To everyone who sent us submissions, sharing stories and images of your boundless creativity—thank you. Now, more than ever, we're reminded of our shared passion to live more beautifully everyday and for that, it's you who are the inspiration for us. So while we continue to enjoy the glimpses you've given us into your worlds, here's another into ours.
A couple of months back, on a blustery day in New York, Jaithan and I went gallivanting around the city in the company of two charming web editors for HGTV Canada, Vanessa Grant and Alicia Cox. Together, they produce Style Sheet, a fun and informative blog full of ideas for creative, budget-friendly decorating. "A Day in the Life," they'd requested—a peek inside my favorite sources around town for design inspiration. So after a quick breakfast at Billy's, we began not at any gallery, museum or store, but rather at a more personal place and a well-kept secret for years.
You might recall the first time we went digging for treasure with longtime friends Wendy Waxman and Jaime Tulchin. It was Wendy who hired me as a prop stylist at the Food Network years ago, while Jaime has since taken over the position, bringing order to that vast array of props like never before.
Here's another look inside the prop house, a place that has inspired and informed everything I do.
But inspiration, I've since discovered—and treasure!—are everywhere.
Back at Food Network, it was my job to scour flea markets, junk shops, estate sales—even the Salvation Army—for vintage servingware with character and charm.
Now, years later, it's still a place I return to every chance I get.
Sometimes, though, you have to look high for the dazzling few pieces that bring the wow to a room.
Over the years, artist and antiques dealer Deborah Buck, a longtime friend from my House Beautiful days, has taught me a thing or two about style. She effortlessly mixes time periods and price points at Buck House for a look that's chic and unexpected.
It was Deborah who hosted a glittering party, published in The Times, when Top Design premiered...
...her turquoise ceramic lamps in our winning window for ELLE DECOR...
...and her shimmery brass tray above the chair in the window for Carleton V.
Her talent, entrepreneurial spirit and great generosity inspire me everyday.
After spotting the brass tray at Buck House to hang in the window for Carleton V, it was off to our final stop of the day, M&J Trimming, my favorite place in the city for decorative trims, cords and fringe as far as the eye can see.
Anyone can make a store bought pillow, for example, so much more personal by simply adding trim. M&J is one of those places where work doesn't seem like work at all, where I lose myself creating, experimenting, layering one thing upon the other until I've come up with something I love!
Thank you to Vanessa Grant and Alicia Cox with HGTV Canada for keeping us company for the day! Now what about you? If the cameras were turned, following you around for the day in search of the people and places that most inspire you, where would you go?
I would be like a kid in a candy store in that prop room...and M&J?! Love that place. Looks like a really great day! Janell
Posted by: web banner design | May 10, 2011 at 09:36 AM
there is this one time that i love you.... IT IS right now.
Posted by: Jennie MOSS | February 08, 2011 at 11:18 PM
It was such a pleasure hanging out with you and Jaithan. Thanks for being such fabulous hosts to us HGTV Canada gals.
xo
Posted by: Vanessa | January 24, 2011 at 01:49 PM
Whew...what a day....I need a drink. All of that would have taken me a week...you are like a super human!
Posted by: sherry hart | January 24, 2011 at 07:21 AM
I enjoyed my time just wandering about your posts and videos. I bet you had a great time during your stay in food network.
Posted by: EFT Manual | January 23, 2011 at 07:59 PM
Great sources! I still have some gimp from the old M&J location near Macys that burned. The trimming was lifted from the ashes -- literally!
Posted by: The Devoted Classicist | January 22, 2011 at 07:10 PM
WOW, Where have I been, I'm behind on reading my blogs. I love the Prop House fabulous things. Salvation Army is always on my list and you're right you must do a once over and over and over. You don't want to miss anything.
Posted by: Tonia | January 21, 2011 at 09:14 PM
Fab. Following you is always such an inspiration. I do miss the days of living close enough to the Georgetown Flea market. Losing one's self in "Sal's Antiques" (LOVE that!) and the local (where ever local is at that given moment) antique stores is where one can get lost for hours. Dreaming. Thanks for sharing your adventures. Looking forward to more videos. xo
Posted by: Laura Jens Sisino | January 21, 2011 at 08:10 AM
Hello Mr. Ross~
What a fun post! I felt as though I was right in your well designed pocket.
Dear Mr. Kochar~
I have now recovered from the L.B. FLEA MARKET and am safely back in Phoenix. I wanted to thank you so very much for stopping by the Metis booth. Meeting your oh so patient mother was an exta sweet delight. Such happiness and bliss you both brought to my day.
I have given you a shoutout on my blog (Decor To Adore) today and will continue to cheerlead your endeavors.
All the best and be blessed,
Laura
Posted by: Laura Ingalls Gunn | January 21, 2011 at 12:02 AM
I think my head would explode in that "prop" room ...
sigh ... the cake pedestals are fab.
I have been working part time at Scentimental Gardens since November.
I truly hope if you stop back by there, that we can meet.
Bless ya for inspiring us!!
Posted by: cityfarmer | January 19, 2011 at 09:23 AM
First of all I love the outfit you had on in the photo with Deborah...wish I could get my husband to look more chic!
And if a camera followed me for a day, we would first stop at The Java Shack, a local eco-friendly coffee shop, then off to Current Boutique (a hip consignment clothing store), then let's head over to The Salvation Army and Joseph's Coat (a vintage shop). We of course have to stop by No Place Like Home, to see what goodies my friend has found in her lovely second hand store and right above is Covet which is always filled to the brim with gorgeous paintings and handmade items. Then let's stop by my pottery studio, see the goodies all my friends have made and get a few of my own. And back home to a potluck dinner with my knitting club. Maybe you can join me someday :)!!! xx Danielle
Posted by: Danielle | January 18, 2011 at 10:41 PM
PS If you have just a moment, I'd love it if you'd pop over to my blog and give me your 2 cents on whether I should chop off the long hair I've had for 11 years into a pixie. I've had about 40 or so comments, and almost all said no! I implicitly trust your opinion on all things stylish, so your two cents counts more like .... 200 cents. Ha!
xoxo
Mary-Grace
Posted by: Mary-Grace | January 18, 2011 at 08:43 PM
I still swoon every time I look at that Elle window! Just perfection. And I always love seeing you in action, the camera loves you;)
Posted by: Mary-Grace | January 18, 2011 at 04:53 PM
Oh what a day! I would've loved to join you on your fabulous adventure through New York, but instead I will vicariously through it with your posts. Thank you for sharing x
Check out The Finishing School
www.thefinishing-school.com
Posted by: Dagmarette | January 18, 2011 at 04:29 PM
I really enjoy your behind-the-scenes posts.
Thrifting has become such an obsession for me all thanks to your tips. Cant wait to attend one of your flea-field trips soon.
Posted by: manvi @ mochatini | January 18, 2011 at 01:46 PM
oooo so much inspiration here, as always!
Posted by: Laura Bear | January 18, 2011 at 01:25 PM
Love peeking into your busy life and learning where you shop! One could make a feature length show with all your inspirations...
Posted by: The Buzz Blog - Diane James Home | January 18, 2011 at 09:37 AM
How fabulous to see all these video clips of you in action. Thank you so much for sharing all your 'behind the scenes' and friends.
I can so relate to your artist friend who owns the NY 'lab'. I too miss the buzz and social aspects of life outside my art studio.. :)
That wall of ribbons is still haunting me since I watched the video. What a place!!
Hoping you guys are well.
x Charlotta
Posted by: Charlotta | January 18, 2011 at 09:25 AM
Oh it is so evident that you love what you do... you have so much passion and talent, maybe that's why you are successful at making things around you look so lovely...
Posted by: Ann | January 17, 2011 at 11:56 PM
What a fabulous day! Love the peak into some of your fave haunts.
Posted by: Kari from the Babs Blog | January 17, 2011 at 08:25 PM
I agree, the videos end too quickly. When is YOUR show airing Eddie? I love the Elle Decor window!! Fabulous! When in LA you have to stop by F&S Fabrics (Home Dec side) for trims. Not as many, but some really uniques things. xoxo
Posted by: Alexandra Rae | January 17, 2011 at 02:34 PM
There is nothing like creativity to really make this world a more beautiful place! Our wedding party went off without a hitch this past weekend. The whole thing was just stunning. Thanks for all your style tips! They come in soooo handy :)
http://thegreenhousediaries.blogspot.com/2011/01/how-to-plan-stress-free-wedding-get.html
Posted by: Tamara | January 17, 2011 at 01:30 PM
Those videos were SO fun to watch Eddie! All I can say is what a fun time in the city and makes us all wish to be a tag-along with Eddie Ross! :)
Posted by: sandy@oohlafroufrou | January 17, 2011 at 01:22 PM
Love watching the videos...great tips!!
Posted by: mydesignchic | January 17, 2011 at 10:54 AM
There are so many treasures on Dallas that I would love to show off to someone. Namely, the Canton flea market. I get giddy telling new people about it!
Posted by: Brandi | January 17, 2011 at 09:30 AM
Great post! I am dying to get into that trim store. Just got back from the city and ran out of time. Next time definitely. I have a set of drapes to trim!
Posted by: suzanne@cestsuzanne | January 17, 2011 at 09:29 AM
hey baby,
I was add to the team at "fifth and state" in November ...
thot I'd better introduce myself ...
we're having too much fun!
Posted by: cityfarmer | January 16, 2011 at 09:00 PM
Loved the video's and OMG I love M&J Trimming I could spend hours there. I wish I could say I've been hitting thrift shops too but it would be a sixty mile round trip to the closest one so that's out. You do have the life...fabulous!
Posted by: Acquired Objects | January 16, 2011 at 04:10 PM
I would be like a kid in a candy store in that prop room...and M&J?! Love that place. Looks like a really great day! Janell
Posted by: Janell Beals | January 16, 2011 at 10:30 AM
I loved watching all of the videos! It really brings to life so much of what you do!
Adore you both E & J
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Posted by: Karena | January 15, 2011 at 04:35 PM
LOVE Buck House - I remember when she opened!!
Posted by: quintessence | January 15, 2011 at 01:23 PM
What a delightful day! Seriously, I'm still stuck at the prop house. Heaven!!
Posted by: traci zeller designs | January 15, 2011 at 10:15 AM
I can't say enough about the Salvation Army! It is where I found a Lillian August Chesterfield sofa for $300 and an Ethan Allen ladies chair for $49 and so many other treasures. A pair of cream colored club chairs for $140 for a client! I love your videos! I wish I could go to Round Top with you guys.
Posted by: Amy@Maison Decor | January 15, 2011 at 08:34 AM
I love your pink stripy shirt, Eddie! Have a lovely weekend!
Posted by: Will | January 15, 2011 at 06:58 AM
Great Post! Love the videos - love the little eddie head cut out on the opening :)
On a good day, my day would look very similar, thrift stores, interior decorating stores, a fabric store--that's what I call FUN. But, since I'm running out of places to put things (like 5 different set of china and 7 sets of stemware) none of the beautiful treasures would be able to come home with me. I need a job where I get to shop for a prop house!!
Julie
Posted by: Julie LoRusso | January 15, 2011 at 06:30 AM
I just LOVE that you still shop at Salvation Army. We don't have one here, but we do have a Goodwill store! Don't you just love finding thrifty treasures?!
Posted by: Mrs.B | January 15, 2011 at 12:36 AM
Love these videos, Eddie. And I was JUST in M&J last week. Thought I had and died and gone to heaven!!! Thanks for always inspiring us...
Posted by: Virginia | January 14, 2011 at 11:08 PM
I've only just gotten into thrift/Salvation Army shopping, and I'm still trying to get the hang of it, but I love finding those treasures!! You can find such unique pieces :)
Posted by: Sara | January 14, 2011 at 11:00 PM
"our shared passion to live more beautifully everyday" - PERFECT! And thanks for letting us peek behind the scenes...I'd give my right arm for all those cake stands!
Posted by: stephanie | January 14, 2011 at 09:39 PM
Well, next time won't you just call me and take me along???
; )
I would start in Brooklyn, roll over to Noho, have a look along Broadway, head up north to Madison Ave and end at Decorators Way and visit JA on my way home....
Yours looked like the perfect day in the city! You clearly must have enjoyed yourself!
Posted by: victoria | January 14, 2011 at 09:23 PM
What fun! Let's see, if the cameras were turned where would I take someone for a special tour of my favorite stores in Atlanta? Scott's Antique Market (of course), and on the same weekend my two favorite auctions which are favorites of the Scott's dealers ~ quite the experience; Boxwoods, D.B. Jeffries and Erica Reed ~ all in Buckhead; Bungalow Classic, Savvy Snoot and Anthropology ~ in Midtown; Home Grown Living in Roswell; the three Goodwills in Cobb County; and One of a Kind Shoppe in Marietta, of course (the home of my little booths). There is something so alive about all of these wonderful places.
Posted by: Lulu | January 14, 2011 at 09:23 PM
Think I would have a hard time leaving the Food Network prop house. So many table settings needing a monogram! (submission sent your way - thanks!) Enjoy the winter white weekend!
xo...Cathy
Posted by: Stitchfork | January 14, 2011 at 08:55 PM
loving all the videos!
always great advice.
Posted by: Michael - Innkeeper | January 14, 2011 at 08:38 PM
I'm lucky to live within minutes of several well proven thrift stores and many cluttered shops filled with treasures just waiting to be discovered. Plus, I'm only about 20 miles down the road to Auora, OR where you can find the best architectural salvage!
Posted by: gretchen nation | January 14, 2011 at 08:35 PM
Those cameras would probably just end up following my kids! They are ultimately the ones that not only motivate me but keep me on the right track! And probably a visit to a bakery. :)
Posted by: Wendy O | January 14, 2011 at 08:11 PM
First, I would come to your blog to be inspired and then I hit the local thrift stores, Homegoods, TJMaxx just like you taught me to do!!! You always inspire and you always find the BEST treasures. I need a prop house with shelves like that!! I have way too much stuff!! xo Kathysue
Posted by: Kathysue | January 14, 2011 at 07:50 PM
Always love the behind the scenes! Noticed you'll be in Round Top this Spring. Honestly, watching you on numerous occasions work your magic is incredibly fun and inspirational!
The ladies in Rye are itching for a field trip to all your favorite city sources.
Have a great weekend, E & J!
xo, E
Posted by: Pretty pink tulips | January 14, 2011 at 07:38 PM
My girlfriend and I for a few years referred to the Salvation Army as "Sal's Antiques" and always had a great laugh over it, because we rarely came away empty handed. It's still one of my favorites. I also get to a few consignment shops when time permits. But, my favorite haunt is a locally owned fabric store within Mayflower Textiles. They have the most amazing selection of upholstery and drapery remnants -- I am there constantly, digging through to find magic in fabric!
PS Do you have a deadline on submissions? I'd like to send along a few, but they won't be ready to photograph for a couple of weeks...
Posted by: Carol@SofasandSage | January 14, 2011 at 07:28 PM
Seriously! YOU are such a TEASE! I wish each of those video's were about an hour each! ;-) So much fun! Thank you for sharing that little tidbit of your inspiration...FABULOUS!
Posted by: robyn | January 14, 2011 at 07:25 PM
Oh my God Eddie, the memories....all those late nights at the Food Network.
I'd love to hit the flea market garage in Chelsea and the Goodwill right near there has some fab finds too.
Posted by: abby jenkins | January 14, 2011 at 06:05 PM