Collections

Let’s talk collections.    I’m not a minimalist.  I love collecting things.  I have far too many framed photos in my house…is that collection?    I collect antique Asian porcelain.   There will definitely be a blog post about that someday soon.  
 
One collection I have,  I inherited from my Mother.   As with many things…I inherited them from my Mom.   A little back story for those who don’t know.   10 years ago this year my Mom was unexpectedly diagnosed with Giloblastoma – brain cancer.   She had surgery and radiation and moved in with me, then into a nursing home, then passed away – all in just 3 months and 9 days.   It was whirlwind.   Afterwards I basic inherited all of her stuff.  As a professional organizer I can honestly say I should have hired someone to go through everything with me, instead of doing it alone.   I basically kept everything and made my house Katy’s House East.   Through the years I have slowly divested myself of her things.   But I have kept some of the good stuff.   Like a collection of silver trays.   She loved them – used and displayed them all through my childhood - and when I found them, I knew I had to find a place of honor for them in my home. 
 
I arranged the trays decoratively on the wall in my powder room and created an unexpected art installation in the heart of my home for guests to enjoy.   It tells the story of my family and always sparks conversation.  
 
The thing about collections is you should display them together.   The trays work because they are all on the same wall.    The blue and while ginger jars I have work because they are in a group on top on my piano.   If I had one in my living room, one in kitchen, one here…one there...it would look disjointed.  Unfinished.   Design is about intention.
 
Put your collections together and see the magic in what you have collected.   Now, of course there is a caveat to this – if you have 300 antique porcelain dolls…maybe just display your favorite 15.   Collections are also about editing.  Life is about editing really.  You home shouldn’t be overwhelmed by your collections.   So balance what you love with your desire to be uncluttered.   Because isn’t that the goal?   Living an uncluttered life surrounded by your favorite things.  
 
I hope this blog will help you achieve those goals – living an uncluttered life surrounded by your favorite things.    How lovely.  
​Let Bliss This House help you edit your collections and set up the perfect display - let you live with the things you love! 
 
Xoxo – Maria, Bliss This House