Inside Joseph Altuzarra's Trinket Box

If your library could speak, what story would it tell about its style?

Joseph: If my library could speak, it would have an interesting story because it has evolved so much. We moved into this home before we had kids, when it was just my husband and I, and the space was much cleaner. Now it’s covered in kids’ drawings and a sort of messy. My kids spend a lot of time in here drawing while I’m creating, so it has become more of a family room. That [shift] makes it meaningful. I think the space would speak to the transformation of our family unit.

How would you personally style this trinket box in your home or your library?

Joseph: I selfishly would probably want it to sit right next to my bed, because I do use boxes like this to hold little memories. I read a lot. I usually have a notebook by my bed to write notes in while I’m reading, so I’d tuck those in here—along with pictures. I could also imagine scattering a few of these along the shelves. There’s something very sculptural about them.

How do you feel about objects that are both beautiful and practical?

Joseph: As a designer, I feel very strongly about objects that are both beautiful and practical. A lot of what inspires me comes from design—whether it’s an interior object or something with a specific function that I find attractive. I design clothing, which inherently has a function. Many of the objects in our home are like that—things like owl scissors or writing tools. I have a lot of pens, ink, and accessories, and I find those objects meaningful.

Besides the ones you have in the box currently, are there other small items in your life that feel essential to have?

Joseph: I have a plethora of teeny-tiny tchotchkes that I carry with me—little owl charms on my bag, small pictures, and mementos from family and friends. My mom is a big crafter, so I have her bookmarks and little paperweights that mean a lot to me. I tend not to get rid of any of it. It migrates with me wherever I go.