A mid-century modern collaboration
- Lynn Powell
- Jun 19
- 4 min read
As a small creative business, I'm a fan of collaborating with like-minded others as a way of reaching new audiences who may be interested in our workshops. I'm also a fan of mid-century modern style, and this combination led to the Arienas X Jimmys home shopping event.
I'm forever updating my home by moving pieces around, and adding the odd extra item or two to give it a new look. So when Zoe from Jimmy's Homewares delivered some gorgeous glasses I'd bought from her online business mentioned she was looking for a city centre showcase for her vintage and mid-century inspired homeware collection, a match was made!
I sat down for a chat with Zoe while she was restyling The Arienas Collective for her shopping event to find out more about how she got into the vintage homeware business, and why it's called Jimmy's!
How did you get into the vintage homewares business?
It all started when Gavin and I bought our first home together and needed furniture, but didn’t have a large budget. It soon became apparent that older furniture was better designed, better made, built to last, and cost less - so it was a no brainer. However, we ended up with too many items, and managed to sell some on easily, and so the idea to set up Jimmy’s was born.
Gavin set up his side of the business - Jimmy’s Retro Furniture - over 10 years ago now, following a desire to leave the corporate world and work for himself, coupled with a love of good design. He also spotted that mid-century style was having a bit of a resurgence. His business has thrived ever since - if we lined up every item he has bought and sold it would probably reach to the moon!
Over the years he picked up, or was given, the odd smaller item of homeware - pictures, mirrors, ceramics - but never had time to focus on this. This is where I come in.
After having our second child I was looking to do something more creative, and also flexible. I share Gavin’s love of good design and well-made functional, but beautiful, objects. It just made sense that I should start a homeware side to the business; the two complement each other so well.
We work together a lot but are also quite competitive so are always on the hunt for the best treasure!
Where did the name come from?
The business is named after Jimmy, our dog!
He is the ‘face’ of our brand with his iconic brown ear. He looks great, but is a liability in public, hence why we don't bring him in person to the shopping event!
Why did you choose to sell vintage pieces?
For me vintage homewares offer key benefits over buying new. For example, every piece bought and sold is one saved from landfill; and every piece has character, a story…I wish I knew them all. Gavin's found some interesting things in drawers and sideboards!
Also sustainability is a hot topic. Although not as cheap as it used to be, mid-century furniture and homeware tends to be way more durable so save you money in the long run - and obviously reduces your carbon footprint.
Did you know that modern ‘fast furniture’ is designed to last only 10-15 years, and that 80% of it ends up in landfill?
Buying vintage means you are essentially recycling/repurposing and preventing the production of new items which requires resources and energy. A winner for your home and the planet!
By giving new life to pre-loved items, we reduce waste and minimise our environmental footprint. A conscious decision to slow down and appreciate the quality and longevity of times pieces.
A true beauty of vintage is its ability to evoke emotions and spark memories. I’ve lost count of the number of people who say ‘oh my mum/gran/aunty had these?’; or ‘my gran got that for her wedding present'. There's a reason people remember these pieces from a long time ago and it’s because they're still around now, and still look great.
My grandma’s G-plan coffee table has had endless rounds of cards played on it, and you could cheat if small enough to be looking under the glass top. Her white pedestal kitchen table now sits in a lovely café in Peebles owned by one of my best friends - my Grandma would love this.
And why mid-century modern in particular?
There’s a reason this ‘trend’ has lasted so long. Mid-century items are characterised by great design - sleek, clean lines, organic shapes. They have a timeless appeal that fits in any home. They work well alongside antiques as well as pieces from the same era. They're not only stylish, but practical and functional. Each piece tells a story, bears the marks of age, has history, and is an example of craftsmanship.
Mid-century describes the period post World War II, where simplicity and functionality were at the height of popularity. From 40s-60s, there was a rise in clean lines and multipurpose furniture. It represented an iconic change for interior design: 20th Century technical advances from the war incited mass production and affordability.
What would say the key elements of a mid-century modern style are?
For me there are 4 key features of a mid-century look:
Simplistic furniture, functional living
Teak, rosewood and oak are main components of furniture
Rich colours and durability
Vibrant accent colours and rich woods
Even today the movement continues to be a top global furniture trend.
What would be your top tips for people wanting to add a mid-century style look to their home?
Minimalism or maximilism, whatever suits your style. I like to mix minimal design with maximal colour and texture.
Embrace wooden pieces - durable, good quality, and stand the test of time.
Vibrant but simplistic furniture style - you just need a few key pieces; accent/statement pieces are a great way to add timeless modernity.
Mix and match with contemporary pieces.
Colour is a major element - colourful, plush pieces against neutral backgrounds. I personally love bright colours, but also earthy tones of the 70s such as oranges, yellows, browns and greens also work well.
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