Displaying Treasures – The art of displaying
- Gina Everett
- Feb 17
- 3 min read
Creating a home that reflects your personality and style involves more than just choosing the right furniture. The way you display your treasures—be it art, collectables, or everyday items—can transform your space into a sanctuary of beauty and function. As William Morris wisely said, 'Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be beautiful or believe to be useful.' This philosophy can guide you in curating your displays to enhance your home’s aesthetic and practicality.
In this cosy kitchen, we beautifully displayed useful items amongst treasures from our client's travels.
How to begin displaying treasures...
1. Curate Your Collection
Start by selecting items that resonate with you. Whether they are family heirlooms, travel souvenirs, or art pieces, choose items that evoke positive feelings. Ask yourself:
Does this item have a story or memory attached to it?
Is it something I truly love or find useful?
In this more modern home, we displayed only items that the client found to be beautiful on the central coffee table - visible to all guests and the clients all day.
2. Create a Focal Point
Designate a specific area in your home to serve as a focal point for your treasures. This could be a shelf, a gallery wall, or a display cabinet. By highlighting certain items, you draw attention to them and create a visual anchor in the room.
3. Use Layering Techniques
Layering is key to creating depth in your displays. Combine different heights, textures, and colours to add interest. For example:
Place taller items at the back and smaller ones in front.
Mix materials like wood, glass, and metal for a rich texture.
4. Consider Lighting
Good lighting can elevate the beauty of your displayed items. Use spotlights, table lamps, or natural light to highlight your treasures. Experiment with different lighting techniques to see how they change the mood of your display.
Candles are lovely, dotted around shelving units.
5. Rotate Your Displays
Keep your space fresh by regularly changing your displays. Rotate seasonal items or swap out artwork to keep your home dynamic. This not only keeps things interesting but also allows you to appreciate your collection in new ways.
Starting from scratch displaying treasures..
1. Plan for Display Areas Early
When designing your new home, think about where you’ll want to showcase your treasures. Built-in shelves, alcoves, or dedicated gallery walls can be incorporated into your design plans.
When our clients bought this Victorian home, we pre-planned the layout of their office to ensure we had these gorgeous built-in shelving units for the office.
2. Choose Flexible Furniture
Opt for furniture that can adapt to your display needs. Pieces with open shelving or display capabilities can serve dual purposes, allowing you to showcase items while providing functionality.
3. Embrace Open Spaces
Open floor plans can provide the perfect backdrop for displaying your treasures. Consider how different areas flow into one another and how your displays can enhance the overall aesthetic of your home.
We breathed life into this corner adding some textured wooden shelving and greenery along with the useful items the client uses when entertaining.
4. Personalize Your Space
Finally, remember that your home should reflect your unique style. Don’t be afraid to mix different styles, colours, and textures. Your display should tell your story and make you feel at home.
In conclusion, the art of displaying treasures is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about creating a space that is both beautiful and functional. By following these practical tips, you can curate displays that not only showcase your cherished items but also enhance the overall ambience of your home. Remember, as you curate your space, to embrace the wisdom of William Morris and surround yourself only with what you find beautiful and useful.
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