spilling over stone walls, and turquoise waters that seemed almost too beautiful to be real. Life there was an intoxicating blend of British refinement and island ease. I remember riding my bike along winding roads framed by hibiscus blooms and learning to snorkel in hidden coves where coral reefs teemed with life. Bermuda taught me the art of balance: how to combine sophistication with simplicity, tradition with whimsy.
These two worlds—Virginia’s quiet grace and Bermuda’s vibrant charm—shaped me in ways I’m still discovering. They gave me an eye for beauty in all its forms and a heart attuned to life’s small but profound pleasures.
Southern Roots and Timeless Elegance
Though my childhood spanned two coasts, my soul has always been Southern. There’s something about the South—the way it wraps you in warmth and hospitality, the way it finds beauty in both grandeur and simplicity—that feels like home to me.
My family’s Virginia home was a treasure trove of Southern and European traditions. Sunday dinners were sacred rituals where generations gathered around tables laden with heirloom china, silver flatware polished to perfection, and food prepared with equal parts love and butter. My mother and grandmother both had an impeccable sense of living well. They could transform even the simplest day into something magical with just a few well-chosen details. From them, I learned that elegance isn’t about extravagance—it’s about intention.
As I grew older, I found myself drawn to the timeless aesthetics that define Southern living: weathered wood floors that tell stories of generations past, antique furniture lovingly restored to its former glory, soft linens that invite you to linger just a little longer. These elements became more than just design choices; they became part of my identity.
But it wasn’t just the interiors that captivated me—it was also the landscapes. The South has a way of blending indoors and outdoors seamlessly. I fell in love with porches draped in wisteria vines, gardens bursting with hydrangeas in every shade of blue, and windows thrown open to let in the scent of magnolias on warm summer evenings. This connection to nature became central to my aesthetic philosophy: design should not only reflect who we are but also honor where we are.
Infusing Bermuda’s Vibrance into Coastal Elegance
The Journey to Coastal Vintage Style
My journey into design began not as a career but as a passion—a way to bring beauty into my everyday life. It started small: rearranging furniture in my childhood bedroom until it felt just right or collecting seashells during beach walks to display on windowsills at home. Over time, what began as instinct grew into expertise.
Living in Bermuda during my formative years gave me an appreciation for coastal style that goes beyond the superficial. True coastal design isn’t just about nautical stripes or seashell motifs; it’s about capturing the essence of life by the water—the lightness, the airiness, the sense of calm it brings. It’s about creating spaces that feel like a breath of fresh air.
When I returned to Virginia, I found myself blending these coastal influences with my Southern roots. The result was something uniquely mine: Coastal Vintage Style. It’s a style that celebrates both refinement and relaxation—where antique chandeliers hang above weathered farmhouse tables, where crisp white linens meet faded blues and greens reminiscent of sea glass, where every piece tells a story.
This philosophy extends beyond aesthetics; it’s also about how we live in our spaces. Coastal Vintage Style is about creating homes that invite connection—where friends gather for long conversations over glasses of sweet tea or wine, where every corner feels welcoming yet intentional.
Life on the Chesapeake Bay Today
Today, I’m fortunate to call the Chesapeake Bay home once again. My days are filled with enchanting moments that rekindle my deep affection for this region. I delight in observing ospreys meticulously constructing their nests atop weathered pilings, their keen eyes scanning the waters for fish. These majestic raptors, often called “fish hawks,” are a testament to the Bay’s rich biodiversity.
Mornings begin with coffee on the beachside deck, watching crabbers methodically check each pot as the sun rises in a spectacular array of pinkish orange hues, mist still clinging to the water’s surface. Evenings are spent hosting dinners on my porch, where fireflies perform their twilight dance, their bioluminescent glow adding magic to the night.
As dusk falls, hundreds of dragonflies take to the air above the dunes, their synchronized movements resembling a euphoric ballet. In European folklore, dragonflies have been associated with various myths and legends. For instance, in some tales, they are linked to fairies and mystical creatures, adding an element of whimsy to their presence. These ancient insects, with a lineage stretching back 350 million years, add to the Bay’s timeless charm.
Each of these experiences weaves together the stories and whimsy that make life along the Chesapeake Bay so uniquely enchanting.
My home is both my sanctuary and my canvas—a place where Coastal Vintage Style comes alive. It’s filled with treasures collected over years of exploration: a vibrant antique mirror from an estate sale hangs in the kitchen, a basket of driftwood sculptures on the porch; vintage rugs from European markets add warmth underfoot; delicate hand blown glass inherited from my grandmother hold freshly picked flowers from my 120 year old camellia tree.
But more than anything else, what makes this house special are the memories being made here – the laughter shared during family gatherings around the backyard tiki bar and lounge is especially memorable, as it requires a scenic passage across a serene 30-foot fish pond, complete with a soothing five-foot waterfall and often adorned with blooming lilies in springtime, evenings spent casting a line off the shore and enjoying a drink with friends and family or lazy afternoons spent reading a good book while curled up on sun-dappled porch seat overlooking endless horizons. A true slice of heaven on earth served up with a side of grace and glory.
Inspirations That Endure
People often ask me where I find inspiration for my designs—and honestly? Everywhere! From childhood summers spent exploring tide pools along Virginia beaches or wandering Bermuda’s vibrant markets filled with handcrafted wares—to travels abroad discovering centuries-old textiles steeped in history—I see potential beauty everywhere I look.
Nature remains one constant source though—the way sunlight filters through Spanish moss hanging from ancient oak trees… the soothing palette created by ocean waves meeting sandy shores… the intricate patterns etched onto seashells washed ashore after storms – all these elements inform not only how I design but also how I live each day fully present amidst such splendor around us all!
Looking Ahead
As much joy as designing brings me personally – it pales compared against seeing others find happiness within spaces we created together collaboratively! Whether helping transform houses into homes reflecting their unique stories – or simply sharing tips via blog posts here online – I hope to inspire others to embrace the elegance, simplicity, and harmony that surrounds them in their daily lives. As Coco Chanel once said, “Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.”
So welcome – you’ve stumbled upon a corner of the internet dedicated to celebrating timeless charm Coastal Vintage Style rooted in deeply southern traditions yet reaching far beyond borders and shores alike! Let’s embark on this journey together discovering endless possibilities that await when we combine creativity, passion, heart & soul – intertwined for beautifully designed lives… love is all around. Thank you for taking this journey with me.
Much love, Cathryne
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Vintage Rowe
Curated vintage, antiques, and artisan-made treasures for those who love unique, high-quality pieces with artistic flair—perfect for styling, entertaining, decorating, and gardening.
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