BY CATHERINE MONROE
For many years, I’ve had a collection of Eiffel Towers. I’ve picked them up over time from flea markets, Ebay, American Rag on La Brea and Antik on Ventura Boulevard. I love how they look spread out on my book shelf and casually dispersed throughout my house. When I have guests, they usually comment on my extensive collection.
Here is my rule number one: Things look better in numbers and not necessarily all clumped together on one shelf. It is more interesting to let your eye slowly “discover” a collection. Photo: Ann West
I have many ideas on starting, displaying, and maintaining a collection. My father collected old, ugly voltage test meters. They were dusty and musty with a million knobs and dials all over them. But, as his collection grew, they actually looked really cool and interesting carefully strewn amongst his books. So, here is my rule number one: Things look better in numbers and not necessarily all clumped together on one shelf. It is more interesting to let your eye slowly “discover” a collection.
The next idea, is that a collections should need little to no explanation. I have a friend who collects signed presidential memorabilia and she walks each visitor through the house reciting her descriptions of each piece and why it is interesting and important. This is fascinating the first time, but I have sat through her tour so many times it has long lost its luster.
My third notion is that you should invent what I call “design criteria.” For me, I am only interested in Eiffel Tower statues. With the exception on one small ashtray that I bought when I was at the Eiffel Tower, I do not want shirts, posters, key chains or dishes….. just statues. So, when you start to collect, make up your own criteria and stick to it.
Lastly, don’t choose to collect something hoping to one day cash it in and pay off your mortgage. The former “Beanie Baby” collectors who have these somewhere stored with the tags still on them know who you are!!!
Collections are personal, expressive and effective ways to decorate your home and give it style and flair. Start one, have fun with it, take your time.
For me….. I’ll always have Paris.
Catherine Monroe is an interior designer who has worked for several high end residential design firms including Ralph Lauren, Robert A.M. Stern and Michael Smith. She was born and raised in New York and received her degree from Parsons School of Design. Previously, a Studio City resident, she is currently living in Brentwood, CA, where she runs her own company. For product information included in her articles and interior design consultation, contact her directly at www.catherinemonroe.com
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