Homes & Gardens 2025

Interior designers on the best piece of decorating advice they inherited from their parents and grandparents

2. Collect what you love

Proving that collections of antique and vintage treasures will always stand the test of time, one interior designer said that their grandmother taught them to be true to what they love and to honor their tastes as much as possible by collecting meaningful pieces.

Interior designer Tara Shaw said, ‘My grandmother had a PhD in shopping and I was her star pupil. What she taught me was value, classic, timeless elegance, and encouraged me to color outside the lines.’ Much like today’s ever-popular dopamine decor ideas, Tara’s grandmothers encouraged her to decorate with joy and love. This advice was passed down, and collecting pieces that held meaning and sentimentality became an important part of decorating in Tara’s family. You can see this in the space (pictured above). Tara said, ‘My mom started my collecting, such as the prehistoric bones that now grace my library.’

No matter what your obsession is, incorporating your favorite objects and trinkets in your scheme is a way to ensure your space will continue to inspire and uplift you. If you’re new to pre-loved shopping, consider how to start an antiques collection to create your own curated display of pieces.