4 ways this art director curates collections with intention

Plus, her tricks for styling, storage, and scoring the right edit.

This week I have the honor of handing over Design School to my friend and colleague Jorie Garcia—our incredibly talented art director at Schoolhouse who infuses our brand with warmth, humor, and artistry. I am constantly inspired by Jorie and my work is better when we collaborate. So what a treat this is to share her ideas and approach to collecting (a big theme for our Fall ’25 campaign).

Some highlights from the shoot: vanity gems of my dreams and a sunny step with the perfect checkerboard tile.

At a recent photo shoot in Vancouver, WA, featuring the new Schoolhouse collection, I got to watch Jorie and her team weave their magic as they brought my team’s designs to life. This season we are inspired by the desire to collect and to place meaning on objects. The home where we shot was the perfect backdrop; the owners are collectors themselves and the interiors were full of texture—with wood paneling, wallpaper, family photos, well-loved books, and years of collected treasures. More pictures to come in future posts!

Jorie on set and in her element.

Before we dive in, I also wanted to let you know that Design School will be shifting to a bi-weekly cadence starting in August. You’ll hear from me again on August 12 and every second Tuesday after that. We have some fun stuff planned, including a full download on my upcoming work trips to Paris and Portugal, as well as dedicated posts on closet organization and small space living. Can’t wait to share all my ideas and inspo with you soon!

Okay, onto this week’s guest post from Jorie—who, I should add, is the creator behind the most incredible miniatures. I seriously cannot wrap my head around how she makes everything by hand.

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So many treasures, only so much suitcase space. (Photos by Chelsea Fuss)

I’ve often felt the pressure to define my style in order to fully own it. But every time I try through quizzes and mood boards, I end up scattered: traditional, mid-century, modern folk... The truth is, I love them all. Like a magpie, I’m drawn to what’s compelling: objects with a story, materials with patina, forms that feel both grounded and surprising. My style isn’t about allegiance to one era or aesthetic, but about finding harmony in contrast and beauty in the unexpected. It’s eclectic, yet intentional. Emotional, yet edited. And most of all, it’s mine.

If I had to distill my advice on collecting into one golden “rule” it would be: Collect things that bring you joy. Reflecting on items in my own collection, a piece does at least one of the following:

• It connects me to a moment in time (antiquing with my parents; stopping by an unexpected flea market during a girls’ trip; wandering through garage sales with friends, etc.). Objects remind us of the people we love and the memories that build our personal histories; they are a tactile way to take us back to an exact moment.

• It has its own history. I love pieces that are made from quality materials, built to last, and designed with care. There’s something grounding about being surrounded by objects that were created out of necessity, where durability and intention were the standard, not the exception.

• It taps into something intuitive. I’m often drawn to pieces without knowing why. Collecting, for me, is a way to connect with myself. To follow intuition. To slowly build a visual story that’s entirely my own.

Here are a few more guidelines to help you curate your collections with intention and authenticity:

1. When in doubt, follow your gut!

I unearthed this black-and-white artwork (right) at a flea market in Portugal a decade ago that’s now a favorite of mine. There were two similar prints, and I still kick myself for not taking both. (Photo, at left, by Chelsea Fuss)

One of the quiet heartbreaks of collecting is passing on something you knew you wanted but then second-guessed yourself. A few of those misses still haunt me and serve as a reminder to trust my gut when something speaks to me. On that note, I highly recommend making a u-turn if you pass a “yard sale” or “junk shop” sign and it feels right. Those spontaneous moments have led me to some of my most unexpected and meaningful finds!

2. Look at your space as a supporting character, not the starring role.

Mid-century details look right at home in my Craftsman-era space.

My home has Craftsman details and leans more traditional than the objects I fill it with. I don't feel limited by the architecture, but instead appreciate the backdrop as adding interest and even a bit of tension when set behind the items I love.

Magazine tears, postcards, notes, and fabric swatches all spark ideas, so I put them on full display in my home office downstairs.

Meanwhile, my basement’s original wood-paneled walls, cork board, and green carpeting all nod to a ’70s vibe, thanks to the previous owners. From my downstairs office, I wanted to celebrate the space’s existing character with DIY shelves and minimal floor-to-ceiling storage, allowing me to be surrounded by books and objects for inspiration. Remember: You’re creating a living space versus a set piece.

3. Functional doesn’t have to mean boring.

Stacking the flat-file on a mid-century table elevates the combo to feel like a more substantial furniture piece.

We all need storage, but there are creative ways to store and/or display your most treasured finds. My flat-file cabinet holds some of my miniatures, while also offering an interesting material moment with layers of different wood tones.

Grouping collections provides a fun conversation starter for guests.

I’ve also grouped some of my favorite collections into playful displays, like my miniature chairs housed in a vintage scalloped cabinet that I found at an estate sale. The cabinet originally had a louvered paneled door, but I removed it and gave it a fresh coat of paint to better showcase the pieces I love. Now it feels personal and full of stories that I could talk your ear off about.

4. Layering takes time.

Framed art purchased with my parents in an antique mall in Michigan hangs above my record player station; the contents on my coffee table are constantly being switched out with new inspirations, like fresh flowers, objects, and books.

I never see my home or space as “finished”; it’s forever evolving and growing. My vintage art from Portugal hangs next to a screen-printed piece I stumbled upon at a garage sale on the Oregon coast… I’m always keeping my eye open for the next potential addition. The goal is to create emotional texture with objects that evoke a feeling and don’t just fill a home. Collecting is visual storytelling for the past, present and future. Enjoy that evolution!

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Thanks again, Jorie, for opening your expert collector’s mind to us all (isn’t she the best?). While reading through her notes, the idea of centering yourself around what brings joy really resonated with me—it often relates back to memories tied up with objects and/or an appreciation of how they’re made. Above all, I love the sentiment that a home is always evolving with new layers and combinations. Let go of the pressure to find perfection in your home and embrace the process!

Secret Stash

The Peggy Curio Cabinet is part of our new collection and she has taken a hold of my heart. She reminds me of my dad’s old barrister bookshelf with the same top-hinged glass doors, but has some lovely details with the playful turned legs, brass trimmed knobs, and secret color reveal in the top breakfront cabinet door.

What are some of your collection standouts? Any favorite ways to display pieces?

Katie xx

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