An Interiors Entrepreneur On The Art Of Vintage Shopping
My style is a curated clash of old soul and new form. I gravitate towards contrast – raw textures paired with super-rich detailing; clean, modern lines punctuated by unexpected moments of drama. I like spaces and objects that tell a story, rather than follow trends. I love when a space feels like it has lived many lives, even if it’s brand new, and vintage pieces are my go-to for achieving that. When sourcing for a project, or my own home, I always come back to the same rule: if it makes you feel something, it’s in.
My parents were my first design inspiration. Their avant-garde, modern approach was present in everything they did, from the homes we lived in to the way they approached life. But it was my grandparents who taught me a deep emotional connection to objects. Their home was filled with antiques, each one carrying a story, a memory, a sense of place. I realised early on that I didn’t just want things to look good; I wanted them to feel like they had a reason for being there.
More than ever, people are craving character in their homes, their wardrobes and their lives. Vintage offers something you can’t just buy off a shelf: soul, history, individuality. In interiors especially, it brings contrast and depth. It tells a story, adds patina, makes a space feel lived in, layered and not staged.
There’s a noticeable shift in how we approach consumption. People are moving away from the disposable culture of mass production, and instead choosing to invest in pieces that stand the test of time. Vintage perfectly fits the bill – it’s sustainable, personal and beautifully imperfect, offering a sense of history and character that new items often lack.
The appetite for intentional, timeless design is growing, with a focus on pieces that hold real emotional and physical value. People want items that tell a story and feel uniquely theirs, rather than chasing fleeting trends. Craftsmanship, provenance and individuality are now far more important than simply keeping up with the latest look – it’s about quality over quantity, and meaning over momentary style.
Sustainability has moved from niche to necessary. More designers and clients are thinking in circular terms: reusing, repurposing and respecting the lifecycle of objects. Tech is also entering the space, helping with authentication and discovery, which is really exciting and making vintage more approachable than ever.
Within vintage, I’m seeing a growing confidence in blending styles and eras – brutalist forms softened by something romantic, 70s Italian mixed with art deco. It’s less about following a look and more about curating a mood.
While I love vintage shopping online, I still have my favourites to visit in person. Marché aux Puces in Paris – there’s something magical about the atmosphere there. German and French flea markets always have my heart; there’s nothing like the thrill of discovering a forgotten gem hidden among the chaos. Rotterdam is also a favourite, and there are a few great spots in Amsterdam I always try to visit. In London, The Old Cinema in Chiswick is a goldmine and full of character, with everything from mid-century classics to the truly bizarre. I’m drawn to places that feel like a treasure hunt. I love walking into a space where every object has a past, a bit of mystery, and a story waiting to be uncovered.
I love anything from the 70s – that era just gets me. But the best thing I’ve ever bought is the UP7 Foot Lounge Chair by Gaetano Pesce. It’s a sculptural piece from the 1960s that I found just a few months before he passed away. It feels like owning a piece of design history. But honestly, I’m always upgrading my collection, and now with Curiouz, temptation is everywhere. Choosing one favourite feels almost impossible, so I try (emphasis on try) to control both myself and my wallet.
Morocco is always my top escape when I need inspiration. The colours, textures, light and rituals create a kind of sensory magic. The Netherlands holds a special place in my heart too – there’s a boldness to their design approach that’s thoughtful, often unexpected, and never afraid to take risks. And then there’s Italy, of course – with its beauty, history and craftsmanship, it’s impossible not to fall in love over and over again.
I love to collect books, candles and trainers. An unexpected trio, I know. Books feed my mind, candles calm my space, and my footwear collection is my guilty pleasure.
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