Elevating Vintage Photography with Timeless Craftsmanship
In today’s saturated world of home decor, where big-box retailers and AI-generated artwork flood our feeds, a quiet design revolution is taking place. Interior designers—those who shape the aesthetic character of homes, hotels, restaurants, and creative workspaces—are turning away from the generic and gravitating toward the meaningful.
At the center of this movement? Handmade frames. And not just any frames—bespoke, ethically sourced hardwood frames housing original vintage photographs.
At i deserve nice things, we’ve seen firsthand how the design community is shifting focus. As sustainability, story, and soul become central values in home styling, designers are seeking unique objects that speak not only to their clients’ tastes but also to the legacy of craftsmanship.
The Era of Mass-Produced Decor Is Ending
It wasn’t long ago that interior spaces across the globe were filled with the same IKEA prints, Target picture frames, and big-box design clichés. For years, this aesthetic reigned: clean lines, neutral palettes, and wall art with vague quotes or faux-vintage images.
But times have changed.
The rise of the “slow living” movement, the popularity of maximalism, and a growing consumer interest in sustainability have all led to a renaissance of authenticity in design. Homeowners and designers alike are now asking more of their spaces:
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“What does this object mean to me?”
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“Where did it come from?”
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“Who made it?”
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“Will it last?”
This shift has opened the door for heirloom-quality pieces—objects with real stories, human touch, and artistic merit. And this is where handmade frames rise above the rest.
Why Handmade Frames Are in High Demand
1. Craftsmanship and Quality
Handmade frames are built to last—not just physically, but aesthetically. At i deserve nice things, every frame is individually handcrafted by artist and photography professor Matthew Dols, using exotic hardwoods like Wenge, Jatoba, Merbau, and Tigerwood. These are not factory-cut moldings; they are custom cuts, assembled with precision and finished by hand to preserve the natural grain and warmth of each wood.
The result? A visual and tactile richness no machine-made frame can replicate.
2. Originality and Exclusivity
No two pieces are alike. Every frame is made for a single original vintage photograph. That means when you buy a piece, you are the sole owner of a singular historical artifact—not a reprint, not a copy, but a one-of-a-kind moment frozen in time.
Designers love this. These pieces become focal points, conversation starters, and mood-setters that can’t be duplicated in another home or space.
3. Sustainability and Ethical Production
Today’s design professionals prioritize ethical sourcing and eco-conscious materials. All woods used at i deserve nice things are either ethically sourced or reclaimed, and the entire process—selection, design, framing, and packaging—happens under one roof in Prague.
Compare that to factory-framed prints shipped across the globe wrapped in plastic, and it’s easy to see why handmade matters.
4. Timeless Aesthetic Appeal
Interior designers are constantly seeking pieces that defy fleeting trends. Handmade frames made from richly toned, natural woods bring a sense of grounding and heritage. Pair that with the timeless mystery of vintage photography, and you get artwork that complements styles ranging from minimalist and Scandinavian to rustic, industrial, eclectic, and mid-century modern.
The Designer’s Perspective: Why These Frames Work
We’ve heard from dozens of interior designers who choose our work for specific reasons:
“I needed something with soul—something to soften a hyper-modern kitchen. One of your pieces did the job instantly.” — Eva M., Berlin
“My clients are tired of mass-market art. They want authenticity. These framed vintage photographs give me that.” — Nathan R., London
“I design Airbnb spaces, and people comment on the photos every time. They add depth without feeling heavy-handed.” — Sasha G., Paris
Designers also love the range of frame tones we offer:
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Jatoba – reddish-brown warmth for earthy, mid-century interiors
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Merbau – golden chocolate tones ideal for spaces that crave warmth and texture
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Wenge – deep, rich brown-black tones perfect for drama and contrast
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Tigerwood – bold grain patterns that shine in both modern and rustic settings
More Than Decor: The Emotional Power of Vintage Photography
Each image in our collection is sourced by Matthew personally—from flea markets in Hungary, antique shops in Istanbul, estate sales in rural America, and beyond. Every photograph has a past. A story. A mystery.
When placed in a space, these images evoke curiosity and emotional connection. They invite questions:
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“Who is this woman?”
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“What story lies behind this soldier’s eyes?”
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“Where was this taken?”
This isn’t mass-produced art that fades into the background. This is memory, reimagined as fine decor.
How to Style Handmade Frames in Interior Design Projects
1. Gallery Wall Statement
Curate a gallery wall using frames with varied wood tones and different vintage images. It creates a layered, collected feel that reflects intentional design.
2. Solo Spotlight
One large portrait in a Merbau or Wenge frame above a console table or bed instantly adds depth and intrigue.
3. Unexpected Corners
Style a vintage photo on a bookshelf, in a powder room, or on a kitchen ledge for a unique surprise.
4. Contrast with Contemporary
Modern homes benefit from the emotional weight of vintage elements. Use these framed pieces as contrast to white walls, glass, and steel.
Ideal for Commercial and Residential Design
Whether you’re outfitting a chic downtown apartment, a bohemian cafe, or a boutique hotel, our framed vintage photographs add warmth and narrative. They're especially perfect for:
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Interior designers
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Art consultants
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Boutique hotels
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Home stagers
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Design-conscious homeowners
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Collectors seeking one-of-a-kind art
What Makes i deserve nice things Different?
Unlike most online decor shops, we don’t sell hundreds of the same item. Each piece is:
✅ An original vintage photograph
✅ Framed in a custom, handmade exotic wood frame
✅ Accompanied by a hand-cut archival matte
✅ Signed, documented, and shipped from our Prague studio
✅ Ready to hang with professional-grade finish
This isn’t decor you buy. This is art you invest in.
Final Thoughts: Why You Deserve Nice Things
The name says it all: i deserve nice things isn’t just a brand—it’s a belief. In a disposable world, we believe in permanence. In a noisy marketplace, we believe in quiet craftsmanship. And in an industry flooded with sameness, we believe in the power of one-of-a-kind.
Interior designers know: when everything is mass-produced, originality becomes the greatest luxury.
So whether you're designing a home, curating a space, or simply searching for artwork that resonates—consider something handmade. Something meaningful. Something you’ll never see in anyone else’s home.
You deserve nice things. So do the spaces you create.