Collectibles Not Clutter

A collection is not, for example, a set of dishes that you buy in a box at WalMart or Bloomingdale’s. You may have a very fine set of dishes, but they are not a collection. If you were a “West Wing” fan, you may remember Michael Douglas in his role as the President of the United States call the West Wing China Collection the “dish room.” Well, the “dishes” in that example are a “collection.
If you have a fabulous set of Wedgewood China displayed in your china closet, it is still not a collection. The operative word here is “set.” “Collection” is just what it implies–you have carefully or not so carefully collected similar objects from various places at various times. They don’t necessarily have to be of great value. They may not even be beautiful. They may only have some significance to you. Two objects are not a collection. In other words, a vintage salt and pepper set on the back of a range does not make a collection. Three, four or a half dozen salt and pepper sets displayed on a shelf could be the beginning of a collection. A half dozen no name purses hung on a hall tree is not a collection. Three or more Judith Lieber purses sitting almost anywhere is a collection.

When does a collection become clutter? In interior design,clutter is when you have too many disparate objects or things spread about so little or no surface has been untouched, regardless of their beauty, value or significance to you. Clutter is when you get comments from friends, family, and acquaintances such as, “You have some interesting things,” in that quizzical manner that implies they don’t know what to make of it all. Or, “Your house looks lived in.” In other words, you haven’t had time to pick up the mess. Clutter makes it difficult to distinguish trash from treasure.

Grouping several like objects together allows the eye to rest and the collection to be appreciated. When it gets so crowded people are making a game of counting them, something has gone awry. Objects need to be well-displayed and have some relationship one to the other. For instance, a kitchen with old iron pots to antique silver spoons can make a series of great collections in the same room because their relationship is they are kitchen utensils.

A good rule of thumb is “less is more.” Stash away some of your collections and swap them out when you find yourself walking past what once was a coveted treasure and now goes all but noticed. It makes your collection even more important and surprising. It will, also, spruce up your space and visitors will think you have redecorated. I particularly love oriental art, yet I am very selective, and again less can be more.

About the Author

I studied the art of dance from Patsy Swayze in Houston, YES, Patrick Swayze’s mother. I taught tap, and ballet to preschool and high school students which included my own children at Jan Pierce School of Dance in The Woodlands, TX. While advancing other creative interest, I later managed a showroom at the Design Center in Houston TX with Scalamandre’ Fabrics, further studied historical fabric and wallpaper reproduction in NY. Received my ASID in 1993. Practiced Residential and Commercial design in TX as Cynthia Thomas Interiors. Lead designer/Designers Showcase/Master Suite benefiting the Columbus GA symphony in 2005.

I now manage “Serenity In Design”, online design magazine promoting other creative designers, artists, design products and individual homes.

cats in the cradle and the silver spoon by guns n roses

CIA Masters Collection Measuring Spoon Set $19.95 The CIA Masters Collection 6 Piece Measuring Spoon Set is crafted of professional-gauge 18/10 stainless steel, and includes 1/8 tsp., 1/4 tsp., 1/2 tsp., 1 tsp., 1/2 tbsp. and 1 tbsp. measures. Ideal for both dry and liquid ingredients, the rounded bowls are easy to fill. The comfort-grip long handles also double as levelers for added versatility. Easy-to-read standard and metric size markings on …

Masterpiece Premium Quality Heavyweight Plastic Plates: 25 Dinner Plates and 25 Salad Plates $18.81 Masterpiece Premium Quality Heavyweight Plastic Plates: 25 Dinner Plates and 25 Salad Plates…

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The Oprah Winfrey Show: 20th Anniversary DVD Collection $24.94 …

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Kalencom Kiwi Corduroy Laminated Buckle Flap Bag Diaper Bag $84.99 Kalencom Kiwi Corduroy Laminated Buckle Flap Bag Diaper Bag. * A magnetic clip keeps the flap closed and inside there is lots of storage. * The laminated outer layer makes clean up a snap! * Roomy interior with pockets. * Adjustable shoulder strap. * 2 lined outside pockets. * Coordinating zippered pouch. * Large fold-out padded changing pad. * Dimensions: 14″L x 6″W x 11″H….

Kalencom Silver Spoon Backpack Diaper Bag – Blue and Tan $49.99 This is a brand new with tag striped Kalencom Silver Spoon Collection diaper bag. This bag has a tremendous amount of room and many storage pockets. There is a seperate insulated bottle holder on the side that makes it easy to access. The changing pad is located on the bottom of the bag and easily flips out on any surface. This bag has a very easy and efficient design for the new or experienced mo…

Fisher-Price Elmo’s World Talking Cell Phone $7.75 Elmo’s World comes to life for your child with this adorable, interactive cell phone featuring moving eyes and an animated lenticular screen. Choose from two fun play modes. In Mode 1, Elmo identifies the numbers you press. In Mode 2, Elmo identifies popular icons from the show and makes silly sound effects. Flip the phone open and watch the phone’s googly eyelids open. When playtime is over, flip…

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