The Art of Collecting

Layered Interiors at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

A study in pattern, patina, and personal vision

While the gardens of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum are undeniably stunning, on a recent visit I found myself more drawn to the interiors — not just for their beauty, but for their intentionality.

Each room is layered with history and texture: carved wood, timeworn leather, ornate moldings, and gallery walls that feel deeply personal. Nothing feels over-designed. It’s the kind of quiet confidence that comes from knowing what you love and allowing the space to evolve around it.

These interiors are a reminder that great design isn’t just about how things look — it’s about how they make you feel. The way soft light hits a carved detail. The mood of a room set by its wall color. The story behind a piece that’s been placed with care.

In a time when design can sometimes feel overly polished or algorithm-driven, Gardner’s interiors are a masterclass in the power of personal collections — full of meaning, history, and soul.

It’s something I always aim to bring into my own work: spaces that are rich with memory and mood, crafted to feel timeless because they reflect something deeper than trend.

In this reel:

You’ll see a few of the quieter moments that stayed with me — the details that captured my attention.
📽️ Watch the reel: [Insert Instagram link here]