What We Keep: Advice from Artists and Designers on Living with the Things You Love

Aimed more at gallery and 1stDibs shoppers than thrifters, but applicable to readers interested in design, curation, and collection, this artistic and high-style guide ponders the reasons readers buy and keep objects, how such items define a sense of self, and how to consider those collections as the pieces of art they are. The book is arranged into sections somewhat creatively entitled wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Objects of focus include everything from equestrian dental tools, vintage clocks, and candlesticks to textiles and silver teapots. Lin, who owns Colony (an NYC design gallery for independent makers) and who has been featured in high-end shelter magazines such as Elle Decor, briefly discusses a range of pieces and offers profiles of collectors and studio visits with artists. The work is illustrated with photos throughout, and they’re in the same style as those high-end magazines Lin knows well.