8 Designer Tricks Every Apartment Dweller Should Know

A vintage matchbox, found at an estate sale when he was 17 years old, earns a spot in Shawn's display, as does a swordlike letter opener, another estate-sale find.

Even though space is at a premium, items that bear personal meaning always make the cut for Shawn. His secret is to edit down to only those items that truly reflect his history, passions, and personal style. For instance, "I love objects that have a more organic nature," he says. "I have a beautiful leaf by Buccellati, which is among my very favorite things." The tray also serves as a hypercurated catchall.

Source: Manuel Rodriguez for One Kings Lane