Forget the beige walls and bare shelves. Minimalism may be having a moment, but the true key to happiness lies not in subtracting but in surrounding ourselves with the things that spark joy — tiny trinkets and unique decor to liven up your living spaces. 

From funky-shaped rocks to cool toad figurines, there is something about tiny objects that brings me immense happiness.

For example, I went to a small thrift store over spring break and found the cutest pair of salt and pepper shakers — they were light green snails with strawberries as shells. 

Filling the shelves of my dorm room with trinkets like these makes the place feel more homey and less like a 14-by-12-foot prison.

Everywhere you look, there are little reminders of myself and moments in my life. 

If you walk into my dorm, you will see old coffee mugs with unique designs, funny figurines that make me giggle every time I look at them and eye-catching rocks that I picked up somewhere. 

This type of clutter is good for the soul; it gives your living space personality and creates conversation pieces.

Behind every trinket, there is a fun little story.

Whether it be a personal anecdote or the history behind the piece, there is something to be said about each one.

Collecting things allows us to learn more about the things that fascinate us. 

For example, I think the different types of old glass are really cool. 

This has led to interesting conversations about pink depression glass or carnival glass with people who also collect it. 

If you’ve ever been to a thrift store or flea market, you know there is a range of items to browse. Especially at vintage markets, taking these items home with you is a way of keeping little pieces of history alive.

It’s intriguing how tiny objects have existed for decades longer than me and will continue to exist past my time. 

If you think about it, we’re just small pieces of the object’s history, as it will eventually fall into the hands of another collector.

Moreover, having something to collect gives you purpose — it’s like an act of devotion. 

Once you find something you like, you’re always seeking it out everywhere you go, finding more items so your trinkets can have more friends on the shelf.

Collecting trinkets or specific items can lead to you making friends as well. 

When you go to thrift stores or markets, you’ll likely run into people with similar interests, which means you can share the joy of your collection with people who will appreciate it just as much. 

Overall, collecting items is a fun hobby; it’s an easy way to decorate with things that make you happy and nourish natural curiosity about the history behind said trinkets. 

Blank walls and little decor are boring and create bland living spaces with no personality. So, collect fun little things, have conversations about them and put them on display for everyone to see.