Modern Mix!

Here at Fieldstone Hill, I often describe my style as “farmhouse simplicity mixed with high-gloss glamour.” When I first heard the term “Modern Mix,” it confirmed why Eddie and I are friends! And, of course, as I started diving into Eddie’s Modern Mix book, I immediately resonated with the idea of tossing out rules and mixing up what you love.

I was fortunate to hang out with Eddie last week. I thought it would be fun interview him, since his book – a Must-Have in my eyes – really got my wheels turning.

An Interview with Eddie Ross, author of Modern Mix

Darlene:  For decorating rule-followers, can you give them a “rule” that will help them break the rules and get them to start “Mixing!!”?

Eddie: Knowing the rules is a great first step in learning how to break them. If you focus on living with what you love – your personal rulebook will develop in no time. Just make sure you know the ones to never break. For example, you can use large furniture in a small room or paint a ceiling a fun color, but a correct place setting will always be vital!

Discover:

Darlene:  In your book, you use the word “discover” as a theme for seeing vintage things through new eyes. I LOVE this, because if we want to find treasures, we have to be able to see the potential in all objects! Discover Naturals. Discover Metals. etc. When you are out acquiring and discovering, do you ever take stock of what you “don’t like,” so that you can avoid it/make the most of your time, or are you open to every object?

Eddie:  I’m definitely open to every object! Individual items can always be viewed in a new light. Personal taste changes as we change, so it is important to always discover new things – be it metals, patterns or colors.

Acquire:

Darlene:  Your book is FILLED with awesome flea market tips, guiding us how to “dig for treasure!” The tips are priceless, and are game-changers for people who think they cannot afford a designer home. I even love that you share what we need for our “survival bag,” as we face a day of thrifting.

Acquiring treasures can be so much fun, but for some it is intimidating. For those with an untrained eye, hitting their first flea market, what would you tell them to look for?

Eddie:  Try to look at the beauty – not the mess. Flea markets can be overwhelming because of the clutter and random pieces scattered about. Scan quickly, but look at everything. If you feel like you may have missed something, you can always go back for a second glance after the initial walk through. The more you go to flea markets, the more you will develop your eye. Soon, you’ll learn to scan quickly, access the value, and find out if you love it – or if you can love it once you polish it up!

Restore:

Darlene:  Your restoration tips are another invaluable part of your book! Eddie, I have seen you in action as you restore hidden treasures into new-again priceless beauties. For those hoping to achieve the Modern Mix, these tips alone make the book worth purchasing. This part of your book sparked a lot of ideas in my mind, and questions!

I imagine you have had a lot of restoration stories and even mistakes as you learned along the way. Can you share a restoration-fail story, to give those of us, who are not experts, the hope that we can do it if we keep on trying?

Eddie:  Like that time I soaked vintage linens in bleach and they completely disintegrated? We all have our moments with restoration. It will be frustrating at times, but there is always an opportunity to learn from the mistakes. The best part is that all of the memories of bad restoration will fade once you successfully restore a piece you love!

Curate:

Darlene:  Eddie, you encourage us to “look with fresh eyes at our belongings” to start curating our own personal library of accessories in our home. I know that you are a maximalist in your own style, enjoying layer upon layer as you fill your home with what you love. But those with keen style always know about ‘editing’ as well; removing what no longer works. Do you have a process for ‘editing’ your own belongings as you look at them with fresh eyes?

Eddie:  The maximalist approach to editing still requires editing. There’s a fine line between creating a mess and creating a modern mix. I try to develop an eye for seeing how each piece works with the others. Editing is not always about reducing, but often about refining the look in order to make the appearance more cohesive.

Entertain:

Darlene:  Your passion for entertaining is vivacious and contagious. Details abound and your serving choices are endless, as you have curated gorgeous pieces with intention throughout the years. In fact, we joked together once as I dubbed you with the hashtag #intentionalhoarder ! For those of us with bare cupboards regarding serving pieces, what 5 pieces should I score first to give me the best foundation for stylish entertaining?

Eddie: Those are some of the fun things found in the book! The Curate section really focuses on the key foundational pieces that will help you fake it like you’ve got an arsenal of serving ware in your butler’s pantry. Some essentials are punch bowls, cake pedestals, and of course decanters to help keep the wine flowing at a party!

The Modern Mix:

Darlene:  Eddie, your book is practical, inspirational, and even more commendable: Useful! I hope everyone who reads this will take a moment to snag a copy of Modern Mix for themselves. It is a book that is a Must-Have.

On this blog, I have a focus on helping people to overcome their decorating paralysis. Do you have any final words of encouragement for those who become paralyzed at flea-markets or Estate sales?

Eddie:  I hope my encouraging people to hunt out great pieces is not paralyzing, but you can always grab a boozy brunch before you start your hunt if it is too intimidating! Just remember that you are creating the space for you – not anyone else. You should always find joy in what you have in your home. It is helpful to have guidelines, but it is most important to follow your inner style. That is the whole fun!

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Eddie’s book is essential for decorating lovers, style lovers, home curators, and flea market lovers. I love that Modern Mix is at home on the coffee table, but is also a field guide to successfully navigating flea markets. Before any flea market adventure (I LOVE the hunt!), I am going to soak in the pages to get my hunt off on the right foot.

Follow Eddie on Instagram @eddieross , and check out his blog, Eddie Ross.

Get his brand new book, Modern Mix, HERE!

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