The Superfecta
Out of the office and off to the races. Curating the four pillars of material. A quarterly guide to my superfecta: ceramics, glass, metal, and wood
As an interior stylist I like to focus on objects with a unique soul, story, and crafstmanship. I wanted to share a pulse-check on what’s aligning for me at the start of spring. As always, these finds are closely intertwined with fashion and art—merging my sensibility with external inspiration. These are some of my favorite picks of the four materials, hence the superfecta.
There’s a lot of discourse at the moment about how to find your personal style, and I’m partial to the advice to examine your life and choose pieces that reflect it. Dressing in a way that relates to your everyday life is what truly makes it personal. I’d like to argue a similar take for interiors. Heaps of personality, embodying what makes you who you are, is the special sauce. However, I’d like to add that in order to grow we need to delve deeper and expand our references. Here I’m looking into the rich history of objects. It’s only in that knowledge of materials, methods, and artists that we can grow and take what resonates with us. The fact that there is so much richness and beauty in the world paired with living in a generation where we can access these things (thank you, eBay) is so special.
Enjoy the first of my quarterly installment of my series: The Superfecta. A term coined from a bet on the first four finishers in horse racing, but it’s really about the excitement and magic of the race and not the final odds.
Glass
Scavo, which roughly translates to “excavation” in Italian, is a technique that involves applying minerals to the glass when heated to about 800°C. This process gives the unique opacity and patina that mimics glass found at an archeological excavation.
Two exemplary Finnish glass pieces and a Swedish find at great prices for these artists and studios. Glassware and crystal, I think I can safely say, has not been as popular in decor, but I cannot overstate how truly stunning and special these pieces are, especially when you see and hold them in person.
Vintage Orrefors Swedish rose vase
Jérémie St-Onge, a contemporary glassmaker, is behind these incredibly beautiful pieces mouth-blown in Montreal. Each piece is singular but can be collected as a set. His finishes evoke a refined opacity technique reminiscent of Art Deco glassmakers or a refined scavo technique.
Ceramics
My eternal love is always Danish ceramics, specifically Gunnar Nylund. I’ve curated some of his pieces with unique shapes and colors. I’ve included a few Scandinavian-eque vessels and other standouts for stellar prices.
Gunnar Nylund blue stoneware bowl
Wood
Ikebana Baskets: Japanese baskets typically woven from bamboo were originally work baskets used to create an ikebana arrangement. Eventually they transitioned from work baskets to centerpieces. There’s a lot of variety in the shape, texture, and color. I’d love to get one of these for a springtime Ikebana arrangement or as a standalone piece.
Ikebana basket with irregular handle
Bamboo Hanakago ikebana basket
Beautifully carved wood is an art form, and I’m loving wooden minaudières and these catchalls:
Hand carved sculptural catch-all
Metal
I’ve been crushing on Art Deco silver and contemporary pieces with shapes inspired by that era. I had to include this insane Art Deco pitcher made by Danish sculptor produced by Gallia for Christofle.
Art Deco silver plated thermal ball teapot
Ravinet D'enfert, Art Deco tea and coffee service
Christian Fjerdingstad for Christofle
Accessories
Can’t ignore the fashion details! Including some furniture jewelry, if you will: tassels.
Silk tassels—I love the simple elegance of the black and ivory tassels. Added to a cabinet drawer, the pendant of a necklace or as a bag charm. I’m all-in on the tassel.
Collar necklace—for anyone who can’t stop thinking of the Juju Vera necklaces
Manà x Carina Nicklas Shell Tassel Bag Charm
XO,
Jenny
beautiful, I love this 🐚🪨🌸