We’ve been going green all month long. So before March wraps, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to highlight this cabinet of cool collectibles- an amazing display of curiosities designed by PHAG founder, Jason Crook, that is sure to leave any committed collector green with envy!

Take a close look, because there’s more green to this unique display of cool collectibles than just the vintage Sprout touch lamp designed after the mascot of the Green Giant Company, first introduced in 1972.

The wall unit is actually a re-purposed vintage barrister bookcase, consisting of several separate shelving units with glass front doors that lift up and slide into the case for access. These completely modular metal shelves are circa 1970.  They were made specifically for the US government (stamped with order numbers in the base plates), and were originally used to house volumes of reference books and/or legal binders within the offices of government agencies.  The simple installation of LED push lamps above each shelf results in an amazingly fresh display!  Reduce, reuse and up-cycle with flair, by thinking outside-of-the-box; big box retailers, that is. This unit was purchased from an architectural salvage.

Looking for something on a smaller scale?  These classically detailed flocked velvet shadow boxes, available in rich purple and green, are the perfect complement to the hard industrial lines of the metal display unit.

Since they collage well with other frames and mirrors, you can use one or more of them to display or “feature” your favorite collectibles.  Check out that iconic look in the purple box- nice pants suit Madam President!

If you’re looking for more modern inspiration on how to showcase collectibles, check out this contemporary floating powder blue wall shelf. It’s used for additional display within the space, tying in nicely with the vintage metal wall unit that serves as a focal point in the space.

The biggest tip for displaying your faves? Contain those collectibles by using shelving and shadow boxes, to keep clutter to a minimum. Resist the urge to waste money on cheap shelving units from places like Target or Ikea.  Instead, scour flea markets, vintage shops, and salvages where you’re sure to save some green, but you will take home a quality product that will also giver your space real heart!  Dare to be different by giving new life to old stuff and remember, “A heart is not judged by how much you love but by how much you are loved by others.”  Man do we love this space…