apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time


Collections: Are Some Better for the City or Country?


As the summer ends and the city is filling up again, we're wondering whether people have brought a bit of their summer vacation into their homes. Do you use beach shells or other souvenirs to decorate? Do you think certain collections are more suitable for the country than the city?

 
 

Shown in the images:
• mercury glass beautifully displayed in an old fireplace in House Tour: Laura's Traditional, "No Place Like Home"
• a cottage collection from "Treasure trove: 10 cottage style collectibles" in Canadian Home & Country
• shells and rare objects in Anna & Dan's White House Laundry Loft
• vintage lamp collection, including one from the New York World's Fair in 1936 in House Tour: Scott's Detailed Restoration at The Ontario
• some of the many exotic collections in Caroline's In/Animate Collections

Tags

pillows, decorative & office accessories, Surveys, collections, display

Related Links

Share

Comments (6)

A city mouse may find him/herself, for whatever reason, living in the country. And vice versa. I say collect whatever *speaks* to you, and it will feel at home no matter where you are.

posted by mirandabee on September 8th 2009 at 5:33pm
view mirandabee's profile

I think the "city" or "country" nature of a collection depends completely on the surrounding decor. If a collection of seashells looks completely out of place in an otherwise uncluttered environment, it must go. However, if a collection of robots sits nicely in your rooster-themed kitchen for a surprising element of extra whimsy, congratulations.

In that light it's good to keep your decor in mind when picking up souvenirs for display purposes. In Thailand I bought some tiny wood elephants only because I already knew where I could put them.

posted by LaurelJRyan on September 8th 2009 at 5:49pm
view LaurelJRyan's profile

I once found an awesome elk antler while hiking near the family cabin in the Rocky mountains. As much as I was proud of my find - and it was large enough to be able to use as hooks - I knew it just wouldn't ever look right in a NYC apartment (despite trends in antler decorating.)

posted by home body on September 8th 2009 at 5:54pm
view home body's profile

Nope. I kind of like the warmth that a homey collection of folk art might bring to a sleek, modern place or the interest elegant mid century pieces might bring to a more traditional home. As long as the collection is itself attractive, well-edited, and thoughtfully displayed, there's no 'right' or 'wrong' setting.

posted by slowdown on September 8th 2009 at 8:22pm
view slowdown's profile

I bought a huge hunting horn a few months back. In my last apartment, I had the perfect space for it.

In my new place, I find myself decorating so that I can display to horn. I say, live with what you love. As long as you are happy in your space, that's what counts.

posted by am_clarke on September 8th 2009 at 11:11pm
view am_clarke's profile

the horn** not to horn

typos. brilliant. :)

posted by am_clarke on September 8th 2009 at 11:11pm
view am_clarke's profile

Feeds

RSS icon New York

+ City Feeds