I’m one of those people who can’t resist having at least a few cute, funky, wacky objects at home. They might be completely impractical, but they deliver huge doses of endorphins every time I look at them.
And really, if something makes you happy, is it ever truly useless? I don’t think so.
On my own shelves, you’ll find painted stones from beach holidays, random little trinkets, witty posters, and a small collection of silly fake plant toys.
Since I share the apartment with a cat, real plants are unfortunately off the table, but at least these quirky stand-ins never die. Plus, they’ve become great conversation starters whenever guests drop by.
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That urge to collect things—whether they’re ridiculous objects you’d happily “take 12 of” or sentimental keepsakes—is deeply human. We’ve always gathered, created, and passed things down through generations to make our homes feel more like ours.
Sure, sometimes the results can be a little questionable (say, a very unusual toilet paper holder), but that’s exactly what makes them whimsical and fun.
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In a wonderful piece for Architectural Digest, Sandy Sanchez explores this instinct to surround ourselves with trinkets and knickknacks. She highlights how different people see collecting not just as a hobby, but as something that brings real joy.
Georgia Somary, Los Angeles–based interior stylist and designer behind Earl Grey Studio, describes the urge to collect as inevitable.
“Collecting is such a part of the human identity, and the desire to display things even in a minimal space is in our nature—even if that’s a singular, thoughtfully displayed object,” she told Architectural Digest. “From childhood, most of us collect something, be it pebbles or stickers—often things you appoint your own value to.”
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Helaina Ferraioli, who grew up in her parents’ Brooklyn vintage shop Yesterday’s News, believes that “knickknacks are makers of identity and home.”
“They are semipublic displays of interests, taste, and love,” she told Architectural Digest. “They are splatters of joy throughout a space. Some personal items are tucked into closets and shoved into drawers, but a person’s knickknacks are those items they hope to witness and live among every day.”
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And when you think about it, isn’t that wonderful? In an age where so much of our lives exist in the cloud—music on streaming services, photos on our phones—having tangible, quirky little objects feels grounding.
Over time, they carry warm memories, connecting us to people and places. That makes even the silliest knickknack worth it.
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Of course, Sanchez notes that even with knickknacks, there are a few principles that can make collecting them more meaningful.
First, let trinkets reflect your personality. “Whether you’re embracing burl wood finishes or Middle Ages Modern aesthetics, it’s you who shines through the decor to make the space feel like you-core,” Sanchez writes. Show off your character, mix and match, and don’t be afraid to display what makes you smile.
