Most of us display things we really like (some more than others, but that is a very different topic, indeed.) I like to look closely at the things people choose for display.
We might think we have Grandmother's silver teapot on the shelf because it was Grandmother's - ah, but there is much more to what we choose to show.
I'll use myself as an example. I love teapots and think there might be a gene for this. My grandmother had a collection of coffee pots and we would discuss their virtues when I visited her. I fell in love with the shapes and lines of this utilitarian object. Then, I discovered teapots have a greater variance of grace and elegance. Still, replacing even an electric coffee maker is, for me, a line and shape drawn out anxiety provoking experience.
I've ended up with quite a teapot collection, although the teapot my Grandmother gave me is in a trunk in the attic, saved for a nephew. I learned I didn't like them all. Slowly some of these pots have found new homes as I noticed others looking longingly at them. I wonder what it was the oglers liked about them? 
Back to lines and shapes: My favorite teapots tend to be long and lean with elegant curved spouts. If they are not long and lean, they will have nice curves and subtle pleasing lines. They can be fancy, whimsical, plain or unrecognizable as a teapot. They can be silver worn or superbly polished. They can be ceramic or glass... for decoration or for tea.
Hmmm, I wonder what Freud would say about this teapot spout thing? Perhaps we shouldn't go there.
Of course other elements of design matter and this is where we learn some things. As I've indicated, I am drawn to lines and shapes , they are very important to me. They can create a soft subtle elegance. When I look around my house I see those teapot lines and shapes elsewhere. But I also like fine detail. You will find find detail on some of my pots and things as well.
Recently I was at a party and noticed things on display: antique orange carnival glass candle sticks, clear cut glass salt dips with the zipper or saw tooth pattern, and an interesting art piece. I could see design style readily in a recently remodeled kitchen. There was a very dimensional small squares stone back splash. And, European type metal legs, long not squat, graced some of the kitchen base cabinetry . How interesting!
The intricacy and dimensionality of the stone back splash design-speaks to that salt dip for sure!
The things we display tell a lot. Oh yes! Forget "What is your favorite color? Do you consider your style this or that?"
Just tell me why you like that thing!
