Katarinahuset, 2025-03-12
Vintage tips and trend spotting with Linnéa and Cristian
Linnéa Salmén is a set designer in advertising who also takes on interior design assignments with a focus on vintage. Cristian Lind runs the design studio Temporärt – also with a background in vintage. They have both been involved in decorating Börshuset on the theme of “Fleshy Art Nouveau” and the event venue Domus in Katarinahuset with “Functionalist avant-garde”. In our interview, they tell us more about their interest in vintage, what trends they predict for 2025 and offer tips for those who want to shop more second-hand .
Hi Linnéa and Cristian! How did you develop your interest in vintage furniture?
L: Growing up in a vintage-loving hoarder family where auctions, flea markets, building preservation and design were high priorities. The interest has existed and been shared in the family for as long as I can remember.
C: I grew up with two parents who bought most things second-hand, so for me it has always been a given. At the age of twelve I started buying and selling second hand myself: clothes, gadgets and furniture – something that later went from hobby to business.
Where do you find all the unique pieces you decorate with?
L: We have handpicked vintage from around Europe at auctions and Blocket, both from private individuals and collectors.
C: For A house, we scanned both Sweden and Europe to find the right furniture and details. We have looked widely through dealers, auctions, flea markets and local second-hand platforms in different countries.
The interior design concept of A house Katarinahuset is Functionalist avant-garde. How do you interpret this? Can you name any finds that you think represent the theme particularly well?
L: Expressive and rebellious funkis. I think it’s the whole that makes it. A favorite object must still be the spinning chair in jacaranda with leather upholstery by an unknown designer, the game table group in stainless steel where the table top can be flipped around to a game board, and the sofa with chrome and wood details that we had reupholstered for a more stylish look.
C: Our interpretation landed largely in classic functional furniture that is often too underrated in today’s homes. Beautiful chrome furniture made in the 30s/40s that holds up as well today as it did then, that’s rare! I would like to strike a blow for the sofa with chrome sides and back and wood against the floor, it is fantastic.
What are your top tips for people who want to start shopping more vintage?
L: Time gives results, a person who finds has also looked. Often for a long time. If you want to shop online, search broadly rather than narrowly and specifically – the chances of a bargain increase markedly.
C: Replace all your furniture with vintage, you’ll get more for your money and when you get tired of it, you’ll most likely get back what you spent. Also, make sure to buy quality furniture and be sure to inspect the furniture when you pick it up and buy it – just because it’s vintage doesn’t mean you should tolerate defects, but patina does.
What do you see as the vintage trends in 2025?
L: I believe in a continued focus on quality and good craftsmanship. Better a few expressive and thoughtful purchases than an overfilled flea market basket. In short: Less but more.
C: As the interest in vintage and second hand increases, so does craftsmanship. I predict a trend where consumers will take care of their furniture in a different way by sanding, oiling and repairing themselves, maybe even hiring a carpenter to replace something on their favorite furniture. Otherwise, I think natural materials like wood and leather will continue to be hot.