I don’t consider myself to be a collector of any sorts. I don’t go to the antique market every week to sift through piles of old pocket watches and family photographs, but I think that may change very soon. Recently, a friend introduced me to The Selby, a website created by Todd Selby, that features interior spaces belonging to some of the most creative people around. The Selby compiles photographs from the homes and studios of working art directors, designers, chefs and painters into quasi-photo essays. The photographs are beautiful and capture intimate details of the interviewees’ lives, featuring everything from tiny salt and pepper shakers to extensive assortments of animal bones, and of course, some art on display as well. Each space is authentic, and makes me feel like I should start an eccentric collection. Surely, if a space is inspirational, your work can only flourish.

The website features photographs from the homes of everyone from Inès de la Fressange in Paris, to Mark (the Cobrasnake) Hunter in L.A. Although it is hard to pick a favorite, I think my vote goes to the home of artist, Fanny Bostrom and photographer, Bill Gentle (photos above). The bocce balls and adorable kittens might have something to do with it. Check out www.theselby.com to check out the awe-inspiring photographs, which are topped off with cute watercolour portraits and obscure question and answer interviews. You can also buy books with some of the photographs taken in Sydney and Paris, an excellent way to start your awe-inspiring book collection and perhaps find some new ideas to make your home and creative space come to life as well.

- Kara Hornland