Ida Hanhiniemi, strategist at Sugar Helsinki, sets her table with both new and old objects. While browsing flea markets and vintage stores, she focuses on quality and need.
IDA HANHINIEMI: “I buy dishware from flea markets and vintage stores. High-quality design stands the test of time, and can be bought second hand. I intuitively combine old and new in my table settings: different colors, shapes and materials. There’s no harm in laying out non-matching items, people don’t need to drink from identical glasses.
I think that well-designed products often go well together, even if they are from different collections. Beautifully patinated Nappula brass candleholders by Iittala are among my most treasured items. An acquaintance wanted to exchange new ‘Nappulas’ for them, but I refused.
“I keep a list of the things I need, to avoid buying beautiful bric-a-brac that I have little use for in daily life.”
When buying items, I focus on quality and need. I keep a list of the things I need, to avoid buying beautiful bric-a-brac that I have little use for in daily life. This is my rule of thumb when buying anything. I browse flea markets and online buy-and-sell marketplaces, but I never buy anything just because it's a bargain or a great find. Second-hand buying is also consumption and should not be done carelessly.
My number-one tip is small-town and roadside flea markets. The more doubtful-looking, the better – treasures at a giveaway price may be lurking there. It is also worth learning how to use second-hand shops online. If you know what you want, set shopping alerts to avoid wading through entire sites. I am currently on the lookout for Oivi plates by Arabia.”
Design treasure: Nappula candleholders
• Matti Klenell designed the Nappula candleholders for Iittala in 2012
• The Swedish designer drew inspiration for their round shape from the legs of a peculiar table had seen in Nuutajärvi's glass museum
• In addition to metal candleholders, the series includes ceramic plant pots and a pillar candleholder in glass
• Nappula candleholders available at Franckly >
What is Franckly?
• Franckly.com is a new online marketplace for pre-owned design
• Created and curated by Finnish Design Shop
• Buy and sell pre-owned design treasures: Franckly.com >
See also:
• Products designed by Matti Klenell >
• All tableware at Franckly >