Beyond the Blueprint: Building a Space with Collected Pieces
Creating a cohesive interior can often feel like a complex task. Many assume that a detailed plan, meticulously laid out from the beginning, is essential. However, at Collected West, we advocate for a different approach: building a home that evolves organically, centered around pieces you genuinely connect with.
This isn't about following a strict blueprint. It's about letting a space grow, reflecting your unique taste by integrating items that, over time, tell a story. This dining room is a clear example of that process.
The Foundation: Fine Art First
For this space, the design journey didn't begin with furniture or a color palette; it began with fine art. Pieces like the Caroline Pinney and John Stahly works were acquired because they simply stopped us in our tracks. These weren't chosen to fit a room that existed yet; they were chosen because they resonated deeply and felt like long-term investments in items that made us happy. They became the initial, unspoken anchors.
Next Layer: The Rug's Enduring Appeal
Following the art, the rug entered the picture. We were drawn to its vibrant colors and classic Persian feel, providing both a foundational pattern and a rich palette to build upon. Like the art, this was a considered purchase, intended to be a lasting element within the home.
Seating: Consignment Finds and Happy Accidents
The dining chairs were discovered next at a local consignment shop. These pieces offered the right texture and subtle pattern play, ready to be integrated into the room's evolving character. When mixing patterns, it’s essential to use different scales to avoid it looking chaotic. Then came a truly unique find: the floral chair. This was a quirky thrift store score for just $5. While not a "forever piece," its vibrant pattern perfectly picked up colors already present in the art and rug, adding a joyful, unexpected pop. It’s a testament to how an affordable, spontaneous find can contribute significantly to a collected feel.
Grounded by Time: The Darker Portraits
Barbara Couse abstract that almost perfectly complements the Caroline Pinney shown above
Over the years, the darker portraits were collected during various visits to Round Top. These pieces, with their sense of history and depth, became grounding elements in the space. They provide a visual weight and a necessary contrast with lighter & more colorful elements.
The Serendipitous Match: Abstract Art
Finally, another unexpected gem arrived: the set of abstract pieces by Barbara Couse, found at a thrift shop. Despite their modest price, their value was recognized, and the colors almost perfectly matched the hues present in the Caroline Pinney art piece. This kind of serendipitous discovery is a hallmark of the collected approach – when disparate pieces, acquired at different times and price points, come together to create a cohesive & one-of-a-kind space.
Investing in What You Love, Over Time
It’s important to clarify: this isn't a guide to designing on a strict budget. A lot of these pieces were big investments for me. Instead, it highlights the philosophy that investing in pieces you genuinely love, slowly over the years, naturally results in a home that feels curated and collected. The fine art and the rug in this dining room have been cherished for many years. The other additions, while more affordable, were chosen for their immediate appeal and ability to complement existing pieces, offering flexibility to be swapped out over time if desired.
Developing Your Own Collected Space
If you're considering this approach for your own home, here are a few practical steps:
Identify Core Loves: Start with the pieces that truly resonate with you, whether they're art, a rug, or a cherished piece of furniture.
Acquire with Intention: Choose items you genuinely appreciate. The right place for them will often emerge as the room develops.
Build Layers Thoughtfully: Allow patterns, textures, and subtle colors to integrate naturally. Unexpected combinations can often add the most character and depth.
Embrace Evolution: Your home should reflect your journey. Allow it to adapt and grow with each piece you bring into it.
At Collected West, our aim is to cultivate homes that tell your story. It's about building a collection of pieces over time that contribute to a space that feels authentic to you.
A view into the collected dining room. There are still things I’d tweak, but I love where I am in the process.
