Triple treat: The finds making my wishlist this week
Pecking chickens, Swedish interiors, and a Jaipur villa.
You might have noticed a change around here – I’m taking a break from my regular “5 finds under $50” series, at least as a weekly feature. Instead, it’s moving to a monthly slot, and I wanted to explain why.
When I first wrote “25 clever Ikea buys that look more expensive than they are” and it struck a chord with so many of you, I thought I’d found my groove: sharing affordable, accessible finds that make home life a little brighter and a lot easier. But lately, I’ve realised that focusing only on what’s cheap can sometimes just encourage buying for the sake of it – and that’s not really what I’m about.
So, I’m shifting my approach. Yes, this Substack is still all about where to find the good stuff, but now I want to focus on the things that truly inspire me, bring me joy, and sit on my wildest wish list – whether they’re affordable or a little more of a splurge. This week, I’m starting with three finds that have captured my imagination.
Wish I was there: Svenskt Tenn at Copenhagen’s 3 Days of Design
If ever there was a design pilgrimage to make, this was it: Svenskt Tenn’s rare foray beyond its Stockholm flagship to Copenhagen’s 3 Days of Design festival. Hosted in a private apartment in the heart of Christianshavn, the showroom was a living archive of iconic furniture, textiles, and pewter objects spanning the past century – each piece a testament to the visionary partnership between founder Estrid Ericson and modernist architect-designer Josef Frank. And it’s pure interiors inspiration.
The curation was exquisite, showcasing Josef Frank’s most beloved works alongside objects crafted by over 20 expert, often family-owned, workshops that Svenskt Tenn has nurtured for generations. Here, design is more than just style – it’s a philosophy of patience, craft, and long-term thinking, a deliberate antidote to our fast-paced world.
As a longtime admirer of Josef Frank’s work, I confess I’ve long coveted one of his exuberant botanical prints – perhaps on a cushion, where those wild blooms could brighten even the dreariest of days. To see these pieces in person, in a setting as intimate and considered as a Copenhagen apartment, would have been pure design bliss.
Wee find: Wind-Up toys at John Derrian
Wind-up toys are a nostalgic delight, and I’ll admit I enjoyed my son’s collection as much as he did – perhaps even more. At John Derrian, you’ll find a charming selection of tin wind-up toys, all crafted as collectors’ pieces rather than for children’s play. John Derrian stocks Blechfabrik, a brand born from a young boy’s fascination at a Düsseldorf Christmas market in 1973 and now dedicated to preserving the tradition of mechanical tin toys.
Highlights include the pecking chickens and the wind-up dog with ball – both brimming with old-world whimsy. For a special present, consider the decorative tin carousel or the wind-up tin pig, adorned with painted clover and ribbon. These pieces are perfect for anyone who loves nostalgia and craftsmanship.
A maximalist dream: Villa Palladio Jaipur
If ever there was a place designed to make your heart skip a beat, it’s Villa Palladio in Jaipur. This candy-striped, maximalist wonderland is the stuff of wildest wish lists – think bold patterns, lush gardens, and rooms brimming with colour and playful character. Every corner is a feast for the eyes, making it feel like a storybook brought to life.
I’ve been quietly obsessed ever since I first glimpsed those iconic red-and-white arches and riotous interiors. It’s the kind of hotel that doesn’t just offer a bed for the night, but a full technicolour fantasy – one that inspires you to dream bigger, decorate braver, and maybe, just maybe, book a ticket to Jaipur.
Just look at those candy-striped sunbeds. It's this immersive, whimsical world that secured its place on Tatler's Best 100 List. Just heaven.
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Fantastic read, thank you ❤️
Loved this , thanks ♥️