What is a Collected Style Home + 10 Tips

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A Collected Style Home is a testament to the art of intentional curation in home decor. It goes beyond mere furnishing; it’s about creating a space that tells a story. This design philosophy involves bringing together a curated home decor collection that includes vintage items, family heirlooms, and unique finds from various sources. 

The essence of a Collected Style Home lies in the deliberate effort to collect items that resonate with personal experiences and preferences. It’s about blending old and new, balancing visual elements, and creating a harmonious environment that feels both timeless and contemporary. In essence, a Collected Style Home is a reflection of the dweller’s journey. Each piece contributes to a narrative of individuality and a sense of warmth that comes from a carefully assembled home.

In a recent post, I shared how to style a beautifully collected home & how it should reflect your personal style in your own home. Being a collector and lover of antiques & thrift finds used for home decor, there’s an undeniable thrill in the hunt for unique treasures that carry stories of the past. Many of my favorite things have been passed down from my family & proudly used for my home decor. It’s important for me to make my home feel warm & inviting while giving it visual interest.

What is a Collected Style Home

A “collected home” typically refers to a living space that has been curated and decorated with a mix of items that have been gathered over time, rather than a space where everything matches perfectly or follows a specific theme. The term implies a thoughtful and eclectic approach to decorating, where various pieces are chosen for their personal significance, aesthetic appeal, or sentimental value.

Key features of a collected home might include:

• Eclectic Style: The decor is a mix of different styles, eras, and influences. This can result in a unique and personalized aesthetic.
• Personalized Touch: The items in the home often have personal stories or connections to the homeowner, reflecting their interests, travels, and experiences.
• Vintage and Antique Finds: Collected homes may include vintage or antique furniture, accessories, and decor items that add character and history.
• Art and Artifacts: Artwork and cultural artifacts from various sources may be incorporated, contributing to a diverse and interesting visual narrative.
• Layered Look: Instead of a minimalistic approach, collected homes may have a layered and textured look, with different patterns, colors, and textures coexisting harmoniously.
• DIY and Upcycled Elements: Homeowners may incorporate do-it-yourself projects or repurposed items, adding a sense of creativity and sustainability.
• Comfortable and Lived-In Feel: Collected homes often feel inviting and comfortable, with a lived-in quality that comes from the gradual accumulation of meaningful items.
• Open to Change: The collected home is not static; it can evolve over time as new items are added or the homeowner’s tastes change.

The key to achieving a collected look is to balance diversity with cohesion

Creating a space that feels curated and intentional despite the variety of elements. It’s about expressing one’s personality and creating a home that tells a story. One interior designer known for embracing and popularizing the concept of a “collected home” is Emily Henderson. Emily Henderson is a well-known interior designer, stylist, and author. She often emphasizes the importance of creating spaces that feel personal and curated. She encourages the use of a mix of furniture styles, vintage finds, and unique decor items to achieve a collected and eclectic look.

“Your home should tell a story about who you are and what you love. Embrace the mix of styles, blend old and new, and surround yourself with pieces that hold personal meaning. A collected home is a reflection of your unique journey and experiences, where every item contributes to a rich tapestry of memories and individuality.” ~ Emily Henderson

Emily Henderson’s design philosophy often involves combining modern elements with vintage or antique pieces, incorporating items with sentimental value, and creating spaces that tell a story about the people who live there. She has a blog where she shares design tips, inspiration, and examples of her work, showcasing her talent for blending different styles to create visually interesting and personalized interiors.

10 Tips for Creative Ways for a Collected Style Home

1. Visual Balance:

Achieving a collected style home involves maintaining visual balance. Combine contrasting elements like old and new, textures, and patterns. Aim for a harmonious blend that feels curated but not cluttered. To avoid a cluttered look in a Collected Style Home, curate your collection thoughtfully. Select items that align with your aesthetic and hold personal meaning. Consider the overall balance of the room and use storage solutions to keep surfaces organized. Regularly edit your collection to maintain a curated and intentional appearance.

2. Treasures from Flea Markets:

Scout flea markets for unique finds. Embrace the thrill of discovering hidden gems that add character to your space. These eclectic pieces can be conversation starters and contribute to the collected aesthetic. A Collected Style Home is meant to evolve over time. As your tastes change and you acquire new items with personal significance, you can continue to add and rearrange elements. This adaptability allows your home to grow and reflect the changing chapters of your life.

3. Thrift Store & Antique Shop Finds:

Explore antique shops for timeless pieces. Antique furniture and decor often bring a sense of history and craftsmanship, enhancing the overall collected look of your home. A Collected Style Home doesn’t have to be expensive. Thrift store finds, DIY projects, and repurposed items can be just as impactful as high-end pieces. It’s about the thoughtful curation of items that resonate with you, regardless of their monetary value.

4. Family Heirlooms:

Incorporate family heirlooms into your design. These items not only hold sentimental value. But also contribute to a sense of continuity and personal history within your home. Whether it’s a cherished piece of furniture passed down through generations or a collection of vintage photographs, family heirlooms tell a story that transcends time.

Integrating these treasures into your decor not only adds a touch of nostalgia but also fosters a connection to your roots, creating a living space that is not just aesthetically pleasing but deeply meaningful. As you surround yourself with these pieces, each with its own unique history, your home becomes a living testament to the rich tapestry of your family’s journey, creating an environment that is both comforting and visually captivating.

5. Variety from Different Places:

Incorporate family heirlooms into your design. These items not only hold sentimental value but also contribute to a sense of continuity and personal history within your home. Whether it’s a cherished piece of furniture passed down through generations or a collection of vintage photographs, family heirlooms tell a story that transcends time. Integrating these treasures into your decor not only adds a touch of nostalgia but also fosters a connection to your roots, creating a living space that is not just aesthetically pleasing but deeply meaningful. 

6. The Charm of an Old Wooden Coffee Table:

Integrate an old wooden coffee table to anchor your living space. The warmth of wood finishes adds a timeless touch, creating a focal point that complements various design styles. A well-worn wooden coffee table not only exudes character but also brings a sense of history and authenticity to the room. 

It’s natural textures and rich tones seamlessly blend with diverse decor elements, offering a versatile foundation for your design. As the centerpiece of your living area, the old wooden coffee table not only serves a functional purpose but also invites an inviting and cozy atmosphere. Whether surrounded by contemporary furnishings or vintage finds, its enduring appeal bridges the gap between styles, making it a key player in achieving a collected and harmonious look for your living space.

7. Express Your Design Style:

Infuse your personal design style into the space. Whether it’s modern, bohemian, or traditional, let your preferences guide the selection of pieces for a home that truly reflects your taste. Mixing different design styles is a fundamental aspect of a Collected Style Home. Embrace the blend of modern and vintage, traditional and eclectic. The key is to maintain a sense of balance and cohesion through thoughtful arrangement and consideration of color and texture.

8. Curate Your Own Collections:

Develop your collections over time. Whether it’s a favorite book, art, or unique objects, curate your space with items that resonate with you, contributing to the individuality of your home. Source items from a variety of places. Mix and match pieces from different regions, cultures, and styles to create a diverse and visually intriguing environment. Explore flea markets, antique shops, and local artisans to discover unique pieces that resonate with your taste. 

This eclectic approach not only adds character to your home but also allows you to showcase your personal journey through a carefully curated collection of items with diverse origins, forging a space that is as unique as you are.

9. Elegance of an Antique Mirror or Light Fixture:

Invest in an antique mirror or unique light fixture. These statement pieces add a touch of elegance and can serve as focal points. Also, it enhances the overall charm of a collected room. An antique mirror, with its intricate craftsmanship and aged patina, not only reflects light but also brings a sense of history and sophistication to the space. Similarly, a distinctive light fixture becomes more than just a source of illumination. It becomes a work of art that draws attention and sparks conversation. 

These carefully chosen elements not only contribute to the aesthetic appeal but also act as anchors, tying together the eclectic mix of items in the room. With their ability to capture attention and add a touch of timeless beauty, an antique mirror or unique light fixture elevates the ambiance of a collected room, creating a space that is both visually captivating and rich in character.

10. Perfect Pieces for a Cozy Feel:

Choose pieces that evoke a cozy feel. Incorporate soft furnishings, gallery walls of family photos, and wicker baskets for a homey atmosphere that complements the collected aesthetic. Incorporate soft furnishings like throw blankets and cushions. 

Use warm colors, incorporate ambient lighting, and arrange furniture in a way that promotes conversation and comfort. Personal touches, such as family photos and cherished items, also contribute to a cozy atmosphere.

Final thoughts…

In exploring what a Collected Style Home truly entails, the easiest ways to achieve this distinctive interior design lie in embracing the best way to blend elements seamlessly. By curating a collection that mirrors unique tastes and preferences, each room can look effortlessly cohesive, offering a beautiful home that tells a personalized story. The key is to integrate a variety of pieces, from vintage treasures to family heirlooms, in a way that feels harmonious rather than chaotic. The best way to accomplish this is to allow individual preferences to guide the selection of items, creating a space that not only looks curated but also feels like a genuine reflection of personal style. In the end, a Collected Style Home is about more than just decor; it’s a journey of self-expression that transforms a house into a uniquely beautiful and inviting home.

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