During the lockdown Mitsakos was inspired by a new kind of venture however; flea market finds for the consumer looking to breathe new life into their shelter-in-place space. And just like that, Anthologist was born. What started as a break became a business and Anthologist now includes pieces designed or curated by Mitsakos, who is known among her inner circle for sourcing hard-to-find objects. “It’s full of things that I surround myself with every day,” she says of the launch collection. “It’s folksy, traditional with a bit of humor, and it reminds me of home.” We caught up with the collector to chat about design trends, repurposing neglected or forgotten relics in unexpected ways and most importantly, how to love being at home again.
What are some of your favorite design trends at the moment?
Antiques and heirlooms: Nostalgic cravings will inspire people to accessorize with family heirlooms, and comb Ebay for a piece of pottery, or furniture that reminds them of their childhood. This doesn’t just mean seeking out vintage items, per se, but having personally important pieces that are as relevant in your own life as they are in your living space. While the big brands like IKEA, H&M and Zara Home have educated the mass consumer about design with copies of famed works, the fast-fashion/fast-furniture trend will slowly die off, and you will see people taking more time to invest in pieces that mean something to them. Analog: When I designed the Anthologist Psari Letter Opener, a friend said to me, “Is someone is actually going to buy that? Who gets letters? Who sends letters” I do both, I responded. And it’s been a best seller since our launch. An analog world inspires nostalgia and beauty, but also functions in a meaningful and unique way. Think of a turntable, and that sound of the needle on the LP, or the comeback of polaroids in a smartphone world—beautiful pens to write love letters, a hand grinder for your coffee, even filament light bulbs. A friend once gifted me a jump rope that I hung on the wall in my farmhouse in Paros. It was so innocent and simple, it became a work of art on its own. If you incorporate functional objects into your home decor, they don’t just become conversation starters; they add to the exceptional beauty of an environment no one but you could have created. Craft: Sustainability means more than just seeking out eco-friendly materials. While the environment must always be considered, the artisan creating an object is as important—if not more so—than the materials he or she uses. Customers want to know who wove that rattan side chair, much as they want to know where the sweet potatoes at their local market were grown. Celebrating craft not only maximizes sustainability, it also recognizes that cultural preservation is necessary in order to maintain the artistry of yore that is in danger of disappearing. Maximalism: I’ve been called a maximalist in my aesthetic. I prefer to think of it as always making sure an environment has something for the eye to sing with. The rhythm of the eye moves to texture and color, then translates that happy message to the brain. Components that come together into a giddy symphony that makes you smile. It’s a bit like love in that it’s lush and captivating and different for everyone. There’s so many ways to achieve this; bold palettes and prints, collections of meaningful objects on display, gallery walls of artwork in the home and layering furniture and accessories.
Any design trends that are on their way out?
Minimalism will walk out the door and not look back for a while! People have realized, after over a year of being in our homes, that they want to be comfortable and they want comforting things around them. It’s time to surround ourselves with profound objects, not stark surfaces devoid of soul. Think of an old throw, a few pillows, something to put your feet up on, and to balance your laptop, or your martini. So many of us—especially in big cities—were decorating simply for the look, but when it came time to hunker down, we ended up waking up in an art gallery, not a home. There was a time when most of life was spent in restaurants, hotels, theaters, at work or socializing, so a minimalist approach made sense. But now is the time to pull out your heirloom pieces, and make home a place you don’t just have to be in but you want to be in. Use the good china, pile stacks of beloved books and top them with a flea market tray to serve as end tables, bring out that quirky lamp that’s been sitting in storage, frame your child’s artwork, and surround yourself with…yourself! In the same vein, straight lines will follow minimalism out. Living on a Cycladic island half of the year, I’m more in tune to curves, rounded edges and that sensual—perhaps even feminine—aesthetic. Bulbous, exaggerated, undulated spirals and shapes will be prevalent in architecture and furniture. I want a room to sing to me, but with a throaty, melodic song—that kind of song where you’re not sure where it’s going, but you almost already know the lyrics. The time for harshness is over. Straight lines are severe, and I think we can all agree that we need more sensuality and soul.
With the rise of at-home projects during the pandemic, what will take center stage this year for DIY’ers?
We are all craving comfort, so this year, the DIY trend goes far beyond the predictable coat of paint to creating an environment that is healing and inspiring. It doesn’t take a lot of money to change a look, and I always encourage clients to use things that they already have. At home, you can repurpose old textiles into colorful accents. Tired of staring at the drapes in the guest room? Pull them down and back a panel of one in velvet to use as a cozy throw on your sofa. Never used that damask tablecloth given to you by your great aunt? Cut it up into decorative pillows, and you’ll think of her every time you see one! However you use them, beautiful textiles become beautiful things!
Which items do you have your eye on for your own home?
Arion Dolphin Objet, $185: Inspired by the many legends of the ancient world where dolphins helped humans, our Arion Dolphin Objet was originally created as a compote to hold olives for a restaurant in Paros, Greece. Now, it’s as appropriate full of nuts, placed on your bedside table to hold jewelry, or a bar of soap on your bathroom counter. Alexandra Manousakis Bullheaded Vase, $70: Whether you choose to add flowers or not—this vase will make you smile every time you look at it. Palo Santo Incense Stick Bundle, $25: Grounding and uplifting, this palo santo incense gives you a feeling of coming home. It is made from the resin of the palo santo wood and the wood itself, gathered from fallen pieces of wood. Up next, 25 farmhouse decor Instagram accounts you need to follow STAT.
