Not all of us wear the “collector” label, but many of us have a passion for a certain type of object – objects of which, however many we have, there are never enough.
We collect them, we keep them as souvenirs, and they are given to us by those who know our passion. They may be valuable pieces, or small trinkets that simply mean something to us.
Either way, they always say something about us and reflect one side of our personality. So why leave them hidden away in a box when they can become an active “ingredient” in the decoration of our space?
Start by tracking down the scattered pieces: collections of vases or other dishes, porcelain, antiques, travel souvenirs, stamps, paintings, photographs, books, children’s toys, porcelain dolls, maps and globes, metal tins, beer and soft drink cans, vintage advertisements, old objects (typewriters, sewing machines, clocks, mirrors), sports memorabilia, concert stubs, musical instruments, vinyl records, hats, matchboxes, small soaps, seashells, and anything else that inspires you.
We have gathered a few tips for decorating a space by showing off your favorite collection.
• Decide which space it will go in. As we said, every collection has something personal about it, something of ourselves. It is important to decide whether we want our collection in plain view, in a room everyone can access, or in a more “private” space such as the bedroom or the study. That way, you will find the most suitable place to house it.
• Find the spot that will show it off best. Every collection has its own character and style, and therefore suits different spaces. Think about its theme, its style and the room it needs. Based on these factors, decide where it could have a corner of its own.
• Organize the objects into groups. Play with color categories, sizes and materials. A collection does not have to be limited to one category of object, either; it can revolve around a theme, such as a sport, music, the sea, travel, and so on. What matters when grouping the objects in a collection is that there is a link between them, so that the pieces hang together. For example, picture frames can be organized by color (black-and-white or color), by subject, or even by frame type.
• Find creative ways to present your collection. Keep the pieces “gathered” in specific spots, so that the objects don’t look scattered but stand out together as a whole.
Depending on the type of object:
Style a console table or a sideboard
Place them on a bookcase
Create a wall shelving system
Create a wall arrangement
Use large vases, glass bowls and baskets
Pin them to a bulletin board
Text – Editing: Natasa Lianopoulou
