My First Styling Job

So many of us, myself included, grew up aspiring to arrange our homes—and our lives—according to the pages of our favorite magazines. Country Home was always one I loved because it was casual and beautiful with stories that were truly accessible. This past weekend, while unpacking bins (upon bins) Jaithan and I had brought from storage, I came across this issue of Country Home magazine. 

It's dated March 2004 and marks my very first styling job for a magazine! I was living in Greenwich at the time, running my own catering company and styling windows on the side. One of my clients, and a dear friend to this day, is Sarah Kaplan. Her home-furnishings store Dovecote, in Westport, has always had such a beautiful mix of new and old, traditional and modern. So when Country Home came knocking for a full story on her house, and Sarah asked me to style for it, I jumped at the chance! Now I'll admit I was nervous going into it because I knew I'd be working with my longtime mentor, then creative director Mary Emmerling. Mary had always been one of the people in the business I really looked up to, so I definitely wanted to impress her. Here's a shot of the dining room with a table I set using all white ironstone and vintage glassware, some of it even my own!   

The runners I chose for a modern twist while still softening the lines of the Parsons table. For the flowers, I thought it would be pretty to do three low arrangements in my own soup tureens, one for each runner. Our friend Katherine from Botanica did the actual arrangements, a beautiful mix of lavender and white anemones, together with lisianthus. Styling for this shoot was really a lot of fun because Sarah had such beautiful things to begin with! What I added to the mix from my own collection worked well because it fit the owner's aesthetic, and that's definitely important. In fact, I've always thought the hallmark of a good stylist is that the room doesn't look styled at all, but natural and very real. I like to tell a story when I'm styling, one the reader can believe is true. In this lavender-painted cabinet, I mixed some of Sarah's serving pieces with my own. Does something look at all familiar?

The kitchen was finally my chance to pull out all of Sarah's beautiful things, like her gorgeous collection of trophies I then filled with flatware. The brown transferware platter beside the sink is my own. Now, if only washing dishes could be this pretty everyday!

And finally, in the others rooms of the house, it was all about softening corners—a towel here, a blanket there—anything to add a level of lived-in charm, while still keeping things looking polished and sophisticated.

Regrettably, Country Home may have gone the way of so many other dearly departed magazines, but this issue will always have a place on my coffee table.    

Comments

[Beth Hagan]

I knew it was you! I used to love watching you design Dovecote's windows. My friend and I would call each other when they changed. I saw you one day in the shop and you were too cute.
Best of luck, you are very talented.

[Jamie Goldberg, AKBD, CAPS]

How inspiring! I love stories like yours, and was a fellow fan of Country Home. I, too, am sad to see it go.

On the other hand, I'm delighted to discover your blog and Etsy store, and will share both with my Gold Notes blog readers.

Good luck with all your ventures, Eddie! I enjoyed watching you on Top Design last season and look forward to following your continued success.

[matthew mead]

No one misses this magazine more then me... I was free-lance style editor there for nearly 12 years. Thanks for remembering such a great magazine and kudos to Mary
Emmerling and Carol Sheehan for making it all happen. Great Post... Matthew Mead

[Melissa Lewis - Off The Wall]

So many of our favorite inspirational magazines have passed, Country Home was one of the hardest to see go. What an honor to have your special touch in this issue! I love that you used her silver trophies in this way. We used all sorts of antique silver trophies and such at our reception to hold bunches of flowers on the tables. It was just perfect!
Fabulous touch Eddie:)

[jessica claire]

What a beautiful job Edward J Ross!
Love it

[jerusalem]

i have that issue and that last group of photo's are my favs. i think i actually have a copy of the bedroom in my inspiration files! great job and lucky you! ps, the pink lemonade pic in the previous post is so yummy!

[Andrea]

Hi Eddie, I had that tear sheet of that kitchen for ages! Does anyone have the resource for that goose neck bridge faucet on the island? I would love to have that. I have found the blog world and will miss all defunct publications...

[patricia]

Do you have photos of spreads that you did as a child.
You must somewhere. I imagine this love of yours began at a wee young age!

[Katherine]

Hi Eddie-
I love that you posted this on Sarah's birthday!
Thanks for giving me the floral credit....your blog is fantastic!
Hopefully our paths will cross again soon (down in the flower market???)
xoxo Katherine

[Katie]

I remember this issue so well. It is one that I have kept as I loved that house so much.

My favorite thing was a really small touch but it had a big impact. It was the plant stand used as a wine bar. I have always wanted to duplicate that look but have never found the right plant stand. Any ideas?

The big wonderful kitchen sink was also awe inspiring.

[Natalie]

Is there anything you can't do? You are amazing. You inspire me.

[Diann]

I know it's really not that long ago, but still,it could be printed as is today and not be the tiniest bit "dated" looking.Gorgeous.

[Susan]

Beautiful, Eddie! I'm curious about your trip to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl Thrift? Will you be sharing your fabulous finds from that trip?

[Things That Inspire]

I am intrigued by the concept of a stylist - I always hear about stylists for magazines, but it seems like this is a service that homeowners would love to use too. Most people hire interior designers to do projects, or rooms, but sometimes what you really need is a stylist to come in and freshen things up with new accessories and such.

I once read about a stylist who said there are designers who are good at the first 80% - architectural design, furniture placement, upholstery, window treatments, etc - and then there are those who are good at the last 20% - the things that make a room come alive, the accessories, the flowers, the details.

I used to subscribe to At Home in Fairfield County (as I grew up in Fairfield County), and remember seeing the name of a stylist who also worked for Dovecoat - he did spectacular work. Your work is spectacular too! Loved this post.

[Sue]

Lovely. Your have the touch to create such a timeless design. Love it all.

[Lynn]

I had a subscription to Country Home for many years and remember that spread. I fell crazy in love with her white-on-white look . . . and that wonderful kitchen! How lovely to find out that you were there and had styled the rooms for the shoot.
Lynn

[Live In Full Color]

I still have this issue- and I so remember this house...so pretty...styled just right ( yes, it actually looks like someone lives there!)to this day,completely in love with that sink and faucet! Well Done!

[Lucien]

What a great memory! How nice that you shared with us! I hate that so many wonderful magazines have been pulled under due to our current economic problems!

[ralphie]

Oops! I meant County Home magazine!

Thanks Eddie

[ralphie]

You did a really awesome job Eddie! I love the combination of old/new - modern/traditional also. I love Mary Emmerling's work - one of my favorite designers, writers, entrepreneurs..... ! Country Living is a really great magazine.

Thanks Eddie!
Ciao

[ABCOroville]

As usual another wonderful posting. Your style is timeless and effortless. I love the rooms and the tabletop designs.
I am so sad that Country Home has joined Domino and House and Garden and ceased printing. They have all been wonderful friends for many years.

[The Queen Vee]

Country Home, Domino, and Cottage Living....my favorite mags are dropping like flies.

Your styling... impeccable and timeless.

Your blog...the new replacement for my above dead friends.

Thanks Eddie for sharing your talents.

[coco+kelley]

oh, the tabletop is divine!! i love the three runners - such an easy way to switch things up that i think people forget about. i could style style style ALL DAY LONG!

[Vicki]

I have been a subscriber for many years & I remembered the article. A wonderful post.

[Linda]

This just proves the old adage, dear Eddie ~~~ "Good taste NEVER goes out of style". And I've loved yours from the minute I saw (and READ!) it! Best, Lilnda in AZ/ RMS "Mom..."

[jaime]

Awww, I think that is great! What a wonderful find. And it is true regarding the slew of good design magazines which we have lost as of late, so sad as you seem to find a new gossip magazine sitting by the register every time you turn around...

[desiree@lookiloos]

Very inviting. Love how the photos make me feel. Very serene and calm. Great job.

[decorpad]

Gorgeous!

[Courtney Caldwell]

I saved this article since Dovecote is one of my favorite stores...but I had no idea this was your work! AMAZING! I just want to jump into the photos! You were clearly born with style!
Congratulations to both you and Jaithan on your new home!
Happy St Patrick's Day!

[Laran H]

As someone who has moved a lot and is still living in a tiny NYC apartment, I have forced myself to purge frequently. BUT, not that very magazine. I have kept it and turned its pages many times!
Great style, timeless and beautiful.

[Redesign Diva]

Very very chic, I cannot wait to get your book, dahling!

So many mags are going away. Cherish the copy you have, simply amazing!

[abby jenkins]

Lovely E&J, seeing those gorgeous shots has inspired me to brighten up my dining room corner cabinet with some ironstone... out with the silverplate and crystal. Spring has sprung!
I just received a lovely pair of gold vermeil and turquoise earrings from Dovecoat, for my bday. Will look great with a white tunic and tan on our trip to Beirut.

[Lauren Liess]

so beautiful Eddie!!! I love the feeling of this house.
xoxo,
lauren

[cj]

I loved Country Home also and was really upset when Home Companion bit the dust. I have a beautiful fireplace now because I was inspired by a fireplace in Home Companion. The demise of these magazines is only temporary I hope. I have my mother's scrapbook from the 30's with her dream house rooms in it and guess what, they all came from magazines. You inspire!

[suzanne]

I should have known that this shoot had your touches in it- I have every issue of Country Home for the last 5 years and this home had always been a favorite- Now I know why!

[Justine]

I remember that issue well. I think I may still have it. Everything Lovely. Do you know what breed of dogs she has? I just adopted a little puppy mill reject that looks similar to her dogs.

[Kathy@brazoscowgirl]

Eddie,
I think that is what makes your style stick out! You do a story, I always get a feel for a real person living in your spaces. Who hasn't had company and washed a big platter to stick on the back side, yet you make it look beautiful!

[hanako66]

Wow, her home is amazing! It is so interesting to hear about your styling...so often, it is easy to forget how many talented minds are involved in a shoot! Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Aline

[Sasha]

I would have never guess it was from 2004....your work is not only impeccable but also it transcends time!!!!

By the way, Everything Fabulous has a new house..I changes the template, art, etc..and would LOVE if you can stop by and let me know what you think!
Hope you like it!

[ann]

I miss country home!

[Debbie York]

Timeless styling. Thank you for the little backstory as to what goes on behind the scences for a photo shoot.
I have that copy and how lovely that it now has a little history to go with it.
I'll miss Country Home as well. I always loved the freshness it brought and your style is a reminder of that.
Thank you again,
Debbie

[Kathy :)]

You would never guess that was from 5 years ago...timeless Eddie, nice job !!!

Happy St. Paddy's day to you,
Kathy :)

May you always walk in sunshine.
May you never want for more.
May Irish angels rest their wings,
Right beside your door.

(Irish blessing)

[Janet Doherty]

I think you wowed them right from the get go...absolutely timeless and perfect. Oh I wish I could get to that point ... baby steps I know.

[Camila]

Just beautiful! I love seeing examples of your work and it was so special to see your very first one.

[Karena]

You are so true to yourself and your style, yet open to new possiblities. I love it!

[Granny Smith Green]

You know what I really like? The fact that this magazine was from 2004 and it looks perfect for today. Good design--and styling--is timeless. Way to go, Eddie!
-GSG
http://GrannySmithGreen.blogspot.com

[seleta]

STUNNING.

[jane]

i loved this article: in fact, i used the dining room as inspiration for my own (specifically, the striped runners) - and i still have that tear sheet. so nice to hear that you had a hand in it.

[Jennifer]

How fun! Your first styling job and it's fabulous! You are so inspiring!

[Evelyn Weiss]

I miss Country Home, an old favorite, and I so love Grandma Dottie's soup tureen and the way it keeps showing up in your blogs.

From Edward J. Ross to Eddie Ross The Brand -- how fabulous is that? Can't wait to see your book and beyond!

xoxo
Evy

[Vanessa Johanning]

P.S. I love the Wire flower/box... as a serving tray!

[living with lindsay]

How fun to see your first styling job! It's really beautiful. I love the shot of the dining room.

Do you ever look back on such things and think, "Well, look at me now!" You definitely should. :)

[Vanessa Johanning]

Great Job! Just proves that good taste never will go out of style!!

Smiles!
Vanessa

[Catherine]

Styling for magazines is my fantasy job! You did such a great job - thanks for sharing.

[cathy]

Eddie, the rooms still work,quite beautiful.Isn't it sad that Cottage Living, Country Home,and Home Compamion are no longer published. Really enjoy your blog.

[Frances Jackson]

Hi Eddie, Glad you and Jaithan are back from California. Missed you and your blog! I love your first styling job, as always, your sense of style is divine. Beautiful!!! I picked up the April '09 copy of Country Home and was saddened to find out that it was the last issue. Man, so many good things are biting the dust in this "sucky" economy. Well, life goes on, hopefully we'll still be able to keep it beautiful. And of necessity, folks will need your guidance finding great deals and ways to put the inexpensive with the pricey things and make it all come together. Thanks for your inspirations!

[Becky]

Neat! Such great "unstyled" style.