Classic & Curious

What makes an object worth bringing home? For Jamie Creel, the story is part of the beauty.In this episode of Classic & Curious, Anne Kokoskie steps inside the world of Creel & Gow—a modern-day cabinet of curiosities where nature, craftsmanship, and a lifelong love of travel come together. Jamie shares how a conversation in the Galápagos sparked the idea for the shop, and how his search for extraordinary objects has taken him to artisans and markets around the world.From hand-carved mineral bowls and silver-coated shells to Moroccan rattan furniture, we explore the pieces—and the people—that give his collection its character. We also visit the stories behind his Upper East Side and Millbrook shops, his love of Tangier, and the pleasure of discovering something you’ve never seen before.A conversation about trusting your eye, following your curiosity, and choosing objects with stories you’ll want to share.You can connect with Jamie @creelandgow and creelandgow.comConnect with Anne: @classicandcuriouslife, classicandcurious.com and on Substack: Curiosities by Anne Kokoskie

What does it mean to live wholeheartedly—and create a life that feels like your own?In this episode, Classic & Curious turns inward. So often, we explore what we choose to bring into a considered life. Today, we pause to consider what comes from within.Anne is joined by Holly Ruth Finigan, author of Wholeheartedly: The One You Want to Find Is You and Beyond the Map, featured on her Substack, Wholeheartedly. Her journey from brand building to personal transformation offers a thoughtful lens on identity, purpose, and living with intention.With Nantucket woven into her story, Holly reflects on self-discovery, the courage to evolve, and the experiences that have shaped her work—including her podcast, Wholeheartedly.Connect with Holly: @Hollyruthfinegan and listen to her podcast Wholeheartedly.Connect with Anne: @classicandcuriouslife, classicandcurious.com and on Substack: Curiosities by Anne Kokoskie

How do you create a layered home that feels personal, collected, and comfortable?Benjamin Raynaert joins Anne Kokoskie on Classic & Curious to explore the art of decorating with personality. An editor, stylist, and creative director, Benjamin has honed his discerning eye at some of design’s most influential publications, including Martha Stewart Living, Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Veranda, and Domino. Today, he serves as the US editor for House & Garden UK, alongside leading his own creative studio.Drawing on that editorial experience and his debut book, The Layered Home: Inspiration for Crafting Cozy, Collected Rooms, Benjamin shares why the most compelling interiors evolve over time—and why perfection is overrated.From grouping objects in threes to photographing a room for a fresh perspective, he offers approachable ways to develop your eye. Anne and Benjamin discuss mixing antiques, embracing unexpected finds, and allowing meaningful objects to tell your story.They also explore The Ticking Tent, the antiques, vintage, and artisan market Benjamin co-founded, where discovery and community go hand in hand.A conversation for anyone who loves interior design, collecting, and creating a home that feels unmistakably their own.Connect with Benjamin:  @aspoonfullofbenjaminConnect with Anne: @classicandcuriouslife, classicandcurious.com and on Substack: Curiosities by Anne KokoskieClick here to view the episode transcript.

What happens when fashion and interiors share a creative vision?For designer Marla Mullen, the answer takes shape in the Nantucket Rose—a floral brooch created in collaboration with Helena Simon, whose handmade brooches were commissioned for the Met Gala. Blending beautiful fabrics, a tassel inspired by interiors, and a personal connection to Nantucket, their collaboration celebrates how a small detail can carry a meaningful story.On Classic & Curious, Anne Kokoskie welcomes the Boston and Nantucket-based interior designer and contributing editor for Boston Home, whose work has been featured in New England Living, Modern Luxury, and The Boston Globe. Raised among antiques, fabrics, and her father’s upholstery craftsmanship, Marla brings a lifelong appreciation for artistry to the spaces and objects she creates.Together, they explore the relationship between fashion and interior design, the power of creative collaboration, and Marla’s invitation to give yourself “permission to embellish.” From accessorizing a room to navigating AI in design, this conversation celebrates personal style, things made by hand, and the courage to stay true to your creative voice.Connect with Marla @marlamullendesigns and marlamullendesigngroup.comConnect with Anne: @classicandcuriouslife, classicandcurious.com and on Substack: Curiosities by Anne Kokoskie

What if the secret to a beautiful life is collecting small moments of joy?Alexander Widener, founder of Widener Company in Wiscasset, Maine, joins Anne Kokoskie on Classic & Curious for a conversation about design, craftsmanship, curiosity, and starting over. Recently seen alongside Meredith Hayden on Netflix’s Wishbone Kitchen, the decorator, collector, and storyteller shares how leaving New York led him to create a shop and guest cottage rooted in beauty and personal discovery.From handmade pottery and Maine-made glass to handwoven baskets and vintage finds, Alexander celebrates objects with a story—and the craftspeople who bring them to life. He shares how he chooses pieces for his shop, why beauty belongs at every price point, and how letting go of perfection helped him find the confidence to build something of his own.Whether you’re decorating your home, discovering American craftsmanship, planning a coastal Maine visit, or imagining your next chapter, this episode invites you to trust your instincts, stay curious, and notice what brings you joy.Explore Widener & Company at widenercompany.com, Follow Alexander @alexander_widener and @widenercompanyConnect with Anne: @classicandcuriouslife, classicandcurious.com and on Substack: Curiosities by Anne Kokoskie