Collecting by Color

Happy Monday, everyone! I arrived back from AltSummit feeling excited, energized, and eminently grateful for the opportunity to bask in the presence of so many friends and respected colleagues. Of course I also made time to hit up Salt Lake City's fabulous antiques shopping scene. A highlight? Retro Rose, a vintage housewares shop organized entirely by color!

As I plumbed the depths of Retro Rose's rainbow of displays, I got to thinking about how color can be a terrific guiding light for the amateur collector. Sure it's lovely to assemble a priceless grouping of 18th century Wedgwood Jasperware, but it's equally satisfying--and much more accessible--to mix pieces of different styles and eras, all united by a single favorite hue.

You don't even need a zillion items to give impact to a monochromatic collection. Here a small handful of sweet vases and knickknacks makes for a charming turquoise and gold vignette. Add a stand-out treasure in a complimentary hue--in this case a yellow figurine--for extra pow.

Glassware in a range of amber and smoke tones gives this console a modern yet historied feel. The hodgepodge of various shapes and silhouettes is a feast for the eyes, and classically shaped lamps in solid black give weight to the ethereal quality of the glass.

A serene and soothing display of canning jars and crockery looks even better when bound by a palette of robin's egg and yellowware. Consider mixing several smaller, less expensive pieces in one hue (ie. the jars) with a couple larger, pricier items in another (ie. the mixing bowls). It's a budget savvy way to make your collection seem larger than it really is.

Not everything in your collection must have an antique pedigree. A massing of bowls from inexpensive sources such as Target or Anthropologie provides oomph, while items such as a cake stand and enamel stock pot offer a unique vintage feel.

Collections are often like potato chips--once you get started it's hard to stop! Above, each shelf is organized according to a different shade, and below, the graphic appeal of floral plates make them a handy stand-in for wallpaper.

Tell me: do you have any collections? If so, what are your organizing principles? I've been building a few of my own, and if the sun ever comes out here in San Francisco, I'll take some photos and share!

P.S. For more vintage eye candy, check out the next installment in the series of inspiration boards I created for Project Wedding!

Image Credits: 1, 7. Flea Market Style 2, 4. Martha Stewart 3. A Passion for Collecting 5, 6. Country Living 8. Vogue Living: Houses, Gardens, People

Comments

[Camberley, The Bella Life]

What a great post! The last two photographs are amazing. I would love to have a collection of china on display....someday...

[Cassandra]

Lovely post. One of my favorite things is my collection of glass vases. Now if I only lived near retro rose, I could slip a few more home..........

[Ta]

Oh my. Everything is so lovely! I adore Wedgewood. The white china is great too.

[Emily]

Goodness, these are some great pictures! I've been trying to think more about color themes as I add to my home decor. Of course, once you have a color theme in mind, it can be an adventure trying to find the right pieces at the right price!

[laura trevey]

I always love blue and white together ~~

[Jaime]

I would love to visit that shop... how brilliant to organize by color!

[erin]

the shot of the canning jars and yellowware is my favorite. i have a few tiny collections--but it's such a fine line between feeling like i have a robust collection and just feeling cluttered. for me, small collections of meaningful pieces are the nicest.

[Jenny]

So pretty!

[Susan]

wow, amazing photos! I love that old kitchen cabinet so much.
have a sweet day, xoxo

[Rachel (heart of light)]

Love color collections! I would have been lost forever in that shop.

[Brandi]

This is so something that I would do. I could tell you right now that my collection would contain blues and greens and some purples (well, the purplish-blue ones at least). That second-to-last photo takes my breath away. There's enough there for me to open a little bakery and entertain people at my home with delicious dinners...

[Jessica]

Welcome back! This is incredibly inspiring. I keep thinking that I want to start a collection, but I can never identify a particular item I want to collect. This is a great way to look at it.

[jules @ The Diversion Project]

gorgeous images Anne, love the jadeite collection - looks amazing on the dark timber.

julesxx

[Heidi]

I collect paintings of ballerinas that I find in antique stores. Does four make a collection? I love your idea of color as a guiding principle.

[alex]

Oooh I love collections and I love these photos. I collect too many things:

+ vintage celluloid rhinestone bangles from the 20s
+enamel flower pins from the 60s/70s
+ franciscan ware china (the starburst pattern)
+ Goofy grape cups
+ vintage clothing
+ Blythe dolls
+ paint by number paintings
+ 70s 8 track tape players & tvs
+ vintage cook books

ahhhhh! the list goes on and on. The hardest thing is finding a way to display things artfully. My vintage clothing isn't displayed, it's on several racks....but the other things I display on shelves or on my dresser. What do you collect?

[64gb usb flash drive]

I could tell you right now that my collection would contain blues and greens and some purples (well, the purplish-blue ones at least). That second-to-last photo takes my breath away. There's enough there for me to open a little bakery and entertain people at my home with delicious dinners.

[KristaHW]

Our buy thesis is experienced but the organization thank you a lot for the perfect release like this good post. So, after that some students really get know about buy dissertation and buy term paper.

[online public health degree]

Couldn’t be written any better. Reading this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!

[Retro Rose]

I work at an anique shop in Salt Lake City... articles like this one'inspire and refresh our design ideas for our stores. Thank you! Tabitha from Retro Rose on Broadway

[Cheap Wicked Tickets]

Every day I do try to look for the knowledge like that,I liked the posts and cool layout you have here! I would like to thank you for sharing your experience and the time it took to post!! Two Thumbs up!

[Supra Skytop 2]

Patience and application will carry us through.

[Crossbow]

I am glad to found such useful post. I really increased my knowledge after read your post which will be beneficial for me.

[Eid Messages]

I truly enjoyed this. It has been extremely informative as well as useful.thanks for sharing the information.

[High School Diploma]

Great information. Thanks for sharing such a useful information with us. Keep up the good work and continue providing us more quality information from time to time.

[resume writing service]

The collections on these photos are totally amazing! I wish there was a way to arrange my collection in such a way too. But as I'm collecting funny phrases people say, I don't think it's possible

[Zach Fox]

Great post! Here's a link for an alternative to a GED online.

http://www.gedonlinetest.org

[wedding dresses]

There's enough there for me to open a little bakery and entertain people at my home with delicious dinners

[cubicle curtains]

Thanks for the information in this blog.Once again you have proved your efficiency and excellency in your blog work.Keep it up. Since I am the frequent visitor for this blog Waiting for some more new posts from you.You made some very useful and interesting points within your post. I like the way of your explanation. Very useful for all readers.

[cubicle curtains]

This is such a nice and Informative, amazing blog. I like it so much. its really very informative. The topic you have discuss is very sensitive and important. You have describe it in very good manner. I appreciate your hard works. thanks for all this.

[couples counseling]

I feel pleasure to visit here. Its really Informative and appropriating Post. I read completely and try to understand all points. although they all are in simple words. Your website is very interesting. I liked your website a lot. The post is pretty interesting. I really never thought I could have a good read by this time until I found out this site. I am grateful for the information given. Thank you for being so generous enough to have shared your knowledge with us.
From all the remarks in your articles, it appears such as this is often a very popular website. Keep up the truly amazing work.

[cubicle curtains]

I feel pleasure to visit here. shears
Its really Informative and appropriating Post. I read completely and try to understand all points. although they all are in simple words. Your website is very interesting. I liked your website a lot. The post is pretty interesting. I really never thought I could have a good read by this time until I found out this site. I am grateful for the information given. Thank you for being so generous enough to have shared your knowledge with us.
From all the remarks in your articles, it appears such as this is often a very popular website. Keep up the truly amazing work.

[save my marriage]

This was very informative. I have been reading your blog a lot over the past few days and it has earned a place in my bookmarks. It is wonderful.I learn a lot from it.thanks for sharing the article.
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message home a little bit, but other than that, this is great blog. A great read. I will certainly be back

[getting a dealer license in california]

very nice and awesome blog form you dear i like it and appreciate you on this so i would like to thank you for sharing it with us so nicely blog about new technology is great i like all new technologies so i want that keep it up dear for us

[marriage problems]

I want shears
to thank you for a nice article. I am very pleased to have this opportunity cubicle curtains
to read your article, it is a piece of very good marriage counseling
articles, thanks for your sharing! Wonderful content. Will need some time to ponder this blog!! I’ve been checking your blog for a while now, seems like every day I learn something new Thanks. retail management system

[medical office administrator]

forma de blog muy bonito e impresionante querida me gusta y agradezco que en este modo, quisiera darle las gracias por compartirlo con nosotros tan bien blog acerca de la nueva tecnología es grande me gusta todas las nuevas tecnologías, así que quiero que mantener querido para nosotros

[時計 コピー]

男性のための最高の時計は、オンラインで購入しましたが買い物客には非常に高い価格で偽のブライトリングのスーパーコピー時計を購入する可能性が常に存在するので、非常に注意する必要がありますすることができます。

[literature review]

The in depth analysis that you have given is of great value to me. Keep the world updated with the information, I think you have a great amount of knowledge and people like can learn a lot from you now.

[Online Diploma]

ohh, So Surprise to use color with different different light and decoration.

[How to get rid of period cramps]

I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoyed every little bit of it, I have you bookmarked to check out all the new stuff you post.

[wedgwood]

The collection of this stuff,is quite impressive because is not easy to collect this things in our modern age.I like the photo and the content on this blog.!!

[Ab Workout Machines]

Brilliant information. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[ウブロ コピー]

腕時計集中的に
HP：http://jp-watch777.com ブランドコピー時計

[Essay]

You might like to try the following link. It provides guidance, with worked examples, on understanding what the examiner seeks and writing in an academic manner. If in doubt can always ask tutors whether it's advice applies in your discipline and institution.
Essay

[corporate logo designs]

You have done a Great job, keep doing more work like this! Thanks...

[design business logo]

It’s really amazing picture so beautiful photography .keep it...

[step in writing eassy service]

Excellent posting here people will get lot of information with the help of posted information & topics from this blog. Nice work. Keep it going.

[robert]

Thank you for sharing such an informative content; it is really interesting. Please visit my

signature website for best services regarding GED Online, Online diploma, High School Diploma, High

School Diploma Online, Get GED Online, Online GED, Earn your GED Online, Take GED Online, Online

High School, Online GED Program, Accredited GED, Accredited High School Diploma, Accredited GED

Online, Accredited high school diploma online, GED tests online, High school diploma at home, Get

high school diploma online, GED online testing and Online high school diploma programs.