Now that the New Year is here, it’s time to say goodbye to the holiday clutter and hello to style and order.
Who better to curl up with on your laptop and chat about organizing and style than the one and only Eddie Ross? Yes, the same über talented Eddie Ross with the quickly growing design empire who left us agog after each episode of Top Design. The same Eddie Ross who has rapidly become the design wonder-boy of our industry and creative genius of the blogosphere. I must confess that part of me wants to put him in a glass box and keep him all to myself. I’d be certain to place him on a high shelf [next to stylized Creamware of course] so the kids and cat won’t touch him. We'd flea together, shop for hours on end and chat over hot tea while polishing silver. Maybe he would even share a few of his gourmet recipes and flower arranging tips with me.
But what about the remaining twenty million females who would want to do the same with their ideal shopping, styling, and designing BFF?
Okay. Maybe storing Eddie Ross isn’t my best design idea, but this interview surely is in the top ten. And I'm lucky enough to call Eddie a friend. Let’s find out how he stores that amazing silver collection in a cozy NY apartment and how we can display our own prized pieces in a most stylish way.
Welcome, Eddie.
SS: When organizing, I like to...
ER: Take things out and not hide them. For example, I keep all my silverware in antique glass celery jars on my kitchen counter. That way, they’re organized, accessible and pretty! My whiteware too I keep in organized in stacks. I’m all about a beautiful pile!
SS: My favorite de-clutter trick is...
ER: Editing. Think about what you use, what you don’t and what you’ve completely forgotten you even had! Just because something was expensive doesn’t mean you need to hold on to it for dear life. Donate it, sell it, give it to a friend. Make room for something you really love, and you’ll be happier for it.
SS: My criteria for keeping something is...
ER: Do I really use it? Is it my style now?
SS: I add creative storage by...
ER: Shopping smart at The Container Store. They have so many great organizational things you need but may not know about yet.
SS: My favorite stylish storage essential is...
ER: Clear Lucite boxes from The Container Store. They’re great in medicine cabinets for toiletries and on desks for paper clips, pins, etc. Everything’s organized and very visible. There’s nothing worse than wanting to find something and not knowing where it is!
SS: When it comes to organizing, I'm inspired by...
ER: Pretty piles of stuff. I may make messes, but they’re pretty ones!
SS: You may be surprised to know that I...
ER: Don’t have any formal training in design.
SS: I would describe my style as....
ER: New traditional. Classic with a twist. A fresh take on familiar shapes. Old pieces updated for today. It's livable, affordable and I think quite beautiful!
SS: My favorite design splurge is...
ER: Good bedding and towels. Splurge on things you touch. T.J. Maxx has the best white 1000 count bedding. 60 bucks for a queen set!
SS: One of my design goals this year is...
ER: To do a book on sophisticated flea market style.
SS: I add simple beauty to my home by...
ER: Polishing my silver often with Gorham polish and keeping perfectly pressed antique linen hand towels by the sink.
Thanks for stopping by, Eddie. Can't wait for that upcoming flea market trip in the city!
If that didn't satisfy your Eddie fix, then head over here and here to get a few more of his fab ideas on organizing and editing your home accessories. Also, each picture here is linked to its respective post on Eddie's site. So click away!
[photos courtesy of Eddie Ross]
Great post! Love all the pics that illustrate the advice. Also thanks for the suggestions on Atlanta - I'm looking forward to it. Michele
Posted by: My Notting Hill | January 07, 2009 at 06:29 AM
Fun post and great timing as I was tossing around re-org ideas in my head in my "office" this morning. Thank you Seleta and Eddie!
Can't wait for that flea-market fun book to come out...I will be on the waiting list!
Posted by: N | January 07, 2009 at 06:55 AM
I {heart} Eddie Ross.
He needs to come out with a book.
Posted by: iman | January 07, 2009 at 08:11 AM
oh man, I will need multiple copies of that book. loved hearing is opinions on something different! thanks!
Posted by: Jennifer | January 07, 2009 at 08:25 AM
great interview. eddie ross rocks!
Posted by: paula | January 07, 2009 at 08:29 AM
I (heart) you! Thank you for such a sweet post!
Posted by: Eddie Ross | January 07, 2009 at 08:35 AM
Love this! I'm a huge fan of Eddie's site and this is a great post. Will have to check out your site as well. :)
Posted by: Tabitha (From Single to Married) | January 07, 2009 at 09:32 AM
[clapping] Bravo! Bravo!
Posted by: Bryn | January 07, 2009 at 09:41 AM
What a great post! Guess what I just took a break from? Cleaning out and organizing! I love doing this. I went through one linen closet (on Monday's post)and have been onto the next... Thanks for a wonderful post!
Posted by: Joyce | January 07, 2009 at 09:59 AM
Love your idea's and your style, found you thru Eddie! :-)
Cathleen
Posted by: Cathleen farrell | January 07, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Great interview! I love Eddie. I'm sure the goal of that book will be met soon. I'll sure pick up a copy.
Posted by: Kwana | January 07, 2009 at 10:22 AM
What perfect timing, as I've just begun a huge reorganization project. My job for the next month or so is to tackle all those areas (too many to list) I've been avoiding for too long! Eddie's ideas are fabulous (and so is that room with the bust in front of the fireplace). I'm definitely going to purchase some new storage solutions at the Container Store (check out his site and the nifty Ziploc bag storage piece).
Thanks for such a fun post!
Posted by: Jennifer | January 07, 2009 at 11:31 AM
Oh I love Eddie too!! He's the best!! Great post :)
Posted by: Lauren Liess | January 07, 2009 at 01:50 PM
Seleta, every time I read your blog I want to redecorate. After this post, I want to organize and that says a lot, knowing my two boys and the dogs will destroy all my efforts after 10 minutes.
Posted by: Jules | January 07, 2009 at 01:52 PM
Yummy!! He does inspire one to want to organize. Something I need to do lots and lots of over the next few weeks. Thanks Seleta!
Posted by: Suzanne : : S.HOPtalk | January 07, 2009 at 03:12 PM
LOL! What a darling post! He is so sweet and talented!
Posted by: decorpad | January 07, 2009 at 03:18 PM
Girlfriend, we would have to do a "time share" on that glass box...I don't have stylized Creamware, but I would get some!
Really enjoyed reading this article.
Posted by: Kindle aka Redesign Diva | January 07, 2009 at 03:56 PM
I'm one of Eddie's new fans! I would buy his book in a heartbeat!
diane
Posted by: Diane@A Picture is worth.... | January 07, 2009 at 04:29 PM
I kind of want to run to the Container Store right now. :-)
Posted by: laura @ the shorehouse. | January 07, 2009 at 04:32 PM
Congrats on your interview with ER. You should talk him into coming to the beaches of 30A. He would love it here!!
Posted by: Michelle S | January 07, 2009 at 05:03 PM
You know, there's a Container Store right by a mall that's about 45 minutes from our home. I've NEVER gone there, because my girls are always tired from the mall and never want to stop. I swear, I'm making time next time! Loved, loved, loved the photos and comments. I'm kind of on a tear about clearing clutter and getting organized myself these days, and am loving a book called "Your Spacious Self." Perfect antidote for a cluttered house and cluttered mind. I've read countless books and even gone to seminars (more than I care to admit!) but have found this book blends the practical with the soulful in a whole new and expansive way.
clearing clutter and
Posted by: Liz | January 07, 2009 at 05:59 PM
Wonderful post! Wish the closest Container Store wasn't a 2 hour drive!
Posted by: Beth | January 07, 2009 at 06:43 PM
Thanks for asking the questions we all want to know... too bad we can't do the glass box idea!!!
Posted by: alice | January 07, 2009 at 07:06 PM
love. love. love.
Posted by: pve design | January 07, 2009 at 08:54 PM
seleta,I was so excited when I was at Eddie's blog to see you had done this interview.I LOVE Eddie and he is visited by me everyday.You both have the same wonderful fresh take on classic and traditional design.I find you both very grounded young people and even if I am older I am learning from the both of you.This was a great post and as always the way you put words to paper (screen) always makes for a great and entertaining read. Hugs to you,Kathysue
Posted by: kathysue | January 08, 2009 at 10:34 AM