Dear Lee,

Did you know that you don’t really make independent decisions when you decorate your home or decide what to collect? According to experts, these are “social acts&#8221 that reflect our class, values, gender, education, age and even health. In the 1930s, sociologists devised “the living room test” to measure social status (not economic status). They created a point system: a large rug was worth 8 points; a bookcase with books, 8; piano bench, 4 (a bench was “better” than a stool); radio, 8 (this is before the days of television); desk, 8; and drapes, 2 per window. But wait. You had to subtract points, too: repaired furniture, -2; dust, -2; “bizarre clashing schemes,” -2; etc. Results of the test proved with surprising accuracy that neighbors judged the “status” of other families by their living room furnishings.

Collectors approach decorating in a different way. Some buy to fit the house—no grandfather clock more than 8 feet tall will fit in most mid-century or older homes. Ceilings are too low. But many collectors alter their houses to make room for their collections. They may remove a closet or wall to add a large display cabinet.

In the past few months, cultural anthropologists have again noticed that when the economy goes down, overstuffed sofas become popular, rooms are more cluttered and flowered fabrics return. Sleek modern furniture and beige tones give way as homes fill up with real or imitation Staffordshire china, wallpaper, soft pillows and comfortable chairs. In the kitchen, pots hang on the wall and the electric mixer is on the counter, proving that the family enjoys home-cooking. Family photos and objects that remind you of past happy days are a must. So collecting and clutter are in, and we can enjoy hunting for the perfect additions to our collections. Forget the feng shui rule of three items to a tabletop and forget status, too. Fill your rooms with the things you love and enjoy. Now that the sun is out and spring is here, go antiquing! That’s what I plan to do.