The most important part about anything bought along the way is the story attached to it. So always try to record, at the minimum, where you purchased, the date, and what you paid. More interesting, of course, is who you were with and what was the occasion. What inspired you to pick up this treasure? You might be surprised to learn how fascinating goods can become once you know their history. It is much like antiquing, the value comes in knowing the provenance of the piece. These stories will be lost if you don’t take care to write them down and protect them, however insignificant you think they may sound, someone later may be endeared by it. (I still regret no knowing the stories behind many of the cherished elements I inherited some fifteen years ago, when my mother died suddenly. While certainly she had shared the tales while we were growing up, like most children, especially teenagers, I didn’t pay attention, not realizing, I wouldn’t get a chance to ask again. And, she had great stories!)

It is always more interesting and personal to be able to incorporate your own trips and adventures in your interior than merely fill it with a lot of meaningless but pretty decorative elements. I often work with clients in displaying collections they have created and mementos they have saved. Those who do not have as many, I encourage to seek out what means something them, and I also take care to bring them elements that speak to their interests and preferences, sometimes their hopes and dreams. We all reflect what we surround ourselves with, it is up to us to make sure it inspires and makes us smile.

Happy trails!

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