Melli Lindroos runs a vintage store called Mendera, located on Laivurinkatu in Helsinki, and it’s full of absolute gems. Silver Mikiver and Laura Eemann wandered in and had a nice chat with Melli.
How did you end up opening Mendera?
I would describe myself as a joyful and calm person who’s curious about beauty and self-expression. I have a background in jewellery design. Which, now that I think of it, probably just shifted to a larger scale over time: from wearable objects to life amongst design and art pieces of a different scale.
My passion for vintage interiors started with lamps. In mid-2021, I started to collect and mend interior items, and in December 2022, the Mendera online shop was opened. In September 2023, we opened our physical store in Viiskulma.
First, I’d hunt for old lamps with worn-out cables at flea markets and repair them. I’ve always loved vintage design and was constantly on the lookout for pieces with potential to bring home. Eventually, it felt too special to keep as just a hobby, so I decided to leave my day job and create a little vintage haven of my own.
If you were given an assignment to design your own lamp, what would it look and feel like?
The material would have to be glass; nothing else feels quite as magical to me. I’d want to move to Italy for that assignment and learn from the glass makers on the Murano island. It would probably end up being something ridiculously big, fun, and swirly.
When scouting for new pieces for your shop, what emotions and values are you looking for?
I’m always looking for pieces that make me smile or that feel unique. That might come from an unusual material, a distinctive shape, or a beautiful technique. Good quality is also a big priority for me. I want each piece to feel like a real treasure, while still being fairly priced and accessible.
Do you have interests or hobbies outside of product design and spatial design that help to deepen the understanding of the field?
Most of my hobbies tend to revolve around design or art in some way - they’re what I naturally gravitate towards. When searching for pieces, I often get a lot of inspiration from fashion and art. I feel like they often help shape my interior choices when it comes to colours, shapes, and materials.
How do you see the vintage design collector’s scene evolving? What do you see as the next big trend, and why?
The scene of collectors has grown massively in recent years, and I believe it will only continue to expand, and rightly so. More people are becoming aware of the environmental impact of mass production, and they’re seeking more personalised, meaningful homes filled with pieces that feel unique and good to live with. I think it’s becoming more of a mindset than simply following trends, which means we’ll likely continue to see multiple styles coexist - from space-age to earthy to romantic.
You have expressed your love for Italy and Murano glass - please elaborate!
Murano glass comes from an island outside Venice in Italy, and it’s home to one of the oldest and most renowned glassmaking traditions in the world. All pieces are handmade, varying in incredible glassblowing techniques and designs. I think that in a world of mass production, these types of traditions in craftsmanship feel so wholesome and valuable. I hope to perhaps someday visit the island, but until then, I’m enjoying the connection through the pieces I curate for my shop.
What should one consider when designing a space? Any rules or guidelines you follow yourself?
I’m quite slow and intuitive when it comes to setting up my own home. For me, the foundation is all about practicality and how the space feels - the rug has to be soft, the sofa comfy and big enough to nap on, the light cosy, and the colors soothing to live with. Once the basics are in place, I might start thinking about layering vintage decor and art. But the process is rarely this linear, and it tends to shift, especially with vintage finds; you never know what you’ll come across or in what order. It can take time, but it's also part of the fun.
What is your relationship with contemporary design?
Locally made, sustainable contemporary design brands excite me. They can be very adaptable and fresh, pairing beautifully with vintage items. As much as I love vintage interiors myself, I do believe blending them with (sustainable) contemporary design can be a great solution for many people.