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

International 53-Piece Simplicity Flatware Set $34.97 This 18/0 stainless steel has graceful styling, perfect for any occasion. Set includes 8 each: dinner fork, salad fork, dinner knife, dinner spoon, teaspoon and steak knives, plus a 5 piece Hostess Set, which includes 1 each of: sugar spoon, butter knife, tablespoon, pierced tablespoon, and cold meat fork. Dishwasher safe….

CIA Masters Collection Measuring Spoon Set $20.65 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…

Oneida Tuscany 45-Piece Flatware Set, Service for 8 $49.97 Impressive. Polished. Performer. Bright Stylized Scrolls Pop Against The Bead Blast Finish, Bringing Visual Depth To This Versatile Oneida Design. Crafted In True Italian Styling, This Flatware Pattern Elevates Everyday Dining. Tuscany 45 Piece Service For 8 Contains: 8 Salad Forks, 8 Dinner Forks, 8 Dinner Knives. 8 Place Spoons, 8 Teaspoons, 2 Serving Spoons, 1 Serving Fork, 1 Sugar Spoon, And 1…

Ultra Chilled 01 $9.38 You’re having a dinner party. The in-laws are going to be there. So are some of your closest “after-hours” friends. You need music, something mellow but not despicably insipid. Welcome to a double-disc set that will cover all the above bases. Featuring Dido’s “Home with Me (Chillin’ with the Family Mix),” St Germain’s wonderful, downtempo “Sure Thing,” and Royksopp’s jaunty “Eple,” it’s mainstream…

Life Upon the Wicked Stage $27.98 …

Lenox Chirp Shower Curtain Hooks, Set of 12 $15.29 Inspired by the refreshing elegance of the whimsical Lenox Simply Fine dinnerware pattern, the sweet birds and quaint blossoms of the hand-painted Chirp shower curtain hooks accent your bath with charm….

Masterpiece Silver 10.25 Plates 120 Pack $118.99 Masterpiece Premium Quality Heavyweight Plastic Plates: 10 Packages of 12 plates….

6 Spoon Set w/White Silver Design If you are looking for a favor that is different, practical, impressive and unique???.then this elegant 6pc coffee spoon set is a perfect choice. Wonderfully decorated with a colorful adornment on the handles, each set comes packaged in a very decorative box that is as impessive as what is inside. “Thank you” tag and silver ribbon is also included so all you have to do is present to your guests an…

Curve Sterling Silver Baby Spoon and Fork Set $122.99 KBFD-002 Add a curve of luxury to your baby’s feed time with this elegant sterling silver spoon and fork set. Sleek and chic, this set is great for a gift and great for a memento. Features: -Baby spoon and fork set. -Curve collection. -Material: 0.925 sterling silver. -For ages 1 month – 24 months. -Great baby shower gift. -A gift that will last forever and appreciate in value. -Placed in a flan…

Mad Dog 357 Hot Sauce Silver Collector’s Edition w/ Bullet $16.95 Mad Dog 357 Hot Sauce – Number one with a bullet! Packing 600,000 Scoville Units, along with the heavy weight crown of the worlds hottest hot sauce ever made. Sporting a golden bullet key chain fastened to the bottle of this killer concoction. Making this, hotter than hot, and a very cool collectible. Vinegar, chili extract, evaporated cane juice, fresh Habañero peppers, garlic, onion Cayenne pep…