While I appreciate the beauty of any room with the right furniture, proper scale, beautiful wall color or covering and plenty of natural light, my heart skips a beat when it comes to accessories.

Joni of Cote de Texas displays some of her collections in her book case.  The vintage globes and bronze figures lure you into this corner of her family room, I want to have a closer look and my overall impression is that this is a room I’d be comfortable in.  I love the ambiance of this room!

I’m not sure where this comes from since my mom had more of a minimalist approach to accessorizing, but I really love collections out on display in most any room.  Antique or vintage items complete a space for me, the icing on the proverbial cake.

 Dan Carithers

(Below) Dan Marty is one of my favorite “detail/accessory” designers.  There is magic to his assemblage of baskets, vintage medicine bottles, books and shells.

Dan Marty

The challenge for me has always been getting the “arrangement” just right.  I have a few friends that seem to have mastered the skill, or were born with the artistic talent for compiling items in such a pleasing way that you want to study what they’ve accomplished.

I began collecting bronze-like dogs and other creatures some time ago.  I find they are increasingly expensive and sometimes hard to find, but the quest is more than half the fun, don’t you agree?

 I don’t have to tell you that blog land is filled to the brim with amazingly talented folks that have a knack for vignettes.  In fact, one of my favorite “must read” sites are titled Vignette Design.  Delores has the gift for arranging her treasures beautifully.  Another favorite is The Polohouse, a new site to me.  Alison is a designer and I share her love for all things traditional English Country style.  I can always depend on a visit to her site fill my mind with inspiration for my own home.  Jermaine, at French Kissed is a stylist and her vignettes and her photography guarantee beautiful eye candy.

Vignette Design

The Polohouse

Photo by Jermaine of French Kissed

My Friend, Carla, has a collection of Staffordshire figures that rivals any I’ve seen.  Little Red Riding Hood and her twins reside near her stove, their cape guards them from the heat!

My friend, Linda, just started collecting French confit jars.  I hope to visit her (Bainbridge Island) in the fall and can take some pictures of her home for you.

Even a collection of cloth bound books can bring interest when placed on a table or shelf with fresh flowers.

Ralph Lauren

I love this shell collection in this vintage urn…so pretty.

New England Home

Bottom line, rooms, at least for me, are so appealing with just the right amount of detail.  Collections of those things that are dear to you, found while traveling, inherited, scavenged from antique stores and discoveries along life’s path make a home more interesting and welcoming.