My love for vintage furniture began with a sense of familiarity—memories of the pieces my parents had during my childhood. As I got older, those designs reappeared in the world around me, awakening an appreciation not just for their form, but for the stories they carried. That initial curiosity evolved into a passion, and today I find myself immersed in the mid-century design era, celebrating its lasting impact on the way we live and interact with our spaces.
People often ask what makes a piece of vintage furniture captivating instead of outdated. The answer lies in the details and the era it hails from. Some think of the 1950s to 1970s when they hear “mid-century,” while others stretch the vintage label into the ‘90s. Regardless of the decade, there’s an enduring quality in these pieces, particularly in the work of Danish designers. Their minimal, purposeful use of materials and strong focus on ergonomics set the foundation for what mid-century modern came to represent. You sit in a chair by Hans Wegner and instantly feel the thoughtful engineering—every joint and angle designed to support the body perfectly.
Names like Charles and Ray Eames are known even to those outside the design world. Their lounge chairs are icons. But there’s more to mid-century modern than what’s already on everyone’s radar. Brazilian modernism, for instance, is a lesser-known treasure. After World War II, designers and architects from Europe settled in Brazil, bringing their cultural aesthetics and merging them with local materials. The result was a bold, sculptural style using woods like Brazilian rosewood—now rare and protected. These pieces often came bespoke for architectural spaces and carry a gravitas that mass production can’t replicate.
At Vintage Design in Surry Hills and Byron Bay, we specialize in authentic furniture from the 1950s to 1970s, with the occasional outlier if a piece has exceptional design. We’ve brought in over forty containers from around the world, including five from Brazil, and are fortunate to work with Utah, our Danish restoration expert who’s been in the industry for decades. Her knowledge adds an invaluable layer to our understanding and restoration process.
The question of price always comes up. Authenticity, production date, condition, and origin all contribute to a piece’s value. A licensed Eames lounge chair with original rosewood, for example, holds a different weight than a newly manufactured model. Then there’s the reality of knockoffs. It’s a sensitive topic, but the truth is many people don’t realize what they’re buying. That’s why education matters. Whether or not someone buys from us, I want them to walk away with insight into what makes a piece authentic and why it matters.
Sometimes, it’s not about owning a full set from a particular era. A single accent piece—a chair, a sideboard, a lamp—can elevate a room. These hero pieces are often what clients seek, and their presence tells a story that mass-produced furniture simply can’t.
My own story in this field didn’t come through a traditional path. I studied visual merchandising at 32, sitting alongside teenagers, and decided to steer my work placements toward furniture instead of fashion. That was twelve years ago, and the real education has come from hands-on experience. Asking questions. Learning from mistakes. Listening to those who know more. Sharing what I’ve learned without ego.
Mid-century modern resonates today not just because of its clean lines or its appearances in shows like Mad Men. It speaks to people’s memories. It reminds them of their grandparents, of warm homes and simpler times. There’s a comfort in that nostalgia, and when it’s paired with timeless design, it creates something lasting.
A few years ago, during the challenges of post-COVID life, I found myself feeling off-track. I wasn’t sure how to reconnect with my work or myself. An opportunity to meet and talk furniture again gave me purpose, brought me back into the showroom, and reminded me why I love what I do. That human connection, shared passion, and the ability to evolve are what keep this field alive.
Social media plays a role. So does the consumer. But more than anything, it’s about knowledge. When people understand the history behind a chair or a table—why it was made the way it was, who designed it, what materials were used—it transforms from being just furniture into something meaningful.
We no longer find as many treasures on the curbside as we used to. The disposable culture has taken hold, and items made just a few years ago are already being tossed aside. That’s why preserving these older pieces matters. Not only are they often made to be restored multiple times, like the Danish pieces designed to last 200 years, but they also carry a story. Their personality and presence invite curiosity.
It’s not just about style. It’s about substance, sustainability, and significance. These are pieces that deserve more than a corner in a thrift store. They deserve a place where their value is understood and honored. And I feel incredibly lucky to be part of the effort to make sure they get it.