Curating a Collected Home: Tips for Building and Using Timeless Collections

Curating a Collected Home: Tips for Building and Using Timeless Collections

By: Alexandra Macaluso / Lee Ann Thornton Interiors

“We’re all collectors by nature. But if you’re talking about an orderly life, there has to be a stop sign somewhere. Building a collection requires a strong constitution and the ability to resist.”
— Albert Hadley

Upon entering my mom’s home, you’re immediately greeted by spaces filled with curated treasures—plates, barware, frames, books, and more. Nothing feels too precious or overdone; the rooms are simply warm and inviting. This warmth comes from the collections she’s nurtured and added to over the last forty years. I’ve been fortunate to grow up in a home like this, where I’ve learned the importance of filling your space with pieces that are both found and loved. However, for many, starting a collection for the home can seem like a daunting task. For those wondering how to give your home that “collected” feel, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll cover how to begin a collection (steer clear of trends, find the classics), how to use your collections in everyday life, and our favorite places to start your hunt.

When you first begin collecting for your home, many people start with a wedding registry. While this is a fabulous way to begin, collecting can also be a smaller, lifelong process. You don’t have to wait for a registry moment. For me, it all started in my early 20s, after I moved into my first apartment in New York—one piece at a time. I began with a small ring dish from Astier de Villatte, a gift from my godmother, and have continued adding to that collection ever since.

The first step in this process is to consider your personal style. This is especially important when antiquing, as there are so many beautiful items that can catch your eye. Being discerning and taking your time with each decision helps keep your home feeling cohesive.

With platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, we’re constantly inundated with images of beautifully decorated spaces. While this offers endless inspiration, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish what you genuinely like from what’s simply popular at the moment. It’s easy to replicate a trend, but the most important thing is to find what speaks to you and honor that! When you buy pieces that you truly love and feel connected to, your space will come together more effortlessly. Social media can be a great source of inspiration when used wisely. Save images on Pinterest of rooms and homes you admire (hello, Nancy Meyers’ iconic sets), and pay attention to the recurring design elements. Classic styles often reference periods from the 1960s to the present day. From there, start with one piece you love, see how it feels in your home, and grow from that base. Remember, it’s normal to make mistakes as you discover your personal style—it’s all part of the journey! Taking your time and identifying the design elements you love will make the process more enjoyable.

Photo Provided by: Kelsey Rose

Once you’ve started building your collections of plates, pottery, art, and more, the next question is how to decorate with them and incorporate them into your everyday life. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned from my mom is not to treat any of our collections as too precious. The items we collect are meant to be enjoyed, loved, and displayed throughout our homes. This includes high-traffic spaces you might typically reserve for more functional items. Rooms like your kitchen and powder room deserve that same attention! You’ve spent time curating these pieces, and they should be admired and cherished.

Photos provided by: Read Mckendree

Cake plates, which are often associated with baked goods, can be used in so many different ways. Whether large or small, they can add charm to your kitchen counter, dining table, or even your coffee table when adorned with small votive candles. Copper pots, too, deserve a place of honor. Consider displaying them on open shelves or hanging them on the walls of your kitchen. The ultimate way to showcase your copper? A pot rack hanging over the island—chef’s kiss! Plate collections can be displayed similarly, on open shelves, or even hung with plate hangers in the kitchen and throughout the home. Decorative plates add beautiful details and a personal touch to your space. Hotel silver brings a sense of elegance to your decor without feeling stuffy—think bowls filled with citrus or nuts on your bar, or small cups and vases acting as bud vases throughout your home. Pottery—whether blue and white, patterned, or classic white—can be displayed in a variety of ways. Showcase pitchers and bowls on an étagère alongside your everyday china, use a large pitcher for flowers, or small dishes for salt and pepper in the kitchen. The key is using these items daily. Making them functional as well as decorative ensures they aren’t just for display, but part of your lived-in space.

Now that you have the tools to begin collecting, here are some of our favorite items to seek out and where to find them. Plates and pottery are two of the main collections my mom and I both enjoy. For classic, colorful florals, Indigo Seas in Los Angeles is a great option. They supply the plates used at The Ivy Restaurant, and they’re incredibly cheerful! For a more subdued pattern, check out Burleigh Pottery, made in England, where you can find everything from vases to teacups and plates. My favorite is their Pink Asiatic Pheasants pattern. If you’re in the market for copper pots and pans, Williams Sonoma offers gorgeous new options, while Etsy is perfect for antiqued finds. For classic white pottery, Hudson Grace has beautiful pieces at great prices. And if you’re a fan of blue and white, Chairish and 1st Dibs are excellent resources if you can’t make it to a local estate sale or antique store. These websites are fantastic places to find a mix of new and vintage items for your collections.

Happy collecting—and remember, if it makes you happy, your home will feel happy too.

–Alexandra Macaluso / Lee Ann Thornton Interiors

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About Our Firm:

At Lee Ann Thornton Interiors, we specialize in creating homes that are filled with meaningful furnishings and charming details that inspire joy, comfort, and a sense of belonging. Led by the mother-daughter duo, Lee Ann and Allie, our boutique firm brings a warm, thoughtful approach to every project. Having spent part of their lives on the West Coast, their designs reflect a bi-coastal sensibility, blending the best of both coasts in a unique and inviting way.

About Lee Ann
Founder & Partner

Lee Ann’s approach to design is celebratory and life-affirming. As an avid designer, mother, cook, and hostess, she invites her clients into spaces that are designed not only for living but for creating lasting memories. Whether it’s fresh flowers from the garden, rattan accents, or shirred lampshades, Lee Ann believes that every detail is essential to making a house truly feel like home. With over twenty years of experience in the industry, her clients trust her implicitly to transform their most cherished spaces into personal sanctuaries.

About Allie:
Partner

Allie knew from an early age that she wanted to be an interior designer. With Lee Ann as her creative guide, she was inspired throughout her childhood and developed a deep passion for design. Allie joined the firm in 2016, initially serving as a project manager and designer, before becoming a partner. She brings a fresh, preppy, and bohemian style to the team—a dynamic complement to Lee Ann’s timeless, classic approach to decorating. Together, they create spaces that are both innovative and enduring.

Connect with Lee Ann Thornton Interiors

Website: LeeAnnThornton.com

Instagram: @LeeAnnThorntonInteriors

Photos provided by: Kelsey Rose & Read Mckendree