How often have we been to someone's home, one you were not familiar with and come away impressed? There was something that made you remember it, some touch or feeling that you enjoyed. If you think back and remember that home or room with minds eye, I bet there was something there that stood out, encouraged you to focus.
Many of us collect things but rather than grouping them into a focal point, we tend to put them all over the place or in some curio cabinet that tends to create a separation between us. You may wonder what I do with all my created stuff. Well, yes, I may be guilty as well. They are buried in the garage or on cabinet tops in my den. Yet, they are noticed.
However, in my living room we have a collection of Oaxacan "monsters," wild fantasy figures with two even three heads, bodies not quite of this world and in a cacophony of colors spread across the mantle and adjoining bookcase. Few that visit can resist looking, and even touching them. They always prompt questions and fit in with all the other things we have collected or been given from around the world.
Art of any kind is meant to be seen. Whether indoors or out, by carefully planning and arranging, you can give visitors and yourself some focal point to enjoy. You bought it for some reason, why not display it and enjoy it?
I am a firm believer in making sure every room in the house has a focal point. A place that your eyes can rest and enjoy if even for a moment. If you bought say a colorful birdhouse, how will you display it? All alone? With other Birdhouses or other colorful things? If you haven't you should.
I remember a collection of spoons that were noticeable in a guests home. The cabinet door was slightly ajar and as I reached over to latch it, I heard a laugh and a gentle, "Please don't close it! It's my conversation starter." Puzzled I listened to her story. An avid politico she entertained strangers often for fund raisers. Since many had never met they too saw the open cabinet. This was their introduction to her collection from all over the world. Since countries have changed names, governments and everyone knew she collected them, her collection was huge. As we admired them she would reach in, grab one, talk about it (usually with an appropriate political comment) and the evening would start.
A collection doesn't need to be expensive or large. All you need to do is display it! Look at those precious items you own and why not see if there isn't a more exciting way to display it. Not only your guests will admire it, but so will you!
Alan Krug
KrugsStudio
Many of us collect things but rather than grouping them into a focal point, we tend to put them all over the place or in some curio cabinet that tends to create a separation between us. You may wonder what I do with all my created stuff. Well, yes, I may be guilty as well. They are buried in the garage or on cabinet tops in my den. Yet, they are noticed.
However, in my living room we have a collection of Oaxacan "monsters," wild fantasy figures with two even three heads, bodies not quite of this world and in a cacophony of colors spread across the mantle and adjoining bookcase. Few that visit can resist looking, and even touching them. They always prompt questions and fit in with all the other things we have collected or been given from around the world.
Art of any kind is meant to be seen. Whether indoors or out, by carefully planning and arranging, you can give visitors and yourself some focal point to enjoy. You bought it for some reason, why not display it and enjoy it?
I am a firm believer in making sure every room in the house has a focal point. A place that your eyes can rest and enjoy if even for a moment. If you bought say a colorful birdhouse, how will you display it? All alone? With other Birdhouses or other colorful things? If you haven't you should.
I remember a collection of spoons that were noticeable in a guests home. The cabinet door was slightly ajar and as I reached over to latch it, I heard a laugh and a gentle, "Please don't close it! It's my conversation starter." Puzzled I listened to her story. An avid politico she entertained strangers often for fund raisers. Since many had never met they too saw the open cabinet. This was their introduction to her collection from all over the world. Since countries have changed names, governments and everyone knew she collected them, her collection was huge. As we admired them she would reach in, grab one, talk about it (usually with an appropriate political comment) and the evening would start.
A collection doesn't need to be expensive or large. All you need to do is display it! Look at those precious items you own and why not see if there isn't a more exciting way to display it. Not only your guests will admire it, but so will you!
Alan Krug
KrugsStudio
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