Curiouser and Curiouser

It's no secret that I love cabinets of curiosities. I love them like imperial Victorians loved killing (now)endangered animals. Besides art museums, my favorite museums are those of natural history. I have always wanted to put together my very own cabinet full of curiosities found near and far. However, not being a steampunk-y adventurer ready to take flight in my own balloon, brave the grasslands on safari, or dive deep into the sea, I make do with curiosities found near and far in museum giftshops and thrift stores. Below are some inspiration photos; next up will be some affordable ways to make your own wunderkammer (cabinet of wonders).

You can go subtle, like these seashell collections hung from a picture rail...

 

 Or do a full-scale wall of shelves filled to the top with wonders. 

Both images from Sibella Court's awesome house as seen on Design*Sponge.

 

A virtual wunderkammer can be produced through zoological and botanical images, such as these gorgeous examples drawn by Albertus Seba, 18th century collector, which are now reproduced in a gorgeous (and expensive!) edition by Taschen.

Or you can just make your entire home one giant repository of all things odd and curious, like fab sisters Hollister and Porter Hovey. See more of their home in the New York Times feature "The New Antiquarians."