When you practice interior design for a time, you see lots of collections gathered by your clients. Last week, I saw a Seattle client’s doll collection representing dolls gifted to her by great aunts.  I took note how she displayed them neatly behind glass in a cabinet on the second floor. We collect photos, plates, books and often some funky stuff specific to our personality, memories and passions like nothing else for display in the home. Our collections make us different and special.;-) And, when our family and friends discover our passion for something, watch out! Suddenly the collection moves into high speed.

“People accumulate without really knowing what they’re going to do with it or where to put it,” says Kevin Sharkey, executive editorial director of decorating for Martha Stewart Living. Without knowing what to do, our collections end up in storage or boxes in closets and that window into our personality is hidden from our homes.

Displaying a collection requires self discipline and a great deal of editing. When you finish you have a wonderful depiction of your personality on display. Here are some tips and examples to get started:

• Group like things
• Edit and purge
• Use color to unite
• Use open shelves and lighting to accent