Curated collections need not come at a huge cost

The nature of trends is that they’re often multipronged, blurring the boundaries the typically exist between often compartmentalised areas of our lives. While some may associate ideas like storytelling with, say, website design or Instagram, it makes sense that this trend has found its tie into home décor.

Stylist Kate Alexander believes the rise in creating these carefully curated collections is due to buyers getting sick of seeing the ‘same old same old’ from larger decorating chains.

“All the big-box shops are following the same trends and essentially selling the same things. Social media has severely shrunk the timeline between a trend being recognized and homeware brands producing their version of the trend. We’re rebelling by searching out products that have a story, items we can be proud to own.”

She also thinks it helps that the people who are making handmade items are more accessible now. “We meet them on social media and observe their creative journey. I’m excited this has become a trend because I’m a big believer in supporting artisans, they make our homes, and lives far more interesting and colourful,” says Kate.

A balance between minimalism and maximalism, a curated collection is generally comprised of an edited-down, manageable number of possessions. While it doesn’t need to be perfectly Instagrammable, there are a few easy design strategies you can put to work to help your collection look for cohesive.

“There is definitely no right or wrong way to do it, says Kate. “But it is harder than it looks to mix mass produced and artisan items together seamlessly.”

She suggests starting with any mass produced items you own as the base of your display then show off your more unique items around them. “A one-off object deserves to be put on display so give it pride of place by lighting it well, placing it on top of a pile of books or a tray. Give it room to shine and don’t drown it out by surrounding it with too many other things.”

Repetition is one of the key tenements of interior design, a principle that can be followed by professions and layman alike. It’s accomplished by repeating shapes, forms, patterns, colours or themes within a space – and it works best when its employed in concert with another key design principle: the ‘rule of three’.

Luckily, you don’t always need to buy new things to get in on this trend. Upcycling something you already have with a lick of paint could be just the thing to make your collection of home décor items feel cohesive. Plus, employing this strategy is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to build upon a colour scheme.

“Updating or upcycling your furniture with a new shade of wood stain or freshening it up with your favourite new paint colour is a great way to makeover what you have with little impact on the environment,” says stylist Amber Armitage.

If you are in need of an instant makeover and just want a change, before purchasing more things, consider what you can do with what you already have. Amber suggests reworking your displays using what you have hidden in storage. “Try using a trolley or sideboard and restyling it with vintage treasures that you might have tucked away.”

“And when considering your next purchase, don’t just think about new but think about adding cool vintage pieces to your collection. With so many great stores around that sell either beautiful mid-century furniture or vintage finds from far and wide it would be crazy to not consider these options. With so much history and craftmanship in these older pieces, they really add some magic to an interior space,” says Amber.

“Always be looking, and buy something if you like it,” Kate recommends. “It’s like you never find the right dress when you go shopping for a new outfit – you find it when you just happened to pop-in in to a shop you walked past because something in the window caught your eye.”

“Embrace it as a life-long approach rather than a trend. A home of curated objects cannot be created overnight. Work hard to decipher what is really you and what brings you pleasure to look at, buy when you travel, and enjoy the hunt – some of my favourite pieces are just that due to the story behind how I found them.”

If you have like-minded upcycling friends, consider starting a Facebook group to let each other know when you have furniture or decorative painted items you’re finished with and want to swap for something else. You’ll each come home with something new to you without having to spend money or send something that still has plenty of life in it off to the landfill. Remember, if it’s the wrong colour, you can always paint it.

Try one of these colourful ideas for bringing your curated treasures the attention they deserve:

• Repurpose unused bed linen, curtains or clothing into cushion covers, placemats or even upholstered stool tops and chair bases.

• Use up your test pot leftovers with some home-made artworks on canvas or card. A great way for the kids to get involved in decorating their own rooms. You can even re-use these for new artworks at a later date by re-painting them with a primer and starting again.

• A collection of old cake tins can double as great planters for succulents and cacti. Don’t use non-stick ones as they’ll need sanding. Then paint in your favourite colours. Maybe try some on-theme desert shades.

Top tip:  Make your own DIY artwork to complement or coordinate with an existing favourite. Or, make a whole set of artworks that go together as a collection using the same collection of Resene paint colours.

December 10, 2019

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