This self professed maximalist takes collecting to a whole other level! He scours flea markets, thrift stores and estate sales for really cool vintage finds then brings them home and displays them in a way that will make you say WOW! Today’s Eclectic Home Tour of Not a Minimalist takes us inside the house of a self professed maximalist who knows how to have fun with his collections.
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You know you’re a collector when you still have the rocks and key rings that you collected when you were a kid! Daniel Mathis is not a minimalist and says, “that’s not because I don’t appreciate minimalism–in fact, I dabbled with it for a while. But I ultimately realized that for me minimalism was a constant battle because collecting is in my blood…and so why fight it? It’s what I love to do. So, I just completely gave in to my passion, and have been collecting with reckless abandon ever since.”
On weekends, the thrill of the hunt calls and Daniel trades in his suit (he’s a lawyer) and hits the thrift stores, estate sales and flea markets in search of his next great find (Clark Kent’s got nothing on this super thrifting man)!
Daniel says, “One of the collections I’m known for is my swirled tourist pottery. I had seen Nemadji pottery for years and HATED it; in fact, I hated it so much that I began to love it! I envisioned it all together in a large group and couldn’t get that out of my mind. So, now I’ve got maybe 400 pieces. About the time I started collecting Nemadji pottery, I noticed a large, heavy swirled pottery piece at an antique store. I knew it wasn’t Nemadji, but had no idea what it was. I couldn’t leave it behind, and that’s how my Ozark Tourist Pottery collection started. It turns out that pottery is much more rare than Nemadji, so adding pieces to that collection takes time.”
Only a die-hard collector would risk his life for a good collection and no hornet nest is safe around Daniel. I love the way he displays them in a shadowbox.
A 1930’s Montgomery Ward department store building converted into apartments in downtown Oklahoma City is where Daniel calls home. The two-bedroom, 1200 square foot apartment has soaring 15 foot ceilings and he says, “the epic wall space gives me a huge canvas for my collections and displays.”
Original art makes a big impact when grouped together.
Even something as simple as old sock darners become art when displayed in bowls.
Says Daniel, “My best find of late is definitely a collection of portraits painted by a local man in the 1980’s. He passed away not too long ago at age 90, and when the sold his estate one of my local Instagram friends (who I didn’t know at the time) messaged me to say hey, I know you like old portraits, and I just left an estate sale that has some. When I saw the pictures she sent, I literally levitated off the couch and flew over there about 30 minutes before they closed. I left with 50 portraits. I’ll probably never find an epic art haul like that again!”
Notice the genius way he hung the portraits … with binder clips!
Another fun collection are these old metal first aid kits.
Tramp art pops against the white walls.
Daniel jokes that he likes the old portrait photographs because they don’t judge!
Check out the groovy vintage sheets!
Another fun collection are the 1930’s moth and butterfly specimens.
Colorful pottery flower frogs,
and shell encrusted boxes and other objects (he even repairs the ones in less than perfect condition).
What do you collect? Please share in the comments so we can all read!
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Wow, I loved looking at all his neat and eclectic items. I loved the moth and butterfly specimens and the first aid kits. I like to collect vintage irons. Thank you for sharing this!
Vintage irons! What a fun collection Lisa!
I collect small, ceramic flower/bud vases and planters. Inexpensive but love the colors and kind of 50’s look. I have open shelves in my kitchen and arrange them mostly in that area. I change the look by season and display some plates to add to the look. The hunt is the best part. I currently have about 80-100 pcs. so do not go looking often; running out of space to display them!
You are so right Eloise about the hunt being the best part! Your collection sounds like such a fun one!
I love to see the collections- tells so much about the home owner! I’m a collector of a few things myself. Love how they are artfully displayed!
It’s all about the art of display Jen!
Who dusts his house?
Hopefully a cleaning lady!
I love the way Daniel puts his collections together! He is right, organization with an eye is key to showing them without a messy vibe. Dusting is a way to revisit the things you love!
I collect many things, mostly simple things, vintage tomato pincushions, sequined fruit, nests, cream/brown and green/brown Mexican pottery, brown transferware, just to name a few.
Loved the tour!!
It’s so fun to collect and the thrill of the hunt Jana! Your pin cushion collection is so fun!
Wow, that is very interesting. I loved looking through it all, it was very fun. I collect yardsticks, old canes, pottery items, dictionaries, buttons and wooden spools, just to name a few. It is fun to have things you like to collect. Thanks the tour was wonderful.
This is one fun tour Marlene! I have a yardstick collection too and I love the way Daniel displayed his on the wall!
I love all of these amazing collections. The portraits are to die for, so colorful and unique. Thanks for sharing.
WOW. What a talent he has! So many ideas for fun projects. Will be saving this info for sure.
So glad you enjoyed the tour Linda!
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Encourages me to keep collecting. Your portrait collection tells a story.
Collecting is so much fun Carolyn! Enjoy the hunt!
I love these kinds of tours! So fun to see how people take old things that are not considered overly valuable and show how we miss so much beauty in every day items.
Really fun tour!
This is a favorite of mine too Karen! So glad you liked it and hope you are well!
I love this post—so fun! I collect colorful pottery, but sort of stopped or eased up when I ran out of storage space. I love the portraits! His collections are amazing. I wish I had his talent and guts for display. Lots of holes in the walls! We thrifters love the thrill of the hunt for any treasures!
I totally relate to lots of holes in the walls Jeanne!
Daniel’s collections are joyful, interesting and very artfully displayed. His home is a joy to see! My own eclectic collections include things like carnival chalk ware, midcentury dishes, vintage textiles, Victorian photos, boudoir dolls, and vintage Christmas. So, I appreciate his ability to arrange his diverse collections with such flair.
Yes, he definitely has the knack for artful display Brenda! Your collections sound like such fun … especially vintage Christmas!
This is truly a fun, eclectic house tour – so much to see! I love how he displays his collections, but have to say the hornets’ nests might be my favorite – such a fun way to preserve nature’s beauty!
I don’t collect too much because, let’s be honest, I don’t want to be responsible for all that dusting. haha I do have a fun little collection of old wooden shoes I’ve found over the years at thrift stores. I also have a nice collection of vintage Pyrex – including many pieces that belonged to both of my grandmothers. <3 I also like old quilts – but that's practical IMO. haha
Your collections sound fun Glenore and it’s so great that you have your grandmothers old Pyrex!
I am impressed!! Loved the displays. To me, one of anything is a collection!!
LOL I like the way you think Cathy!
One of the things I collect is kaleidoscopes. But I had to stop, because I ran out of room in their space. 🙁
I love how you’ve put everything; it goes together well.
What a fun collection Kay!