Curate & Collect
Summertime is upon us, and for those who love to collect, the season comes with an exciting partner in crime—the flea market. When the weather warms and the sun shines, up pop canopies in parking lots under which countless treasures spread.
It was at a flea market where I first fell in love with vintage handmade ceramics. I saw an incredibly unique bud vase—brown with bits of blue and a skinny neck—and immediately knew it would be taking a center-stage spot on my open bookshelf. With no signature and a simple “‘62” drawn into the rough, unfinished base, I like to think of it as originally having been someone’s high school art project.
Since that fateful morning, many handmade ceramic pieces have found their way into my heart—each one a little more quirky and fun than the last, and each without a big name attached. There’s a blue and white vase signed by Dave on my mantle, a purple and grey bowl on my desk where flash drives live, a sugar bowl with an adorable walnut lid, a tiny cup that hosts stamps and envelope seals, plus so many more. I try to give each piece a home that shows off its beauty as well as its perfect imperfections.
Whether you enjoy the experience of scouring through flea markets or not, the joy of bringing home a new-to-you midcentury treasure is shared here. These collectables are part of what make real homes our dream homes—and that is exactly what the summer issue is all about. From Emil Milan birds (page 22) to Scandinavian and Italian home goods (pages 52 and 56), we’re taking a close look at the beauty of midcentury collectables. Our homes, all of which find themselves amid the Southwest, range from Space Race loving (page 28) to incredibly lucky renters (page 40) and even a jaw-dropping case study (page 48).
This summer, I hope that you find your favorite collectable. Whether you discover exactly what it is you want to curate, or finally track down that dream piece you’ve been looking for—may this summer be filled with the joy of collecting little pieces of the midcentury era.