If
you’ve got it, flaunt it. That’s what
we’re told. When you’re dreaming up new
ways to enhance your interior spaces, you may have some options already on hand
that could take to the walls and beyond.
If you’re a collector of fine things – or simply fun things – consider
showcasing them in a whole new light.
Putting
like items together with purpose can take some scattered finds to an
eye-catching collection. It is all in
how you display. Take, for example, your
jewelry. It can stay in a drawer,
waiting to be worn. Or it can dress up
your bathroom or bedroom on a day-to-day basis.
Bulletin boards upholstered in simple, ironed pillowcases or push pin
boards in decorative frames can be hung on the wall just like art, making
attractive backgrounds to pin up necklaces and bracelets. Use clear or fancy push pins and hang pieces
in neat rows by color or size for an organized look.
Living
so close to the coast, you may have some boxes or jars of shells, sand dollars,
and other beach-combing finds stored away.
Bring them out front and give them a spot on a shelf or side table. If you have unique collections on paper, like
postcards from cities visited, paper menus, play bills, or items where your
monogram is displayed prominently, frame them in a similar fashion and hang as
a cohesive wall grouping. If you have
another type of wall art item spread throughout the home, like several small to
medium mirrors, wrapped canvases, or nature photos, hang them together to
provide a gallery feel in one room.
Line
living room shelves with your glass bottle collection. Use plate hangers to group your plate
collection on the dining room wall instead of having them stacked in
storage. Use a shadowbox with cubby
holes to display a teacup collection or a set of small figurines. If your hobby lends itself to a collection,
like a music lover rounding up old guitars or a photo buff gathering cameras
through the decades, mount them up on the wall or on shelves where you can show
them off proudly.
Sometimes
all it takes for a fresh look is taking what you already have that has value to
you and letting it shine like the grouping is worthy of an admission
ticket.
DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star May 26th.
