We are talking accessories. Collections. Not pillows or lamps, but the small stuff. I have met many people who have beautiful houses with beautiful furnishings, yet they don’t own many objects or belongings. To me, these small things really make a house a home. They make it feel finished, personal, witty and welcoming.
I was recently asked, where do I start? There is no simple answer; but my advice would be to start small. Start a collection of something you like. For me, there are several: white pottery, ceramic poodles, white serving platters, John Derian pieces, vintage Chinese porcelain (when I can afford it…) and art glass.
What’s your’s going to be? Do you already have a collection? I’d love to hear about it.
Quick Tips:
- Start small. Don’t buy en masse. Think like a curator, not a hoarder.
- Know where you are going to put them: is it in bookshelves, open shelving in a kitchen, tabletop, a cabinet?
- Stay basic at first: buying things wildly patterned will create a mish-mash. Consider one color your inspiration and go from there.
- Play with shape, texture and form once you decide on a color.
- Buy with confidence. If you buy what you love, you can always find a place for it.
Photos: 1. White Mini Vase Set 2. Antique Chinese Porcelain image via Small by Nature 3. Green Pottery img via Country Living 4. Plates by John Derien
