These bookshelves (built by husband, Patrick, out of reclaimed barn wood) span the length of the living room and host potted plants, a minibar, and dioramas of collected curiosities.

The penguin is from the Golden Nugget flea market near Stockton, New Jersey. I bought the model ship at souvenir shop in Cadaqués, Spain. The dark crystal’s from Paris, and the crystal with stag sculpture I bought at a very touristy shop at Luray Caverns. You have to be creative at souvenir shops and think about how things would look out of context.

I made this face sculpture in my ceramics class in high school. I’m thrilled I have not yet broken this artifact of my youth.

I love to read books for inspiration.

My friend Natasha Lawes, who is based in London, hand-casts these skulls. I got this about four years ago while living there.

It depicts a very plump monk from the 18th century. I have him on my bar and I placed some dried dill flowers from my garden inside him. I bought him at the Rose Bowl Flea Market in L.A.

I got this mushroom pillow at the Golden Calf in Williamsburg. I have three, and they are so comfortable to lounge on. You can also throw them around and pretend you are in a video game.

My Poppop, Al, made this wooden whale hanging. He was a sculptor, whittler, and cobbler. He also made furniture that looked very Danish modern. He was a talented craftsman and is an inspiration.