By Melinda Williams, The Williams Group
 Ask any collector and they will tell you that their collections present a love/hate relationship for them in their home. While they love "the thrill of the hunt" and revel in "the success of the find", most will tell you that finding a place for their beloved collections can be somewhat challenging at the least, and downright overpowering at the worst.
It always begins on a small scale, like any addictive habit, with the small, fascinating bauble that catches your eye. For some reason it resonates deep with your subconscious. Perhaps you had this exact item as a child? Perhaps your parents or grandparents owned a similar one? Or perhaps it just "speaks to you."
That's how most "collection addictions" begin. Then, over time, the collection begins to multiply. You find another addition to the collection, or someone realizes you are a collector and gives one to you as a gift. Others seek you out as a "shelter" for abandoned articles they have and love but can no longer keep.
Suddenly, your collection is over-running your home. But, it doesn't need to be that way. Collections can work with you (instead of against you) if utilized properly. One of the best ways to display a collection is to gather all "like" items together. Let's say, for example, that you collect retro mid-century kitchen culture (blenders, juicers, mixers, etc.). Begin by separating distinct categories. Place the juicers on one shelf, the blenders on another and the mixers on a third. Then separate them within their own categories: all Waring stainless steel blenders together, all red Juice-O-Matics together, etc. It's the organizing of the collection that really makes it an impressive decorating medium. It also serves to surprise the owner, as in, "I had no idea I had 75 vintage restaurant-ware creamers (until I gathered them all together and organized them)!"
Collections not only add visual interest to your home, but they also add psychological interest. Guests are treated to a "sneak peak" into what motivates you (and perhaps motivates them as well). Collections reveal a bit of your past, your passion for history and your love of something eclectic. Effectively, you are shunning a "cookie cutter" look in home design and going for the unusual. However, care must be taken not to over-do. Remember, an over-enthusiastic collection can quickly overcome your living space.
Melinda Williams is the managing partner of The Williams Group, a nostalgic marketing company located in Downingtown, PA. Visit their website at www.TheWilliamsGroup.info or email them at melinda@thewilliamsgroup.info.
Resource:
Winship's Pieces of Time - Antique Clocks bought, sold, repaired
59 S. York Road, Hatboro
215-442-0321
www.grandclocks.com
Owners: Keith and Bryan Winship |
