Most of us have sentimental items. Often these items hold memories of time spent with the people we love and cherish or events we attended that brought us joy. In reality though, these items are often tucked away where no one sees them and we “stumble upon them” when looking for something else we are needing.
Custom designing a new home or completing a large renovation can provide the perfect opportunity to create a special place for you to display your treasured items. In this way you honour the memory and create an opportunity to share those memories with others when they are in your home. Your home should reflect who you are today yet that can include meaning items from your past that delight your heart.
Artworks and Photos
Framed pieces of artwork or photos can be display in different ways and may require unique build elements to achieve your desired result:
- If you are building a traditional home a picture rail may provide the right design element to hang items. Done the right way, and with the right colour palette, a picture rail can make a space look larger and be a design feature in your home. Having picture rails also means you never have to find the stud!
- In a modern home you might like to incorporate slimline shelving to display multiple related items together. When incorporated into the design your builder can ensure the shelving is erected professionally to withstand the test of time.
- “Good old hooks”, while convenience, need to be installed according to the weight and size of the item being hung. To ensure special items aren’t going to be damaged, or damage the wall, your builder can prepare the space for you.
If you have heirloom artworks and/or photos it is good to consider whether you want to display, store or pass on items so you have clarity on what will remain in your new home. If you decide to keep them and possibly make them a feature in a particular room it is a good idea to discuss your desire with your builder when designing the space.
Displaying Items
The way you display items depends on the type or item you have and it’s purpose today.
For instance, consider Great Grandma’s china set. You might create a kitchen display cabinet with lighting where you can see it and enjoy reflecting on memories past. Or, you may place somewhere convenient so you can use it when gathering with family or friends. In this way you celebrate the past and create new memories with those present with you today.
There is no right or wrong here. Whether to simply display or use is personal choice. What matters is your treasured items have a meaningful place in your home.
However you desire to display items of meaning or heirloom pieces in your home begin the journey by talking with your professional builder during the design concept meeting. Sharing some Pinterest images of display methods you like, or showing your builder items in your existing home you’d like to incorporate, if a good first step. Custom designing the right space for personal items that carry memories can help you feel at immediately at home.
Creating your new home as a reflection of who your are can be achieved by incorporating spaces that highlight special memories from your past as well as curating space for new memories made. Being in your home should bring your joy!
