Decorating
8 Everyday Treasures and How to Share Them
Forget tucking your precious memories away where no-one can see them – display them beautifully in your home
One of the best things about decorating your own home is the pleasure of connecting yourself with a place in the world that belongs to you and to which you belong. The objects we surround ourselves with in these spaces can link us to holidays, loved ones, special moments and aspirations (past or current). Sharing these memories with others is arguably what home decorating is all about – that is, to give a sense of our own unique qualities and story in a way that allows others to enjoy them too.
As our lives get busier, our families larger and our ‘stuff’ accumulates, it can be tempting to simply stow these objects away in the name of decluttering. But before you decide to stash your precious memories, consider these clever design tricks to help remind you of the important things in life.
As our lives get busier, our families larger and our ‘stuff’ accumulates, it can be tempting to simply stow these objects away in the name of decluttering. But before you decide to stash your precious memories, consider these clever design tricks to help remind you of the important things in life.
TIP: Create a ‘kids’ gallery’ by replacing the glass in a frame with a roll of corkboard – this way, artwork can be easily changed when your little artist comes home with a new masterpiece.
2. Instruments
While your rock ‘n’ roll days may be over, there’s no need to hide your trusty axel away in the attic. Don’t be afraid to hang your guitar or drumsticks in your living room for all to see – you never know when the next impromptu jam session might arise.
While your rock ‘n’ roll days may be over, there’s no need to hide your trusty axel away in the attic. Don’t be afraid to hang your guitar or drumsticks in your living room for all to see – you never know when the next impromptu jam session might arise.
3. Holiday souvenirs
Do you love holding onto your favourite holiday mementos? Those shells you and the kids picked up at the beach, that menu you kept from that romantic dinner, or that map you used to navigate around the streets of Paris on your first trip abroad.
You’ll often find that corner you’re not sure what to do with or that bowl or frame you don’t know what to fill with are the perfect spaces for these sentimental holiday souvenirs. Spend time creating a display that is dedicated to your holiday memories, so you can share your good times with others – this clever stack of suitcases and shells is the perfect stylish example.
Do you love holding onto your favourite holiday mementos? Those shells you and the kids picked up at the beach, that menu you kept from that romantic dinner, or that map you used to navigate around the streets of Paris on your first trip abroad.
You’ll often find that corner you’re not sure what to do with or that bowl or frame you don’t know what to fill with are the perfect spaces for these sentimental holiday souvenirs. Spend time creating a display that is dedicated to your holiday memories, so you can share your good times with others – this clever stack of suitcases and shells is the perfect stylish example.
If you’re looking to get creative with maps or menus, consider appropriating or repurposing to give it some extra meaning.
A small DIY project like this cute origami dress, made from a map, is a great way to share your adventures with your children or guests.
TIP: If you like the idea of putting some keepsakes in the kids’ room, consider making a DIY mobile out of cut-out photos or souvenirs to hang above a crib.
A small DIY project like this cute origami dress, made from a map, is a great way to share your adventures with your children or guests.
TIP: If you like the idea of putting some keepsakes in the kids’ room, consider making a DIY mobile out of cut-out photos or souvenirs to hang above a crib.
4. Family photos
So many treasured memories, so little space! If you’re a little click-happy like me then you’ll appreciate the everyday struggle that is deciding what snap to print and where to put it.
If you have a favourite family photo, use it as inspiration. Instead of choosing a picture because it works with a space or buying an expensive frame to match your decor, use the colours, shapes and textures from the photo itself to inform your design choices. You’ll find that letting something you already treasure influence your decorating adds a sense of personality and uniqueness to your room that is second to none.
So many treasured memories, so little space! If you’re a little click-happy like me then you’ll appreciate the everyday struggle that is deciding what snap to print and where to put it.
If you have a favourite family photo, use it as inspiration. Instead of choosing a picture because it works with a space or buying an expensive frame to match your decor, use the colours, shapes and textures from the photo itself to inform your design choices. You’ll find that letting something you already treasure influence your decorating adds a sense of personality and uniqueness to your room that is second to none.
Never be afraid to make a favourite photo a feature – see how the lights work in this Melbourne interior add a 3D element to this family’s amazing personalised wallpaper?
5. Jewellery
If you’ve inherited or have been gifted something beautiful that you can’t see yourself wearing every day, displaying it on the wall is a great way to do it justice (and save you the panic of having to find and de-tangle it when the time comes).
Put the old fashioned jewellery box away and store your jewels on the wall of your bedroom. If your place is as luxurious as this residence, you can display your sparkling gems in your walk-in wardrobe.
If you’ve inherited or have been gifted something beautiful that you can’t see yourself wearing every day, displaying it on the wall is a great way to do it justice (and save you the panic of having to find and de-tangle it when the time comes).
Put the old fashioned jewellery box away and store your jewels on the wall of your bedroom. If your place is as luxurious as this residence, you can display your sparkling gems in your walk-in wardrobe.
6. Nanna’s knits
Nothing shows love like a hand-knitted blanket from Nanna. Some of us may dream of a minimalist home, but little keepsakes like this crochet knit deserve pride of place on the bed.
Embrace the retro chic of a good knit and remember the warmth of Nanna’s cuddles by working other retro pieces and bold colours into your bedroom or lounge.
Nothing shows love like a hand-knitted blanket from Nanna. Some of us may dream of a minimalist home, but little keepsakes like this crochet knit deserve pride of place on the bed.
Embrace the retro chic of a good knit and remember the warmth of Nanna’s cuddles by working other retro pieces and bold colours into your bedroom or lounge.
7. Collections
Let’s face it – some collections need to be seen! Just look at this Pez collection in this amazing New York home. The stamps you spent years collecting as a child or the postcards you kept from a loved one while they were abroad make for interesting topics of conversation. Sharing these memories with your guests and loved ones is bound to make them feel closer to you.
If you have a passion for collecting, the opportunities for an inimitable and unusual wall display are endless. See if you can spare some room on a shelf, or string those postcards on some decorative twine – collections are a great way to leave your own mark and provide a one in a million decorating opportunity.
Take a look at the rest of this house
Let’s face it – some collections need to be seen! Just look at this Pez collection in this amazing New York home. The stamps you spent years collecting as a child or the postcards you kept from a loved one while they were abroad make for interesting topics of conversation. Sharing these memories with your guests and loved ones is bound to make them feel closer to you.
If you have a passion for collecting, the opportunities for an inimitable and unusual wall display are endless. See if you can spare some room on a shelf, or string those postcards on some decorative twine – collections are a great way to leave your own mark and provide a one in a million decorating opportunity.
Take a look at the rest of this house
TIP: If you’re stuck for shelving space, keep an eye out in antique and op-shops for vintage printing press drawers and drink crates. You can put them on their sides and use them as a quirky display solution that will only enhance your collection.
8. Clothes
You may have a dress that’s just too precious to throw away, or your grandma’s beautiful lace scarf hand-me-down. Instead of putting your favourite party gown in the back of a closet, why not make it a focal point in the room?
You may have a dress that’s just too precious to throw away, or your grandma’s beautiful lace scarf hand-me-down. Instead of putting your favourite party gown in the back of a closet, why not make it a focal point in the room?
Let’s not forget those cute little booties or baby clothing that we just can’t part with. While they may be long outgrown, why not hang up those little garments to share? Your kids won’t believe they used to fit into them, either!
The connection we have with clothing and memories is one of the strongest. The rush of excitement we remember when we pull out an old party dress, or when the silk of your wedding dress catches your hand, remind us of who we were at special occasions long past. While our fashion tastes may change, you’ll find that putting clothing on display creates countless opportunities for conversation.
TELL US
How have you displayed your precious treasures in your home? Post a picture in the Comments section.
MORE
10 Steps to Culling Keepsakes (That Aren’t Worth Keeping)
A Dozen Novel Ways To Display Your Favourite Photos
5 Decluttering Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
TELL US
How have you displayed your precious treasures in your home? Post a picture in the Comments section.
MORE
10 Steps to Culling Keepsakes (That Aren’t Worth Keeping)
A Dozen Novel Ways To Display Your Favourite Photos
5 Decluttering Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Making memories with your kids at home is one of the best things in life. Make space on a wall or a glass cabinet to display your mini Picasso’s paintings. While the fridge may be a perfectly acceptable spot, it’s more fun to create a special display in your home for your children to share their artwork. After all, they won’t be this cute forever!