Hidden Meaning

[Photography by David Loftus from Island Life.]

I think I once read that, during Hollywood's golden era, film directors asked costume designers to create luxe underclothes for their leading ladies. Even though the garments would never be seen, the idea was that the actresses would know, feel more refined or elevated, and this would somehow come across on screen.

Likewise, Emily, owner/director of Atlanta's Emily Amy Gallery, keeps on her bedside table a special stone tucked away in a beautiful wooden box. Her godfather brought back the stone from his climb to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. Emily says, "No one else knows it is even inside the box. It inspires me and keeps me persevering. Just a little decorative object with a great story."

I think this is a magical idea we can all copy -- whether with an object that is too fragile to display or just something we want to keep private.

The images here show meaningful things that India Hicks keeps nearby -- and on view -- in her island bedroom. It's an incredibly classic, understated room and the personal tablescapes add unique interest. Nothing is there for show or prestige, but she knows the deeper significance of the collected objects.

[All photography by David Loftus from Island Life.]