Displaying collections...

...and my latest crush!

Image from Lenneke Wisplelwey

Ever since I first came across Lenneke Wispelwey's gorgeous, pastel hued and geometric ceramics, I have felt the compelling urge to start collecting ceramics...

I have a few pieces of cheaper ceramics, but not enough to call it a collection, and nothing near the beautiful craftsmanship of Lenneke's work.....sigh!!

  

Image from finsdottir

I would just love to have a shelf, or sideboard filled with beautiful vases and vessels from the likes of Lenneke and Finsdottir, above!

This has got me thinking about collections.....and how to display them..

Grouping similar things (or collections ) together is one of the best "tricks" in interior design when it comes to styling.

 I find the word "styling" quite contrived, and tend to shy away from it. 

But never the less, sometimes the right styling can bring together a look in a way a casual display just can't...this is one of those times:

Chances are, if you have a collection of something, it means a lot to you...it's a part of your personality. So choosing to display your collection tells people that you are proud to be you.... It's all about having the confidence to display the things you love in a way that makes them shine!

Instead of spreading you collections around the room, by grouping them together you create a bigger visual impact, and all those little things that means something to you start making more sense in your space...Styling your collections in groups helps tell a story about YOU!

So below, I've curated a few examples of brilliantly displayed collections....all styled beautifully, and not contrived at all!

Image from La Maison d'Anna G

Above you can see how the stylist has created 3 groups of similar items on a sideboard: The clear glass boxes, the white ceramics (sigh!!) with cacti and finally at the end a group of wooden objects.

 I love this image and styling, and it works because there is a thread through the display: 

The green from the plant on the left is repeated by the cacti in the middle. Spot the little white balls in the glass box...you find a few more at the end of the display by the  collection of wooden objects...

Also: notice the little wooden spinner in front of the glass boxes? 

The limited colour palette makes this a consummate look!

Image from Mun Da Daa

Above is another, slightly less complicated, but never the less impactful example of displaying a collection: 

This time it's the Record collection that takes pride of place, beautifully accompanied by a collection of monochrome artwork on the wall!

 But notice also the little collection of glass vessels...If they had been spread out on the side, they would've lost their impact. 

Image from Emily Hendersn

In fact, glass ware is perfect for displaying in groups, as the transparency of the glass shows off what's behind as well as the front of the display...plants are another thing that looks amazing when displayed in plural. Above you can see how Emily Henderson has cleverly connected the display of glass containers on the top shelf with the collection of plants on the bottom shelf, by supplementing both with white vessels....

Image from Poetic home

In this Swedish window display glass vessels are used to display, maybe not so much of a collection, but a themed selection of driftwood, sticks and pebbles to showcase the gorgeous appeal and perfection of the imperfect nature, creating a simplistic, wabi sabi-like display...I think this display works beautifully because it is styled in a weathered setting and contrasts with the perfection of the glass vessels.

Image from decor8blog

Leslie Shewring is one half of the creative force behind Decorate with flowers, and I love how she has styled and displayed her collection of succulents in her studio....The white pots against the white brick wall on the white table brings the varying colors of the green plants to life....perfectly simple, but with such a big visual impact!!

Image via Flicker

In the image above, it's not so much the shape of the collection that brings it together, but the meaning of the items displayed. I love the way the old tools are all tied together by the patina of the wood, and the way the display on the wall is relating to the items on the old desk.

Image via Heather Bullard

By displaying different sizes and colors of glass bottles on the mantle, as above, the light is reflected, making the display seem airy and simple. The green sprigs add a bit of interest and inject some color!

Image from Alt for damerne

Above, a collection of old-fashioned camera's has been given pride of place, by lining them up, in an orderly manner on some picture ledges. The last two images prove that styling a display of a collection can be as simple or as contemplated as you'd like...

Image from Vibeke Design

I love the styling in the image above. Rather than being a collection of similar items, this is a more themed collection. The botanical prints on the wall is the perfect backdrop for displaying the old tin box and the big glass bottles. The collection of twines in the glass jar and the green branches ties in with the botanical scheme...

Image from Emil un die gross en schwestern

Coming back to ceramics: Just look at this gorgeous collection of white ceramic vases and vessels, above!! Perfectly arranged on that stunning mid-century modern sideboard! I also love the collection of art on the wall....but what makes this display really work IMO, is the whiteness of the ceramics against that dark grey wall!

Image from The style files

The collection of ceramics in the image above is equally beautiful! I love that there are all sorts of shapes and sizes, and the seemingly casual display looks like a rainbow of colors against the white starkness of the room. And being that they are placed on the windowsill in an easy to reach spot, makes them seem all the more part of the interior in a very tactile way!What a way to display a lovingly collected array of ceramics and earthenware! This is my sort of dream space!

....Maybe one day I will own a gorgeous collection like this, and display it with pride!

What I love about collections, is that they are not un-achievable dreams, but something that you gather and build, like wisdom, through the years....

And a collection will always be personal to you: It doesn't matter if it is pebbles and sticks found on the beach or beautifully handcrafted ceramics...Each and every piece is special, because you took the time and effort to bring it home, and by displaying your collection in a group, you are showcasing those moments , that sums up the story of you, every time you look at them!!