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.
If you’ve enjoyed this free newsletter or found it vaguely useful or inspirational, do give the heart button below a gentle prod – it keeps the Substack algorithm gods happy and apparently helps other lovely people find Wee Birdy. If you fancy leaving a comment too, it would honestly make my day.
New to Wee Birdy? Read all about it here.
Fantastic read, thank you ❤️
Omg - Villa Palladio - beyond beautiful.