Prized Collections: The Art of Gathering
Take a sneaky peek at the weird and wonderful world of some of our favourite Houzz collections
Collecting really is an art form – and a passionate one at that. First, there is the gradual accumulation of something you like. Then, there is the hungry diligence to source more and, lastly, there is tackling the best way to display your happily hunted treasures.
I collect a motley crew of vintage ceramic salt-and-pepper shakers and assorted ceramic animal figures – the more bizarre, the better. I love collecting and have a great respect for my fellow collectors who, like me, cannot pass an antique store or second-hand shop without stopping off for a browse – it might just have that missing piece we have been coveting.
As you will see from the collections below, the sheer variety of what people collect is amazing. Feast your eyes on the selection for inspiration for your own collection, or perhaps just marvel at the thoughtful devotion that has gone into them. From the vast to the small, to the quirky to the crazy – one person’s trash is certainly another’s treasure!
I collect a motley crew of vintage ceramic salt-and-pepper shakers and assorted ceramic animal figures – the more bizarre, the better. I love collecting and have a great respect for my fellow collectors who, like me, cannot pass an antique store or second-hand shop without stopping off for a browse – it might just have that missing piece we have been coveting.
As you will see from the collections below, the sheer variety of what people collect is amazing. Feast your eyes on the selection for inspiration for your own collection, or perhaps just marvel at the thoughtful devotion that has gone into them. From the vast to the small, to the quirky to the crazy – one person’s trash is certainly another’s treasure!
Bowling pins
This collection of old bowling ball pins in assorted sizes looks beautiful against the cream palette of the mantle and background cabinets. This collection actually resides above a stovetop in a kitchen, making the repurposed grocer sign underneath a perfect addition.
This collection of old bowling ball pins in assorted sizes looks beautiful against the cream palette of the mantle and background cabinets. This collection actually resides above a stovetop in a kitchen, making the repurposed grocer sign underneath a perfect addition.
World map globes
A mixture of world globes not only looks attractive, but can be very handy when planning your next overseas holiday.
A mixture of world globes not only looks attractive, but can be very handy when planning your next overseas holiday.
Alarm clocks
You won’t be late for that very important date with this many clocks! This simple row of alarm clocks works perfectly within this eclectic shelving space. The clocks don’t need to be working – in fact, with all that combined tick-tocking, it may be best to just have them sitting pretty.
You won’t be late for that very important date with this many clocks! This simple row of alarm clocks works perfectly within this eclectic shelving space. The clocks don’t need to be working – in fact, with all that combined tick-tocking, it may be best to just have them sitting pretty.
Ken dolls
I don’t know what to address here first – the awesome collection of Ken dolls (a rival to my own stunning collection of Barbies) – or the impressive collection of vinyl. This is a fabulous example of how two collections can work together in the same space. And seriously, I’m a little jealous of that Ken doll collection.
I don’t know what to address here first – the awesome collection of Ken dolls (a rival to my own stunning collection of Barbies) – or the impressive collection of vinyl. This is a fabulous example of how two collections can work together in the same space. And seriously, I’m a little jealous of that Ken doll collection.
Pez
Yep, Pez. These colourful candy dispensers are as addictive to collect as they are delicious to taste. They are shown off beautifully in the floating red box shelves.
Yep, Pez. These colourful candy dispensers are as addictive to collect as they are delicious to taste. They are shown off beautifully in the floating red box shelves.
Antique radios
This large antique radio collection takes pride of place in this living area. The mid-century modern furniture pieces combine with the radio display to evoke a sense of nostalgia for days of old.
This large antique radio collection takes pride of place in this living area. The mid-century modern furniture pieces combine with the radio display to evoke a sense of nostalgia for days of old.
Cuckoo clocks
This wonderful collection of assorted cuckoo clocks inspires me to start a new collection. The quaint phone nook below filled with ceramic animal figurines adds a gorgeous eclectic touch.
This wonderful collection of assorted cuckoo clocks inspires me to start a new collection. The quaint phone nook below filled with ceramic animal figurines adds a gorgeous eclectic touch.
Royal motifs
Whether you’re a die-hard monarchist or not, there’s no doubt that this collection of Royal Family plates is a delightful wall display.
Whether you’re a die-hard monarchist or not, there’s no doubt that this collection of Royal Family plates is a delightful wall display.
Men’s ties
This ample collection of ties has been displayed in an orderly fashion along the mezzanine. The array of colours and designs results in an impressive wall feature that’s guaranteed to be a talking point when guests are around. The hat display along the staircase is also a knockout way to store and display men’s accessories.
This ample collection of ties has been displayed in an orderly fashion along the mezzanine. The array of colours and designs results in an impressive wall feature that’s guaranteed to be a talking point when guests are around. The hat display along the staircase is also a knockout way to store and display men’s accessories.
Lunchboxes
These neatly placed rows of retro lunchboxes showcase some great vintage finds – and then there is the collection of glass bottles on the floating shelf and on top of the leopard-print table.
See more of this house
These neatly placed rows of retro lunchboxes showcase some great vintage finds – and then there is the collection of glass bottles on the floating shelf and on top of the leopard-print table.
See more of this house
Replica cars
The attic of this Tudor-style home is just the place to display the owner’s incredible collection of replica antique cars.
The attic of this Tudor-style home is just the place to display the owner’s incredible collection of replica antique cars.
Dinner plates
There is no rule that dinner plates need to all look the same. Collecting a mix of second-hand plate designs over time can be a fun exercise. Keep an eye out for different patterns and designs at your local op shop or second-hand store.
There is no rule that dinner plates need to all look the same. Collecting a mix of second-hand plate designs over time can be a fun exercise. Keep an eye out for different patterns and designs at your local op shop or second-hand store.
Watches
I love how this extensive watch collection is out and proud. Why keep your watches tucked away in dressing table drawers when you can showcase them in all their splendour?
I love how this extensive watch collection is out and proud. Why keep your watches tucked away in dressing table drawers when you can showcase them in all their splendour?
Bird decoys
Now this is an intimidating collection of decoy birds! You could almost have a go at bird watching with the assortment on offer in this room. Spot lighting makes the most of this amazing collection.
Now this is an intimidating collection of decoy birds! You could almost have a go at bird watching with the assortment on offer in this room. Spot lighting makes the most of this amazing collection.
Ceramic figures
I love this quirky mish-mash of ceramic figurines – a Houzz collector after my own heart!
I love this quirky mish-mash of ceramic figurines – a Houzz collector after my own heart!
Framed pictures
Birds of a feather flock together – and you can see why. The warm green wall and two elegant swan soup terrines below sets off this wall of bird portraits beautifully.
Birds of a feather flock together – and you can see why. The warm green wall and two elegant swan soup terrines below sets off this wall of bird portraits beautifully.
Bouncy balls
I’ve always thought bouncy balls are quite beautiful in their own way – not to mention fun to play with! This collection is brilliantly displayed in a round glass display jar. This technique could also work well with marbles.
I’ve always thought bouncy balls are quite beautiful in their own way – not to mention fun to play with! This collection is brilliantly displayed in a round glass display jar. This technique could also work well with marbles.
Vintage postcards
It would be a shame to keep this collection of vintage postcards stored away. The simple timber frames paired with the retro-style artwork turns this wall into an eye-catching feature wall.
It would be a shame to keep this collection of vintage postcards stored away. The simple timber frames paired with the retro-style artwork turns this wall into an eye-catching feature wall.
Tin trains
This vintage tin train collection is displayed beautifully with perfectly aligned floating shelves.
This vintage tin train collection is displayed beautifully with perfectly aligned floating shelves.
Action men
These action men are showcased in all their glory with the help of some simple white floating shelves. Adding the yellow frame around each set of three shelves keeps the wall looking ordered and draws the eye.
These action men are showcased in all their glory with the help of some simple white floating shelves. Adding the yellow frame around each set of three shelves keeps the wall looking ordered and draws the eye.
Liquor bottles
It’s refreshing to know I am not the only one who can’t resist ornately shaped liquor bottles of all sizes. Grouping different bottles together always makes for a good-looking table or bar display.
It’s refreshing to know I am not the only one who can’t resist ornately shaped liquor bottles of all sizes. Grouping different bottles together always makes for a good-looking table or bar display.
Lego
This excavated basement has been dubbed the Lego Lounge – with good reason! The Lego pieces have been neatly arranged into clear plastic cases to keep things accessible but organised. You could lose yourself in this Lego land for days!
This excavated basement has been dubbed the Lego Lounge – with good reason! The Lego pieces have been neatly arranged into clear plastic cases to keep things accessible but organised. You could lose yourself in this Lego land for days!
Vintage shell lights
This collection of vintage shell lights and seashells is displayed in an old-school glass case to great effect.
This collection of vintage shell lights and seashells is displayed in an old-school glass case to great effect.
Vintage swimming costumes
A display of professionally framed vintage swimming costumes can look great when grouped together. This is a fabulous display idea for a poolside cabana or holiday home by the sea.
A display of professionally framed vintage swimming costumes can look great when grouped together. This is a fabulous display idea for a poolside cabana or holiday home by the sea.
Number plates
If you can’t seem to throw out any of your old number plates, or just like the look of them – hang them up as an industrial-style wall feature at home.
If you can’t seem to throw out any of your old number plates, or just like the look of them – hang them up as an industrial-style wall feature at home.
First-aid kits
This collection of retro first-aid kits serves as a bathroom art installation. You could also use them to store such bathroom items as cotton balls, Band-aids or toothbrushes.
YOU TELL US
We’d love to hear about your collection. Tell us about it in the comments section below – don’t forget to include a hig-res image!
This collection of retro first-aid kits serves as a bathroom art installation. You could also use them to store such bathroom items as cotton balls, Band-aids or toothbrushes.
YOU TELL US
We’d love to hear about your collection. Tell us about it in the comments section below – don’t forget to include a hig-res image!
If you can’t go to the country, then bring the country to you. This quirky collection of animal weathervanes is one of those decorating ideas that is simply unforgettable.