“The best things in life aren’t things.” — Art Buchwald

There’s a subtle but profound difference when a home is collected. It represents connection – the thoughtful gathering of objects and furniture that carry meaning, tell stories, and evolve with us over time.

The Art of Collecting

Collecting, at its heart, is a practice of patience and presence. It’s about acquiring items not because we need to fill space but because something about them speaks to us – their history, their craftsmanship, or their connection to a memory.

A true collection builds slowly. It doesn’t arrive in a single delivery or shopping trip. It accumulates gradually through:

• Discoveries: That ceramic bowl found in a small pottery studio during travels
• Creations: The painting made with one’s own hands on a first date
• Inheritances: Objects that once sat in a childhood living room
• Gifts: The handcrafted item gifted by someone who knows us well
• Intentional acquisitions: The piece that was intentionally saved for because it resonated deeply

What these diverse sources share is intentionality. Each item enters our home with a purpose beyond filling emptiness—it brings with it a story, a connection, a piece of meaning.

Identifying What’s Worth Collecting

In a world overflowing with objects vying for our attention and dollars, how do we discern what's worth collecting? I've developed a few personal guidelines that help me make thoughtful choices:

The Connection Test. Does the object connect to something meaningful—a memory, an interest, cultural history, a value, a person? Does it resonate beyond its appearance?

The Longevity Question. Can I imagine this object traveling with me through different phases of life? Will it continue to hold meaning as trends change?

The Joy Gauge. My personal favorite – does the piece bring genuine joy when I look at it or use it? Not just the temporary high of acquisition, but sustained appreciation?

The Uniqueness Factor. Does this piece bring something singular to my home? Does it tell a story that nothing else quite could?

Objects that meet most of these criteria are likely worth collecting. They’re the pieces that will transform A house from a series of rooms into a deeply personal space.

The hardest but most rewarding aspect of collecting is patience—trusting that the right pieces will find their way to us over time. Unlike the instant but hollow satisfaction of consumption, the gradual joy of collection compounds. The connection to one’s space strengthens as it becomes more uniquely ours—impossible to replicate because it’s built on our specific history, preferences, discoveries, and creations.

A truly collected home is never “finished”—it continues to evolve, just as we do.

These collection pathways require more time and often more thought than mass consumption. They involve research, relationship-building, serendipitous discovery, and sometimes waiting for the right piece to appear.

But the result is a home filled with objects that can never be duplicated—because they’re tied to our specific journey, particular eye, and unique story.