I did something a little out-of-the-ordinary this weekend.  For me, anyways.  I attended It’s a Mod Mod World, 20th Century Cincinnati.  I had been eyeing the annual event last year but ended up having to work.  (Yeah, at my real job.)  This year the stars aligned.  In a fortunate turn of events, I had the weekend off and my sister-in-law kindly scored me a free ticket to the vintage show.  (Thanks, Amy!)  Handy Hubby practically kicked me out of the house insisting that I go while he watched the boys.  I know, I know, he’s awesome.  I can’t say I wasn’t a little skeptical though…reminded me of a little domestic joke I once heard – “I love you more today than yesterday.  Yesterday you got on my nerves.”

Anyhow, I took Handy Hubby up on his generous offer.  The show featured over 40 dealers displaying and selling vintage modern art, furniture and apparel.  Now, I am no history buff on antiques or art (that’s my sister-in-law’s job) nor do I know all the big names (Eames and Bertoia ring a little bell in my head).  However, I have always been drawn to mid-century modern furniture with its clean lines and simple design.  Amy Butler’s home decor, for example… (Amy Butler is a fabulous Midwestern fabric designer, among other things)

See all the spindly legs and low profile furniture?  That’s what I’m talkin’ about. 

But I digress…back to the show.  So, I went with my free ticket in hand feeling a little unworthy, knowing what I didn’t know about modern antiques.  I was a little uncomfortable entering the showroom but that quickly dissipated when I laid eyes on all the home goods.  I was drawn, of course, to the furniture and home accessories.  Here were my fave pieces.

I don’t know if it’s because I’ve been thinking we need an ice bucket but I fell in love with this lime green one.

I was really trying to think of a place I could display this vintage movie reel.

Tell me curvy marble top + desk doesn’t = suave.

Had I been in the market for a sofa, I would have seriously contemplated this reupholstered one.

If spiky, metallic starbursts don’t scream modern then I don’t know what does.

I’ve got a thang for starbursts.  Trying to figure out how to make one on my own.

This chair was originally one of a pair.  When I went back to snap a photo, the mate had been sold.  It’s difficult to tell from the picture, but it’s kid-sized and as adorable as the kiddos who would sit in it.

Sadly, I did not purchase anything but that’s not to say I didn’t want to.  If money were no object, I woulda scooped up each item shown…and then some. 

Another interesting booth that had me at “hello” came from cincinnatimodern.com.  As a sponsor for the event, Susan Rissover knows a thing or two about modern design.  Not only does she specialize in selling ‘modern’ real estate, she lives in a modern-outfitted home with her family.  Too cool.  I had no idea there was a specific market for this!  Check out a view of her modern dining room…(courtesy of Cincinnati Magazine)

If you like that be sure to scan her site for more thought-provoking modern homes in the Cincy area. 

So, that’s how I spent most of my Sunday: drooling over modern in all its glory.  It’s got me dreaming of scavenging The Salvation Army or Goodwill in hopes of coming across a discarded vintage piece that I can bring home and caudle all on my own.