We were able to catch up with Matthew Mead—stylist, author, magazine editor and official food photographer for the Associated Press—in between his meetings with his own magazine series and Better Homes and Gardens to hear about his career, tips for re-styling your own home, and what he’ll be looking to snag at the 2014 City Farmhouse Pop-up Show come October 17-18!

How long have you been in the business?
I’ve been in the business for 25 years. I have a wealth of experience, and a wealth of stuff too! My profession is wonderful, because my job is to produce all of these things for the magazines... and usually, I can shop in my own warehouse. My inventory is a mix, but mostly old and vintage. I’m very connected to vintage items. I go to flea markets all the time, and continuously work with different dealers.

Does farmhouse style pair well with your own personal style?

Absolutely. I was a style editor at Country Home magazine for 12 years, so my roots are there. I like to reuse and repurpose, and find great things that have a colorful past.

Will you be looking for any particular piece at the City Farmhouse Pop-up Show?
I’m sure I’ll be looking, I always am. The things I collect really find me; I always say they call out to me when I’m walking the aisles of the market. I love industrial, I love wire things, I love yellow-ware pottery. I’ll be looking!

So how do you know Kim?

Through social media! There’s such an amazing network now of antique stylers and decorators. It’s fun.

Have you ever been to the Franklin area?

I’ve been to Nashville when I did a TV segment there, but I’ve never been to Franklin. Everyone raves about it though!

Are you excited about the City Farmhouse Pop-up Show?

Absolutely! It’s all about the readers, and connecting with people. I’m excited to hear their stories about what they are doing, what they are collecting. It’s not often in life you’re able to touch like-minded people. For me, this is really an event I look forward to.

A little birdie told us that more of Matthew’s Q&A will appear in a publication real soon! Stay tuned for the rest….

Matthew will be signing his new book, Frightfully Fun Halloween, at the 2014 City Farmhouse Pop-up Show!

Matthew Mead is a stylist, writer, author, photographer, lifestyle editor, and noted style expert. The former style editor of Country Home magazine and Editor in Chief of his own magazine series with Time Inc. Home Entertainment, Matthew is the official food photographer for the Associated Press and is a regular contributor to Better Homes and Gardens and other noted national shelter magazines.

Matthew has also written 12 books and produced countless magazine spreads and ad campaigns for noted companies such as Pottery Barn, Dove Chocolate, Target, and Stonewall Kitchen. Matthew is known for styling beautiful spaces using vintage treasures, nature's offerings and what is at hand; guiding others to entertain with ease in a stylish way; and inspiring home-owners to create beautiful food and living spaces which they can proudly share with family and friends. For inspiring ideas visit Matthew at holidaywithmatthewmead.com. His recently published books in 2013 include, RECYCLED STYLE, HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR, CHRISTMAS ALL THROUGH THE HOUSE, and THE OFFICIAL DC SUPER HERO COOKBOOK.