collections: how much is too much?

ceramic collection on white mantle. / sfgirlbybay

when it comes to collecting, i am guilty of it to be sure. but what is too much? when it has that effortless european look about it and feels ‘organically grown’ over time either through travel mementos or a true passion (like collecting books or art!) then it seems to me that’s just the right amount. sometimes we go overboard at the flea market and yard sales, but i think if there’s a cohesive look to our clutter — whatever you happen to collect, it’s all good. arrange ‘like objects’ together and the word collection really comes to mean something — it’s objets d’art rather than just a bunch of bric-a-brac that has no theme to it. i like these rooms because they do seem to manage their collections beautifully, and there seems to be a method to their madness. no hoarding or too many tchotchkes here. just oodles of style.

curated collection on white built-in shelving unit. / sfgirlbybay curated collection on large white open shelves. / sfgirlbybay curated collection with baroque gold mirror. / sfgirlbybay low green rolling cart with book collection and art objects. / sfgirlbybay curated art collection. / sfgirlbybay white hallway with book collection on bench. / sfgirlbybay inspiration wall with photos and keepsakes. / sfgirlbybay white wall with kimono and art objects. / sfgirlbybay art objects on marble mantle. / sfgirlbybay black mantle with wall hanging woven textile. / sfgirlbybay curated collections in vintage modern living room. / sfgirlbybay black low tables with candles, perfume and art objects. / sfgirlbybay