Infusing Personality and Soul with Art and Personal Treasures

In past conversations, I’ve shared some of my go-to tips for living with great art: many inspired by years of insight from my mom, Peppa Martin, an esteemed Art Advisor with a truly intuitive eye. We’ve explored how to curate meaningful collections, where to place statement pieces, and how to invest with both heart and head.

But one topic I’m particularly drawn to - one we haven’t fully unpacked yet - is how art lives alongside your personal treasures. I’m talking about family heirlooms, travel keepsakes, and those deeply sentimental objects that quietly carry your story. These pieces add soul; they connect the dots between generations and experiences. And in a beautifully designed home, they can hold just as much visual weight as the art on the walls.

Here’s how to bring those elements together in a thoughtful, elevated way:

Edit With Emotion, Not Excess
When it comes to personal objects, the temptation is to display everything. After all, they mean something to you. But like anything in design, restraint is key. Choose the items that spark emotion and speak to the energy you want your home to hold. Be just as intentional here as you are when selecting artwork: these are the pieces that should anchor a room, not overwhelm it.

Create Cohesion Through Curation
Building a layered, collected look means thinking like a curator. Whether it’s contemporary photography, inherited porcelain, or a 19th-century sideboard, the goal is to create a visual rhythm. Think about scale, palette, and placement. A truly elegant space tells a story through contrast: old and new, minimalist and ornate. That tension? That’s where the magic happens.

Style With Purpose
Have a collection of vintage cameras? A stash of old love letters or seashells from every beach you’ve visited? These are design opportunities. Display them in intentional ways: on open shelving, in a custom shadow box, or as part of a styled vignette. Giving your mementos a ‘moment’ makes them feel elevated, not cluttered.

Layer in Legacy
Family heirlooms - be it an antique rug, a hand-carved mirror, or your grandmother’s cane-back chair - add authenticity. These pieces carry stories. When paired with modern design elements, they strike a balance that feels both grounded and refined. Don’t shy away from the juxtaposition, and let history live alongside the now.

Make It Personal, But Polished
A gallery wall is a classic way to combine the personal with the curated. Mix fine art with family photos, prints, and even custom commissions. Add in a meaningful quote or something bespoke that feels truly you. The key here is cohesion: unified framing, a clear visual thread, and thoughtful spacing can make even the most eclectic wall feel refined.

The art of living beautifully isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence. When you surround yourself with things that matter, the space becomes more than just visually stunning, it becomes deeply yours. And in my opinion, that’s the true definition of luxury.

Do you have a family heirloom or meaningful object that holds a special place in your home? How have you incorporated it into your space, or how do you dream of doing so? Let’s share stories.

xo

Parris