A couple of months ago my dear friend Patrica van Essche invited me to a lunch and book signing for Eddie Ross and his new book Modern Mix. Coincidentally, at about the same time I was reading The Life-changing Magic of Tiding Up by Marie Kondo. Eddie is famous for collecting and using a combination of styles, patterns and mixing old and new. Kind of the more the better philosophy and while I was reading the Tidying Up Book I kept thinking…maybe I have too much stuff and maybe I need to get rid of some of it. Well, then I went to the book signing and Eddie was delightful of course. He spoke with passion about entertaining and using your stuff. Lots of it all mixed up together. Not just any old way, but beautifully and somehow together it all looks wonderful and chic. In the Tidying Up Book, the author speaks about Sparking Joy. If an item sparks joy then one should keep it. Seriously, page 210 of the index: “Joy, as standard for keeping.”
Eddie spoke with passion, and yes joy, about being a hoarder of all things beautiful. I adore his book for everything from inspiration to tips on acquiring, what to look for, where to find it and then how to restore it. If you would like a copy of Eddie Ross’ book Modern Mix, leave a comment and I will select one winner at random on December 17th. I leave you with my mixed up cabinet of old, new, collected over time pieces mixed in with holiday balls and greens. And yes, it sparks joy!
A few of my favorite things: The mini faceted terrarium from west elm, the cow creamer, the silver coffee pot, the Apilco cereal and rice bowls from Williams-Sonoma. The 23f bistro glasses and even the glassware from Ikea. Thrift store and flea market finds and things from travels with my family. The mini forest of trees and topiaries is mostly from Terrain. I love their Earth Fired Clay Pots in slate and how they look against my collection of old silver trays. I’ve mixed in ornaments and greens from our yard. I like it, but would would Eddie think? I was just wondering.
Your collections are just beautiful, as are your displays! I started reading that book but I like my things too much to follow everything she suggests. Having just moved and gone through the process of wrapping and unwrapping everything I own, I did do a major cleansing. There were some things I had been hanging on to and as I was unwrapping, I asked myself did I really see myself using whatever it was again? Many things left and now I have room for new things. Wishing you and your family a joyful holiday!! Susan
Susan,
Moving is the best way to cleanse and take a fresh look at everything. I’ll be ready for a move before long…making way for new things! Happy Holidays!
annie
I have been having the same dilemma as you (after reading that book). How nice to see a peek of your gorgeous collections!
I have been collecting(borderline hoarding:)dishes since college and love mixing all of my patterns together. And I always love the glimpses of your home and fabulous collections!
I would love to win the book. I accidentally left my Tidying Up book at my cousin’s and told her I would get it the next time I’m out. She thought I was hinting that her home needed cleaning 🙂
Love your photos. So pretty, Annie.
Merry Christmas.
Mary Ann
That book is calling my name; It’s at the top of my wish list now. I believe that everyone is entitled to a hobby. As long as you’re having fun, why not collect? That’s how almost all great museums began: as someone’s collection. The items in our homes reflect our history. Your china cabinet is lovely and intriguing. You’ve made it seasonal and festive. Compulsively throwing out things that you’ve bought or inherited, “just because,” is not the answer for everyone. Thank you for featuring this inspirational book and author; I like his style. His swan and lilac centerpiece (see image on Amazon) is enchanting.
This is something I have been giving a lot of thought to lately as well. I only got out about half of my Christmas decorations this year because that just felt right. I don’t want to be hasty and get rid of the rest, but it has been nice to have edited decorations this year.
Kirstin,
Same here with the Christmas decorations! Less felt right this year! Merry Christmas!
annie
We got rid of about 2/3 of our Christmas decorations last year. I’ve been relying on live greenery more this year. I’m not a minimalist by any means, but I’m getting rid of anything that isn’t special.
This book is much needed in my household… in my life.
Merry Christmas!
Brittney
intrigued! very interested in this book as i am pretty minimalistic when it comes to “things” & collections but the few things i do collect are the things i thoroughly & i use. i would love a fresh outlook on balancing my obsessive tendency to purge & keeping what brings truly brings joy.
Eddie Ross is a genius and his designs are approachable and livable. I have been following his work since he wrote features for House Beautiful and appeared on Top Design. I still refer to his ideas on refurbishing furniture and decorating on those torn out pages. His talent is timeless!
Annie your stuff looks fantastic! I love the way everything just goes together so beautifully. That is a true talent! And I love love love the “sparks joy” qualifier…I’m am constantly purging and I will use that from now on as my test! xo
Karen,
The sparking joy qualifier works very well when sorting clothing! The “stuff” not so much! Merry Christmas!
annie
I am so torn between wanting my home super simple and clutter free and then the next day wanting all of my cute vintage stuff I have collected forever! I hope you pick me. (I love your blog and instagram!)
Stephanie,
I know! It’s the daily struggle for me too! haha One minute I want a modern clutter free look and then the next I’ve got an armful of candlesticks I’m bringing up from the basement! The collecting part is fun though! I hope your daughter loves it too!
annie
I’m pretty sure Eddie would approve! There are no words to describe how important a good balance of old and new are for me. The old remind me of the generations of women in my family who have owned (and regularly used) some of the serving pieces and china that I incorporate into my everyday or special occasion use. The new are a representation of my current style, and are largely my personal choices (with some input from my hubby). Many of the things I have inherited wouldn’t have been my first choice but they seem to display well with the things I have collected myself! Merry Christmas, and thanks for always being such an inspiration!!
Mary-Irene,
It sounds like you have a found the perfect balance of mixing your style with heirlooms and making memories and traditions for your sweet family. Merry Christmas!
annie
I collect old things and remake them. This book is great!
Looks so lovely! Our home is a lovely mix of old and new and different kind of styles.
I’m slowly becoming a collector! And so far I love finding the things to add to my collection. And I’d love to learn more about that through Eddie! Always been a huge fan of his!
All of your items “spark joy”. Well done.
Love your bravery in design…you have an inate ability to put together new, old, modern, traditional and somehow make it work. Your photos definitely show a feel for composition whether it is a landscape, food, cityscapes, or interior design. I love finding something new to add to my home..not just because I am tired of the old, but because it gives me the opportunity to give a beloved item a rest for awhile so when I bring it out again (maybe in a different room with a different purpose) I am in love all over again. If something brings you joy, don’t wait for a special occasion…every day is special..using an antique silver spoon to stir my coffee while enjoying a Snickers makes me smile!!
Linda,
I completely agree and love that sentiment that every day is special. So true!
Happy Holidays!
annie
Love these Christmas touches!
I love the little peaks at you cupboard. I would really enjoy seeing and reading Eddie’s book.
Oh boy,
I had the same response after I read The Life-changing Magic of Tiding Up. I looked at all my ‘stuff”. What is that quote when everything speaks of memories… So yes, JOY. And gosh Eddie would say there is great joy in enjoying beauty.
It seems to me that if our collections bring us joy, problem solved. I’ve pared down a lot this year but only things I no longer use.
I love your style.
Karen
Thanks for the opportunity to receive Eddie Ross’ new book. Sounds as though there is a lot of wisdom in his style. Years of marriage and changes in style have left us with quite an accumulation of the “mix”.
annie, eddie would be proud of your collection! i met he and jaithan a few years back on one of his tours of the rose bowl. he is so sweet and funny and jaithan is gorgeous! i adore your collection and how your are displaying it…so chic. xo
Janet!
I remember that photo of you, Eddie and Jaithan at the Rose Bowl Flea market quite a few years ago. I must admit I did not know who he was until I saw that photo on your blog. See, you’ve taught me so much!!
annie
annie how lovely your cupboards look. I am sure Eddie would approve! how nice of you to give away his book, I’d love to put my name in the mix. Happy Christmas!
I KNOW Eddie would approve! Wonderful job you’ve done here with “sparkling” your things up! I’ve really used this year to go through quite a lot of things and if they haven’t been used in forever, or no longer brought me happiness—- out they went! For me, it was a terrific feeling of being lighter! I would LOVE to win his book and do thank you for the opportunity! I’m as big a fan of yours too though!
Libby,
It does feel good to “go through” stuff and what no longer brings you happiness will bring someone else joy! Win, win! Thanks for your kind words! Happy Holidays!
annie
Always a perfect mix of pretties at your house! I read the tiding book as well, it’s hard to get rid of things that might give us joy but maybe just not right this minute;)
Londen,
I do sometimes get rid of too much…and then regret it. But it’s just stuff, right? Merry Christmas!
annie
love Eddie! i would love to read his tips.
Love how modern and natural your mixes feel! It is absolutely the perfect combo!
The book sounds very interesting and a must read for me. I love my “stuff” but my husband doesn’t and after 50 years of marriage it hasn’t changed. I keep, he throws out lol
Well if you’ve been married 50 years, I think you’ve figured out what works for both of you! Happy Holidays!
After living in the same home for 27 years I could really use some help with organization! I would love a copy of the book.
LOVE all the topiaries! I want to read both of those books!
You are the hostesses with the mostesses!❤️❤️
Annie I love Eddie and jaithan and spent a day with them when they were here in Kansas City a couple of years back! I have given his new book away and of course wold love another one!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
The India Hicks Collection!
I would love to read that book. I love my pretty things but do occasionally feel the need to purge.
Sandra,
An occasional purge is a necessary thing! Happy Holidays!
annie
Sandra,
You are the winner of Modern Mix!
Happy Holidays!
annie
Wow – thank you so much! I look forward to reading this book. I almost ordered a copy the other day because I was thinking I never win anything.Happy holidays to you and yours.
I received the book promptly and put everything aside to dive into it. What wonderful inspiration! I will be sharing it with my friends. Thank you again.