One-Color Collections
I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst, and a stay-at-home mom.
I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst,... More »
I'm a big fan of collections. For one thing, I like the idea of having something—whether it's seafood forks or sea glass—to search for at flea markets and junk stores.
But I also love the way carefully curated collections look when they're on display. They tell a story (and I love a story) and when put together nicely, they make fabulous design elements.
One particular type of collection makes an especially nice design statement: the monochromatic sort. There's something visually arresting about a collection that's all one specific color—it hangs together and gives a room focus.
Here are a few examples of great one-color collections. Please share more in the comments!
But I also love the way carefully curated collections look when they're on display. They tell a story (and I love a story) and when put together nicely, they make fabulous design elements.
One particular type of collection makes an especially nice design statement: the monochromatic sort. There's something visually arresting about a collection that's all one specific color—it hangs together and gives a room focus.
Here are a few examples of great one-color collections. Please share more in the comments!
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| A plain white wall is boring (even next to a classic red chair). But a wall covered in shelves holding a pristine collection of white pieces? That adds texture and interest without clutter. |
Gorgeous old bottles are a great collectors' item—they're fun to search for and look great in small groups. I love this greenish-blue cluster.
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This collection of bottles and vases isn't strictly monochromatic, but each shelf also would be great on its own.
by Global Living
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Red makes a strong statement. This display is set up for a shop, but I also like the idea of lining a staircase (indoors or out) with a collection like this.
I love the way this collection works with neutral colors, adding just a little more intensity.
by Pierce Allen
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This white collection is perfect against the lovely orange wall.
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| China is a fantastic thing to collect—it looks great on display and you can use it, too. I'm actually planning to start my own collection of oyster plates—functional and gorgeous! |
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| More china—it's perfect dining room decor. |
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This is Susan's house (between naps on the porch). The frames work together to create a sense of warmth up the steps.
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| Confession time: As a kid, I was obsessed with the Horchow catalog, especially the bedrooms filled dynastic China-inspired pottery. This collection (which is probably NOT from Horchow) makes my 10-year-old self happy. |
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Just a few white pitchers spruce up this kitchen.
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I love pieces with history. This vignette shows how color can unify any kind of collection.
Comments
Karen This makes me happy. I just started collecting Fenton hobnail milk glass pieces. Only four so far, but I really like the way they look when all grouped together. :)
3 years ago · Like
Karen Evans Like Keoleri, I collect milk glass pieces. During the summer months I like to remove my books and other accessories in order to display just these pieces.
3 years ago · Like
lynn-anne bruns love it.
3 years ago · Like
Jamie Winter If you put candles in the milk glasses and group them all together and light them all, you have a beautiful lighted display, looks wonderful.
3 years ago · Like
marjorierecker I love to have something tolook for at garage sales too...
3 years ago · Like
Danielle Lantonio the idea of monochromatic schemes is a great way to add unity without an over whelming clutter feeling.
3 years ago · Like
Mike An easy fix: If you have several different pieces that you've collected over the years and don't know what to do with them, buy a can of spray paint and make them your very own monochromatic collection. My wife and I had several items that we collected over the years and didn't want them anymore. Then we thought instead of throwing them out and starting over we gave them a new life with a bright yellow coat of paint. We now carry this yellow through out the bottom floor of our house with white walls and black furniture.
3 years ago · Like
Ideabook updated on Oct. 16, 2010.
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