The Collector's Eye

by Libby Farris

What sets apart the most interesting rooms is individuality—that spark that reveals the personality of the inhabitant. How do you come by that unique spark?

The easiest way is by displaying the passions, collections, interests, and treasures you have collected along your journey through life. It helps to think outside the box or—ahem, display case—when thinking about collections. They don’t have to be the typical assemblage of Fabergé eggs or vintage alarm clocks. For example, perhaps you inherited your great aunt’s embroidered cotton handkerchiefs and tucked them away in a closet. Handsomely mounted in matching frames these vintage squares become a statement of yesteryear’s charm.

Love hats? A front hallway can be a great spot to showcase your personality in a casual way. Consider a wall of straw hats on simple pegs.

Bringing one’s everyday passions, whether it’s hats, rolling pins, guitars or scarves, out of the closet or shoebox and into the open is a brilliant way of introducing color and personality to a home.