Objects of Desire: A Journey Around the World

One of the greatest pleasures of collecting is discovering how objects from different places, cultures, and centuries can feel entirely at home together. The most compelling interiors are rarely assembled from a single country or period. Instead, they evolve over time, shaped by curiosity, careful observation, and an appreciation for exceptional craftsmanship wherever it may be found.

This quiet corner brings together Japanese studio pottery, English furniture and tea caddies, Belgian architectural fragments, a Dutch lamp, and French decorative objects dating from the 18th through the 20th centuries. Although each was created for a different purpose, by different hands, and in a different era, they share an enduring respect for proportion, material, and the artistry of the maker.

When thoughtfully composed, these objects begin to speak to one another. The rich textures of weathered oak, warm walnut, burnished bronze, hand-thrown clay, and carved architectural elements create a conversation that transcends geography and time. Individually, each piece tells the story of its own origin. Together, they create something entirely new a room layered with history, character, and quiet beauty.

For me, this is the true joy of collecting. It is not about assembling objects from the same place or period, but about recognizing quality, authenticity, and soul wherever they are found. The finest interiors are built one remarkable discovery at a time, each object adding another chapter to a story that continues to evolve.