“As fancy and shiny as technology and all things digital are, we are still drawn to small, meaningful objects. Maybe it’s because they just feel really good to hold, own, display, and love.” WOW I loved reading this entire topic, thank you for sharing your research. It made me want to read my coffee table book, “How To Live With Objects” again and again!
Fully agree! It's the little objects I've collected — like a tiny hand-painted bowl from Oaxaca — that I cherish the most. And they cost a fraction of the price of a sofa or chair. It truly is the little things in life that bring the most joy. 🥹
Any time I travel I always try to find an antique shop to visit. Collecting items that transcend culture and time, feels a little bit like time travel.
While reading this, I looked over to my credenza where I keep some of my knick knacks and my little clay dog from Mexico always brings me joy. When I finished reading your article, I saw that in the last photo you have the same exact one :)
As a child of immigrants in America and basements full of dusty-but-important boxes, I definitely have a tendency to collect trinkets and things but I also fear the result of hoarding for decades and then being inundated with having to let go at some point. Do you have some sort of cyclical process to renew and refresh these objects? Or have you noticed if they have a general lifespan on your shelves?
Same here! I'm also a child of immigrants and my parents have the garage filled with stuff haha. I think for me, I try to be careful of not hoarding too much because I don't want my space to feel as overwhelming as my parents'. And regarding letting go, I think some things do have a lifespan. I've had home decor items that I've sold or put out on the street whenever I'm doing a closet clean-out or moving apartments. Usually those are objects I found on the sidewalk, or I just happened to find them at a thrift store. I either outgrew them, or they had their time, but now it's time for someone else to enjoy them. But then there are some objects that have more sentimental value (either someone gifted it to me, or I got it while traveling) and those, I don't plan on letting go of.
Loved this! Would highly recommend watching Mina Le’s recent YouTube video “third places, stanley cup mania, and the epidemic of loneliness.” She dives into the human instinct to collect.. I think you’d love it!
“As fancy and shiny as technology and all things digital are, we are still drawn to small, meaningful objects. Maybe it’s because they just feel really good to hold, own, display, and love.” WOW I loved reading this entire topic, thank you for sharing your research. It made me want to read my coffee table book, “How To Live With Objects” again and again!
Ah thank you!! I've seen this book before and have always been curious about it! I need to check it out.
Fully agree! It's the little objects I've collected — like a tiny hand-painted bowl from Oaxaca — that I cherish the most. And they cost a fraction of the price of a sofa or chair. It truly is the little things in life that bring the most joy. 🥹
Omg that sounds so beautiful 🥹 There are such beautiful ceramics in Oaxaca! It’s those little things that feel so much more meaningful.
Any time I travel I always try to find an antique shop to visit. Collecting items that transcend culture and time, feels a little bit like time travel.
Yes definitely like time travel! The antique shops are always one of the best parts of traveling.
I wish I could this but I have cats 🥲
Omg 😭 So true, I always forget cats can jump everywhere lol
Loved reading this and the articles referenced! I love humans. Collectibles are such a fun way to learn about one another as well.
While reading this, I looked over to my credenza where I keep some of my knick knacks and my little clay dog from Mexico always brings me joy. When I finished reading your article, I saw that in the last photo you have the same exact one :)
Aww!! It's the best little knick knack :)
Gah yes I miss the beauty/ease of finding and putting things out on the street in nyc :’)
As a child of immigrants in America and basements full of dusty-but-important boxes, I definitely have a tendency to collect trinkets and things but I also fear the result of hoarding for decades and then being inundated with having to let go at some point. Do you have some sort of cyclical process to renew and refresh these objects? Or have you noticed if they have a general lifespan on your shelves?
Same here! I'm also a child of immigrants and my parents have the garage filled with stuff haha. I think for me, I try to be careful of not hoarding too much because I don't want my space to feel as overwhelming as my parents'. And regarding letting go, I think some things do have a lifespan. I've had home decor items that I've sold or put out on the street whenever I'm doing a closet clean-out or moving apartments. Usually those are objects I found on the sidewalk, or I just happened to find them at a thrift store. I either outgrew them, or they had their time, but now it's time for someone else to enjoy them. But then there are some objects that have more sentimental value (either someone gifted it to me, or I got it while traveling) and those, I don't plan on letting go of.
Loved this! Would highly recommend watching Mina Le’s recent YouTube video “third places, stanley cup mania, and the epidemic of loneliness.” She dives into the human instinct to collect.. I think you’d love it!
Omg thank you so much for this rec!! This sounds like something I'd love to see haha will watch it this week. ❤️