Collections

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When I was in elementary school I had a friend who enjoyed collecting stickers, which she proudly displayed on her white french provincial dresser. Like, ON her dresser. My nine-year-old mind couldn't figure out why she would choose her five-drawer dresser as her canvas rather than something less expensive, like a notebook. My twenty-something-year-old mind can't figure it out either.

Built-in shelving provides a permanent focal point for this dining area

We all know that your home should be a place that displays your personality, your style, your interests, your hobbies and, like my long time friend, your collections. In a way, it should be an exhibition of your life. However, this expectation is one that leaves many in a state of confusion. "Yes", one such confused person may say, "my home should show the things I like, but how do I go about displaying my inherited artwork, my button collection, the stones I've gathered from every country I've visited, my husband's sports paraphernalia, the little trinkets that I can't seem to get rid of, but for now are simple taking up space?" Don't worry, troubled reader, I can help.

Ground frames with a ledge. Consider height and visual weight to balance smaller and larger items

I. Purge

     Go through the collections and get rid of those items that will not add to the overall effect you wish to have. Be truthful and tough as you place each item into one of the three categories: Keep, Donate, Toss. One of the more popular (and rightfully so) statements in the design world comes from William Morris:

"Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful and believe to be beautiful"

Well said, William. Follow this adage and you will find that your home meets your needs in both practicality and style.

An otherwise difficult space is made into a gallery with all the bells and whistles

II. Grouping

     Group the bulk of your collection together in one area. Keeping the items on a group not only provides a focal point but it prevents you from feeling like your home is being taken over by one particular interest.

Larger frames are made proportional with an even grouping of smaller frames, and suitcases are put on display to balance the heavy furniture

III. Consider your display options

     Would these look best hung or placed on a shelf? Photographed (with the originals placed in one of the above mentioned piles) and hung, or taken apart and placed in a shadow box to show the intricate details? Should you invest in custom shelving, or is it small enough to fit in a jar? Should you accent the color of the collection with a complimentary paint color or take advantage of the architecture of your home and allow your items to be framed in a nook?

Put the architectural nooks to use as a natural frame for a gallery of plates

Small items receive a permanent home in glass vases

IV. Do it

     Put a few hours aside to dust off your items and put your display together. If the collection is to be hung on the wall give yourself a practice run using painters tape or craft paper cut in the shape of the item to be sure the display will look proportional on your wall. Step away and come back to be sure you will be happy with the look. If it is going on a shelf, group them by color, shape or size to provide some organization. 

The dark wall gives this milk glass collection its added punch

Practical and beautiful

Charming, concise, and complete

A great use of space with the option of display or hide away

Do you have any collections that are waiting to be displayed, or have you already completed the task?