Three of anything makes a collection

The above statement, probably means that we are all collectors of one sort or the other. Now, when it comes to decorating – how can we use our “collections”? Three of anything creates a look that is clean, simple and uncluttered. These collections are easy to work with, as three tends to be the magic number when displaying objects on the wall, shelf or mantle. So if you take a look around your home and see if you can come up with items that are similar in color or are the same object, ( such as clocks, watering cans, or tea pots, etc.) you will
be well on your way to creating a fun spot that will show off your personality.

I recently came across a fun book in the library that had some wonderful ideas for decorating using your collections. Here are some of the ideas and guidelines that I gleaned from this article.
1. If you have a larger collection – grouping them in a smaller space can often create more of visual impact.
2. Items do not need to be the same but can be of similar color to create a grouping.
3. Collections do more than bring visual interest to a home but they also bring the owners personality to light.
4. Quality is nice, but sometimes quantity makes more of a statement.
5. If you are a zealous collector, you might want to think about switching them out from time to time, as it could be a bit overwhelming to display them all at one time.
6. Staggering the height of objects is a good way to create more drama and for the collection to be more visually appealing.
7. When properly displayed, ordinary objects can make a huge impact and be very pleasing to the eye.
8. Grid patterns and symmetrical arrangements are perfect for keeping sizeable collections under control.
9. Even the tiniest handful of pretty things when properly displayed can enhance a room.
10. People are so use to thinking about what is inside a frame that they forget about the frame itself. Often a grouping of empty frames can make a huge statement. Or inter-mingle empty frames with those holding artwork.
11. Displaying objects in a setting other than what it was made for can make people take a second look.
12. The choice of the container visually enhances the display.
13. Humor can be a vital part of personalizing a room.
14. Bookshelves are one of the best places to display collections.
15. Small objects can get lost in large settings. Choose a special display space to highlight and protect them.
16. Let your collection inspire you for the color choice in a room.

I hope you enjoyed just a few of the many ideas I found within the pages of this book, put out years ago by Country Living. When you are getting ready to re-do a room, remember you may have inspiration for that room lurking in a box set way up on a shelf in your closet. This summer, as you are changing things up a bit in your home – go searching for that special collection and see what fun things you can do to create that warm and cozy atmosphere in your home.

For more ideas and and thoughts on decorating with your special “Collections”, visit your favorite shops within the pages of the Country Register. Also, go surfing on the internet and find me at www.athome.com/patdempsey or email me at pat@homeconnectionusa.com.