From shabby to chic on a budget
Like so many people, I am a bargain hunter. My passion for objects that have a story to tell, a rich history, a pleasing shape, fill a household need or are simply beautiful to look at has taken me to countless outdoor markets and thrift shops around the world. I have learned that to make the best, most memorable purchases takes patience and knowledge.
You may not know exactly what you are looking for, but when you have educated yourself on what to buy or, more important, what not to buy, the hunt becomes even more exciting.
“Modern Mix: Curating Personal Style with Chic & Accessible Finds” is a coffee table style book that takes you step by step through the search, and how to display and live with the treasures you unearth. The author, Eddie Ross, is a party stylist, trained chef, design, decorating and food editor for top magazines, and grew up gardening with his grandfather.
Ross’s love for fine things blossomed as he catered parties for the rich and famous, styled magnificent homes for decor mags and learned the art of presentation at chef’s school. Ross says, “We are not all born with a silver spoon in our mouths, but we can pretend, can’t we?” “Modern Mix” shows us how.
Begin by educating your eye; discover the basics about the varieties of glass, metals, textiles, ceramics and plastics. Ross talks about color, shapes, markings and mini-histories of all the items you are likely to come across. Next, is that tarnished silver pitcher, chipped glass or stained heirloom linen worth restoring?
Tips guide you to a professional restorer, or when and what you can do yourself. Note: Ross shows fantastic results by simply washing on the gentle cycle in the washing machine or dishwasher. There is a plan behind Ross’s acquisitions. He advises curating an arsenal of essentials, multipurpose pieces that you’ll reach for time and again. Carving knives, ladles, serving spoons, a mix of platters and plates are great flea markets finds, and make you and your guests feel special. That’s what it’s all about.
Ross’s personal collections have been photographed in splendid arrangements. Floral bouquets, tableware, furnishings and fabrics, old, new, seasonal, shabby and chic, all combine in glorious ways that will inspire you to take to the sales wherever they are. The rooms literally overflow. Is this for the camera’s sake, or does he really live like this? His exuberance is hard to match.
Imagination and invention will bring your entertaining up a notch or two. Always thinking on a budget, there are great tips on how to present in style. Don’t want to cook but love having friends over?
Arrange a take-out menu on a selection of chic platters and serving bowls. For parties, raise your guests’ expectations. Layer your table’s landscape with cake pedestals and stacked compotes. Mirrors work magic. Use mirrored trays to magnify the effect of floral arrangements and finger food. Ross likes to position “libation stations” throughout the party scene to keep guests circulating. Shown here, a prosecco bar is set up by a bookcase; one of the shelves holds glassware.
“Modern Mix” shows us how anyone can acquire beautiful things on a budget. The book is also a treasure trove of all that is collectible, shown in glowing photography and labelled with captions.
Email your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com.