It all began with a mid-century Mexican hand mirror that now hangs in my hall. Think of the things that give a home feeling, and meet Opto, a homeware brand of one-of-a-kind vintage pieces founded by Brian Tufte and Marcus Stemp. Our conversation gave me a lot of peace ahead of the next phase of my home renovation, so I am excited for you to hear their approach to collecting and designing their home. Slow design can be easy to preach and harder to practise in a world accustomed to next-day delivery. Even though I had experienced the benefits of taking my time, living in my old flat to get a feel for the space while gradually sourcing reclaimed materials, I was able to do the actual renovation in one go. By contrast, my current reno is happening piece by piece, room by room, which has been an adjustment.

Tips from Marcus' mum and their take on the evolution of a room recharged my commitment to getting to know a home before making changes. We chat about timelessness, sourcing travels, and my thing for their vintage mirrors.

Explore Opto

See their upcoming pop-ups here

Find Opto on Instagram @optoldn

Find me on Instagram @reclaimedwoman & TikTok @reclaimedwoman

Images and more at reclaimedwoman.com

And please share this podcast with fellow reclaimers, vintage junkies or anyone you are trying to introduce to the joys of the reuse lifestyle. Thank you!

Music courtesy of Pinecone Moonshine, Sanity & Soundness, Flapdoodle by dgoHn

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