I’m super excited about today’s newsletter since we’ll be looking at five of my most cherished vintage possessions. Each piece is quite sentimental and has an interesting story behind it, so there should be something for everyone.
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Eames Compact Sofa
When I first moved into my current spot about 2.5 years ago, I still had the couch from my first apartment. It wasn’t particularly high quality and hadn’t stood the test of time, so I had been on the look out for a new one since I moved.
Because I live downtown and have a relatively small space, I knew the couch was going to be the focal point of my living room, and therefore had to be something I was truly in love with. When Visitor Goods posted this sofa on their IG story I knew I had to pop down and take a look.
I had been familiar with the iconic Eames Compact Sofa for a while, however, the shockingly high retail price had always been a dealbreaker for me. Fortunately, they go for a much more reasonable price second hand.
It fits perfectly within my space and is really ergonomic. Much to my surprise, I actually use it more often than my Sayl chair when I’m working from home.
Hans Wegner Wishbone Chair (CH24)
I’m not really sure this qualifies as a find because I’ve had it my entire life, but it’s probably my single favourite piece in my home. As a child I always thought of it as a beat-up old chair that I threw my laundry on before bed. My perception didn’t change until I got a little older and started researching furniture and design.
One night I was staying up late watching a Danish modern documentary on YouTube, when I saw the chair I had seen almost every day of my life being glorified on the screen. I immediately ran downstairs to double check, and sure enough it was true. The chair I was throwing my wet towels on is actually a revolutionary piece of design.
After doing some research and contacting Carl Hansen & Søn, I determined that it was authentic and dated back to the mid-60’s, when my family originally purchased it. This finding immediately caused a snowball effect where I began taking a deeper look at every object in my life. Ultimately, this is what caused me to go down the rabbit-hole of design - a place that I’ve been unable to escape ever since.
Although the paper cord has started to unravel, it’s only increased the vintage charm. I’ve brought the chair to every apartment I’ve lived in and even used it as my daily desk chair for a few years.
Abstract Still Life Oil Painting
One of the first pieces of art that I bought was this painting that I found on eBay. I don’t use eBay very often, however I was in a pinch and desperately needed to find some artwork to fill my seemingly empty space. I didn’t know much about art at the time (I still don’t), but I knew that I enjoyed the simplicity of still life paintings. I scrolled through hundreds of listings, but this was actually the first listing that I saw.
Once it arrived, I was immediately mesmerized. The colours, textures, and intricate patterns immediately drew my attention. Even to this day I still see something new every time I look at it. Unfortunately, the painting was never signed and the seller didn’t have any information asides from saying that it’s a Spanish style oil painting from the 60s.
1993 Ettore Sottsass Alessi Plates
One day while at a local thrift store here in Vancouver I truly hit the jackpot. Something must’ve been in the air, because I kept finding gem after gem. I could’ve bought the entire kitchen section of the store.
Normally I find it quite difficult to find quality home goods (or anything for that matter) at the thrift, but something was different that day. I swiftly filled my cart with a plethora of beautiful tumblers, glassware, vases, and hand painted Italian plates.
Just as I was walking to the cash, I decided to take a second look to ensure I didn’t miss anything. Lucky for me, I saw the iconic red Alessi logo pop into my peripherals. I was originally pretty skeptical, but after a closer look I was pleasantly surprised to find the set of Ettore Sottsass designed plates brand new in the box - for only $5!
I’ve had these plates for a few years now and they’ve truly become an everyday staple. Alessi is known for its incredible quality and these are no exception. The genius design of the Memphis Group founder Ettore Sottsass shines in an unusually understated and subdued way here. Not only are the plates amazing to look at, but they’re also quite practical; the rimmed divot in the middle of the plate allows for even the simplest of meals to be plated beautiful, while ensuring that any sauce stays contained.
Blue Glass Vase
I have a lot of vases, but this one has always been my favourite. The vibrant blue provides a beautiful contrast to most of the flowers I buy and is a great way to add a pop of colour into my space.
I typically buy lilies, but just about every flower I’ve put in here looks great. I don’t really know much about the vase, but my best guess is that it’s Italian.
Thanks for reading! I’d love to hear what some of your favourite vintage finds are in the comments down below.
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-Nick