„When can I move in?“
…was my first question to Julie when I visited her at Originol in Hamburg. Unfortunately, neither I nor anyone else can move into her beautiful showroom. But what you can do is find nice things for your own home there. Julie sells living accessories from South Africa that she discovered while studying there and on her many visits since. The design of these mostly small labels is delightfully non-stereotypical, while still, as Julie says, „proudly South African“, such as the use of typical prints or locally grown cotton. I fell for the fine porcelain vases from FH Porcelain during my visit. A throw from Mungo is also on my wish list.
The other half of Originol is vintage furniture that Julie spruces up together with her better half, Pascal, who conveniently has his workshop next door to her showroom. The pieces are mostly from the mid-century era, but with a modern look. A bulky phone bench gets a new neon colour coat, a teak sideboard is dressed up in mint vinyl, a dusty wing chair dressed up in a kelim cover. It all looks so fresh and perfect, and is so well executed, that I feel it’s worth saving the money for. Although it’s also possible to invest in something custom-made. How? Just bring your own furniture to Julie and Pascal and they’ll work with you on giving it a new look – for a true, ahem, originol.
Those of you who don’t live in Hamburg, and even those of you who do, can order the accessories in Julie’s online shop here. You can see more of their furniture here. And here is the contact if you’re interested in having something custome-made.
