The Story Objects Tell: Curating Spaces with Memories, Not Just Furniture
Lets Talk about using personal items, heirlooms, or travel finds to create a home that truly reflects someone’s life.
I'm Rachel, and for me, interior design has always been less about trends and more about truth. When I sit down to design a space—whether it’s for a client or just rethinking my own living room—I always start with one thought: A home should be a living memoir. It should be a three-dimensional autobiography of the people who live there.
The truth is, a house filled with catalogue-perfect furniture can look beautiful, but it often feels soul-less. It's the personal, often imperfect objects that carry weight, history, and meaning that truly transform a house into a home.
Beyond the Showroom: Why Personal Items Matter
The biggest difference between a space that's staged and a space that’s lived is the presence of objects that start conversations, remind us of journeys, and anchor us to our personal history. I call this curating with memories, not just materials.
1. Heirlooms: A Thread to the Past
I absolutely love working with heirlooms. They are more than just old items; they’re tangible connections to your family's history, bringing a sense of continuity and warmth that no brand-new piece ever could.
The Reimagined Piece: Don't hide that antique chest or your grandmother's favourite armchair in the attic. Let's find a way to make it relevant now. We can reupholster that classic chair in a stunning, modern fabric, giving it a fresh new life while still respecting its legacy. It becomes a design statement, not just a relic.
Layering History: I love pairing something old and deeply personal—like a framed, handwritten letter or an antique lace cloth—with a piece of contemporary art. It creates this rich, beautiful conversation between your past and your present.
2. Travel Finds: Souvenirs of the Soul
The objects we pick up on our journeys are silent narrators of our adventures. They capture the spirit of a place and bring the world right into our homes.
Thoughtful Display: I always advise against "souvenir clutter." Instead, focus on one powerful piece. Give that stunning piece of pottery from Morocco or that beautifully woven textile from Peru space to breathe. Treat it like the piece of art it is.
Design Influence: A vibrant piece of jewellery or a unique colour found on a beach can literally become the colour palette for an entire room. Your travel memories shouldn't just sit on a shelf—they should inspire the design.
3. Everyday Objects: Elevating the Mundane
Even the simplest items can contribute to the narrative of your home if they're displayed thoughtfully.
Book Stacks: Your books—the ones with dog-eared pages and notes in the margins—reflect your real interests and passions. They aren't just filler; they are evidence of a curious mind. I love designing custom shelving that turns a well-loved book collection into a prominent, welcoming feature.
Curated Collections: If you collect vintage cameras, ceramic mugs, or records, group them together. When they are organized and displayed as a collection, they stop being random items and start being a cohesive, personal installation that tells a beautiful story about your passions.
My Personal Design Philosophy
My process always begins not with a measuring tape, but with a conversation about you. I want to know about your favourite trips, the stories behind your knick-knacks, and the family you wish to remember.
For me, authenticity is the ultimate form of luxury. By prioritizing your memories over momentary trends, I make sure that every space I design tells a story that is genuinely yours—a story that comforts, evolves, and inspires you every single day.