Original Scandinavian Design for Australian Interiors
distinkt is an Australian supplier of original mid-century Scandinavian furniture. Launched in August 2020, distinkt is a welcome addition, providing us with access to Scandinavian design classics, as well as other modern pieces that we here in Australia aren’t so familiar with! European design has always influenced Australian spaces and distinkt’s owner, Ole Christrup, who grew up in Denmark, draws parallels between the Scandinavian lifestyle and our desire for warm and inviting spaces. Australia is the ideal setting for mid-century design and distinkt aims to showcase the quality, aesthetes and functionality of modern Scandinavian design here in Australia. We caught up with Ole to find out what inspired him to start distinkt, how many pieces he has in his own collection and what advice he can offer us about buying and collecting vintage furniture.
Ole Christrup of distink on a Danish Modern sofa by Børge Mogensen. Image: distinkt
You grew up in Denmark; modern design is in your DNA, but how did you get into selling vintage furniture?
You can say that the lockdown in 2020, caused by Covid, triggered my long living desire for importing and selling the furniture that I am so passionate about. I think for a lot of people, one of the few positives that came out of lockdown was time to reflect and focus on what is important to them. I have always had a love for architecture and design. In school, no matter the subject, I would always try to find a way to write about architecture or architects & designers. I was in the process of ordering some modern furniture from Denmark, for myself, when I decided to start distinkt. I wanted to share this with the Australian public, e.g., make this type of furniture and design more accessible here and add pieces that are less known in Australia.
Poul Henningsen PH Hat designed in 1961 and produced by Louis Poulsen. Image: distinkt
The well known Louis Poulsen Ph5 Pendant Lamp also designed by Poul Henningsen. Image: distinkt
I think many people here value simple and timeless design as oppose to extravagant design with unnecessary features.
Danish Shell lounge chair designed by Kurt Olsen for Glostrup Møbel fabrik. Image: distinkt
As an online store, what are some of the challenges distinkt faces in selling vintage designer furniture? How do you compensate for lack of tactility in the retail experience?
I think lockdown has changed the way consumers think about buying online. People are starting to realise that it’s as easy to by products online as it is to buy services. People started buying properties online without even inspecting them beforehand (other than via the Internet). Consumer behaviour is certainly changing and it has a lot to do with trust. People need to be assured that our products are genuine and from respected manufacturers. Without that trust I won’t be in business very long.
People need to trust your brand and the service you provide. At distinkt I build trust around the services we provide.
Some customers are already familiar with the products; they know what they are after, so buying online is not an issue. However, my customers can always return the product, for whatever reason, within 30 days and get a full refund.
Helge Sibast No 9 chair. A simple, light and functional teak chair. Image: distinkt
Niels O. Møller chair model 78 designed in 1962. Manufactured by J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik. Image: distinkt
When it comes to buying vintage furniture people are obviously interested in the condition of the piece. However, there are many other things they need to be aware of, as it affects the price. As an example, some designs have been patented, and patents might change hands from one manufacturer to another.
Patents might change hands from one manufacturer to another. Pay attention to labels and stamps as not all manufacturers offer the same quality.
Hans J. Wegner four seat sofa, model GE-236/4. Image: distinkt
Manufactured by Getama, branded accordingly. Image: distinkt
For more information have a read of Ole’s article How to Buy Vintage Furniture.
Have you considered a physical store? Is there anything stopping you?
I feel, I can reach a much wider online than with a physical store, and display the full range of products that distinkt has to offer. Having said that, I appreciate people want to be able to see, touch, feel and experience sitting on furniture. I’m considering opening up stalls or pop-ups at relevant markets or locations.
You specialise in original Scandinavian design; what are the benefits of shopping for vintage designer furniture through a dedicated professional service like distinkt?
Knowledge and expertise of original designs; a network of suppliers from the source country; the ability to distinguish between original and replica designs. I can also help customers find exactly what they are looking for and typically at very competitive prices.
Danish modern sideboard in teak. Image: distinkt
Mid-century sideboard from Dansk Møbelproducent. Image: distinkt
Do online marketplaces and social media trading groups affect your business or can you use them to your advantage?
As a start-up business, marketplaces and social media groups can certainly be used to increase the reach and create awareness. Consumers now want, and rely on, recommendations from trusted sources and influencers. Social media has eliminated the schmick marketing campaigns so people can really see a product and service for what it is.
Ole and the iconic Arne Jacobsen Swan chair, designed in 1958 for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen. Produced and labelled by Fritz Hansen. Image: distinkt
Who is your favourite designer? Do you have a favourite piece? What is it? Do you own it or is it on the wish list?
My favourite architect and designer is Arne Jacobsen. Jacobsen designed some of the most iconic buildings in Denmark, including four city halls. Along with his minimalistic design he became a key contributor to functionalism. I love the Egg and Swan chairs, which Jacobsen designed for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen (he also designed the building itself) back in the 1950s. They are so timeless and stunning. I am yet to own the Egg but I have the Swan chair.
Room 606, a time capsule and the only space preserved as it was originally envisioned by Arne Jacobsen, for the SAS Royal Hotel (now the SAS Radisson Hotel), Copenhagen. Image: Pietervandenabeele
How often do you add to your personal collection? Do you rotate pieces through or does it just keep growing?
I add to my private collection on a regular basis (every quarter or so), and although I typically get attached to most pieces, I need to rotate as I am running out of space.
We could probably make an assumption here, but what is your favourite era or style of architecture? What kind of spaces do you like?
I am obsessed with functionalism and mid-century/modern designs. I like the fact that buildings and furniture need to serve a purpose without the pretentiousness.
Above: some snaps of Ole’s home from a recent shoot for distinkt. Ole describes his home as a mix of contemporary and mid-century modern furniture. The house is from the 1960s, so perfect for mid-century modern furniture.
What advice would you have for someone starting out as a collector of modern design?
Select the pieces with your heart and do your research before buying (who is the manufacture, does price and condition of the piece match, what type of leather/wool/fabric is used, has it been reupholstered). It might not always be cheap but most mid-century modern furniture is built to last.
Spending the extra dollar will ensure you have a beautiful piece that will move with you through your life.
What can we expect to see from distinkt over the coming months?
I realised when I moved to Australia, over 10 years ago, that there are many modern furniture pieces that are very common in Scandinavia but not many people know about them here. I plan to introduce some of these fantastic modern pieces that are less known outside of Scandinavia. Perhaps a pop-up store so stay tuned...
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