An assortment of black and white porcelain and ceramic vases, coffee sets, plates, bowls, faux coral, and sculpted animal figures is displayed on two long, white open shelves

Why Do We Collect?

Collections can announce status or pedigree, family connections, or wealth and material success. They imply characteristics we’re keen to possess (or wish we did). Some remind us of favorite characters, both fictional and real. Collections make silent statements about our interests, values, upbringing, social status, obsessions, and senses of humor.

Close-up image of Laura Grey's face. She has long dark-blonde hair and is wearing rimless eyeglasses. She is looking at the camera and smiling broadly.

Laura Grey, Editor and Publisher

Welcome! It’s great to have you here. I look forward to sharing insights, discoveries, and tips about the world of interior design, decor, and home and garden maintenance with you. I will do all I can to make At Home with Style your go-to spot for design and decor inspiration, tips, history, and sourcing. I’ll […]

A close-up of pale blue, lavender, and clear antique bottles clustered together shows cloudiness and some iridescence inside the bottles. Bottles are embossed with images and names of their former contents.

Cleaning Cloudy Glass and “Sick Glass”

Q: A few of my favorite vases are cloudy below the waterline, and some have white horizontal lines. I also have a collection of antique bottles—most have patches that look like they’re coated with a white film. I’ve tried soaking them in soapy water and using bottle brushes to clean them inside. Nothing works! Can […]

An assortment of instruments in the lute family plus a long brass horn and a large gourd shaker hang from hooks on a wall

Musical Instruments Make Great Home Decor

Q: Everyone in my house is a musician. That means we have instruments, cases, and music all over the place. I’d love to put our instruments on display instead of having all this musical stuff get in the way. Any ideas on how to make our love of music into a decorating feature, instead of […]