In the last issue, I asked our AuctionBytes.com Collector's Corner Editors for suggestions on displaying collections. This issue, I asked Leslie Hindman for her ideas. Leslie Hindman is the founder and chairman of eppraisals.com and is one of America's best-known authorities on art, antiques and auctions. She hosts two highly-rated, nationally-televised programs on Home and Garden Television (HGTV), At the Auction with Leslie Hindman and The Appraisal Fair, and she writes a weekly column for the Chicago Tribune family of newspapers.

She founded Leslie Hindman Auctioneers in 1982, which she sold to Sotheby's in 1997 and joined them to help run their Midwest division. In addition to eppraisals.com, Leslie owns Salvage One, the largest architectural artifacts business in the U.S.

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AB: Are there any good books on the topic of displaying collectibles? Any other resources, like magazines, Web sites?

Leslie: Two great resources online are About.com (http://www.about.com) and MarthaStewart.com (http://www.marthastewart.com).

There are so many interesting books and magazines that it's hard to recommend just a couple. I sometimes go to Amazon.com's Home and Garden section (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=auctionbytescom&path=tg/browse/-/48) and check out the selections they have. I also love to spend time browsing Borders or Barnes & Noble, looking through their interior design magazines and books.

There's so much out there, it's hard to go wrong! Also, I recommend reading books on interior design by Chris Madden, including, "A Room of Her Own" (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0517599392/auctionbytescom).

AB: Are there some rules of design to keep in mind when displaying items? (Color, shapes, textures, size or themes)? What if you don't have enough room? How can you cram it all in there without looking terrible?

Leslie: I don't think it looks bad when you display your entire collection; in fact, it makes everything look more interesting. Having 10 of something is a lot more interesting than having just one piece. It's also fun to try and artistically display things in groups, either by size, by theme or by the type of piece.

If you have many pieces, one way to solve overcrowding is to constantly rotate your collection. If you have great pieces of pottery, you don't need to have every piece out at the same time. Every few weeks, bring out something you haven't seen in a while, and store something else.

AB: Can you point to useful vendors/retailers/sites that sell display units, shelving and frames? Where can readers go for advice on how to do-it-yourself (build your own displays)?

Leslie: I highly recommend ArtEssentials.com (www.artessentials.com) - you can find almost anything relating to Displaying and protecting almost any type of art collection. Also check out MasterPak (www.masterpak-usa.com), which sells items for storage and shipping all sorts of art, antiques, and collectibles.

You can't beat your local hardware store as a resource for all things necessary to displaying your collection properly. For example, everyone should use a level, which helps make sure framed objects are hung straight. Hooks, hammers, screwdrivers and other tools are always handy to have around.

AB: If someone has a little money for some expert advice, would you recommend they try an interior designer? How would they find one?

Leslie: Even small jobs can get overwhelming, so it's always nice to have some interior design help. Especially if you've done work before and made mistakes on your own, or don't have the time to devote to the project. Getting a professional who knows the stores and people to get you great deals may even save you money in the long run.

You can usually find the right interior designer in your price range by contacting the American Society of Interior Designers (http://www.asid.org), or the International Interior Design Association (http://www.iida.org).

Always remember to interview a few candidates before you choose someone. You'll be working closely with the designer, so make sure your personalities match! Also, get their fees, credentials and references, up front. To make the selection process as painless as possible, know exactly what you hope to accomplish, and how much you're willing to spend before you bring someone on.

AB: Which HGTV shows might be most helpful in teaching people about design that might inspire them for their displays? (I came up with this story idea while watching HGTV's Design at Nine, the 9pm nightly shows about home design!)

Leslie: I always watch "Interiors by Design," hosted by Chris Madden.

AB: Any personal anecdotes would be welcome; what do you collect? How do you display your collection?

Leslie: I collect gavels of all shapes, sizes and time periods. I've been in the auction business for more than 20 years, so I've managed to accumulate a great collection. They're displayed all over my house - on tabletops, in vases, in cabinets, etc.

AB: Any other ideas or suggestions?

Leslie: Great ideas are right under your nose, so always keep your eyes open! What are other people you know doing? What do you like or dislike about your friends' houses? How did your neighbor hang her painting? Where did your mother-in-law get that plate stand? Don't be afraid to ask questions. You'll never find out answers unless you do.

Note: Leslie is preparing a book on auctions and the art and antiques markets. We asked her to let us know when it hits the bookstands.