In a world oversaturated with mass production, algorithm-driven design, and fleeting trends, it’s easy to forget the quiet power of personal objects—those that hold stories, spark memory, and invite emotion. But what if art could reclaim that power? What if décor wasn’t just something you bought off a shelf, but something that meant something?
At i deserve nice things, this is more than a question—it’s a mission.
✨ Where Memory Meets Craft
Founded by artist and photography professor Matthew Dols, i deserve nice things isn’t just an online store—it’s a love letter to photography, storytelling, and the tactile beauty of well-made things. With over 30 years of experience in the visual arts, Matthew understands the silent language of images. He also understands the enduring beauty of wood, grain, and frame.
Each piece in the shop begins as a forgotten photograph, rescued from flea markets, estate sales, and antique stores across the globe—from the back alleys of Istanbul to dusty corners of rural France, from Sri Lanka’s antique shops to American Midwest estate auctions. These original photographs (never reprints) are then elevated into heirloom-quality art pieces, paired with hand-cut mattes and framed in ethically sourced exotic hardwoods.
This is slow art—purposeful, considered, and deeply meaningful.
🌍 A Global Story with a Personal Core
The brand’s origin story is rooted in memory. In late 2024, Matthew became a father. In early 2025, he lost his own father. These two life events collided to create a moment of reflection: What do we leave behind? What physical remnants carry our stories?
This existential pause birthed i deserve nice things—a project rooted in the idea that every life deserves beauty, and that objects can carry emotion, history, and legacy. The photographs in the collection aren’t famous. They’re not of celebrities. They’re quiet portraits, everyday scenes, family gatherings, and solitary moments. They are human.
By pairing these images with hand-built frames made from Jatoba, Merbau, Wenge, Tigerwood, and other richly toned exotic hardwoods, Matthew transforms ephemera into collectible, one-of-a-kind art that speaks to memory, presence, and care.
🪵 Why Framing Matters More Than You Think
In the age of IKEA and click-to-ship wall art, the concept of a handmade picture frame may seem like a luxury. But here’s the truth: a frame is a vessel of value. It says, “This image matters. This story is worth preserving.”
Each frame at i deserve nice things is:
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Custom-cut and crafted by hand
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Made from ethically sourced, exotic hardwoods with natural grain and texture
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Matched uniquely to the mood and tone of the photograph it holds
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Finished to gallery quality with clean miters, archival backing, and a timeless aesthetic
This isn’t just about wall decor. It’s about curating your home with intention—surrounding yourself with things that carry weight, meaning, and beauty.
🏡 Why Vintage Belongs in Modern Homes
2025 interior design trends point to a major shift: consumers are craving authenticity, sustainability, and emotional resonance. No longer satisfied with generic prints or soulless furniture, people are looking for objects with a story.
Key trends that align with i deserve nice things:
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Legacy Living – Designing with purpose, using pieces that reflect personal or cultural history.
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Nostalgia Decor – Embracing warmth, sentiment, and memory-rich aesthetics.
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Modern Vintage Fusion – Pairing old-world charm with clean contemporary spaces.
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Slow Living Aesthetic – Surrounding ourselves with items that are handmade, sustainable, and enduring.
Framed vintage photographs hit all these notes—minimal in form, maximal in meaning.
🔍 SEO Keywords That Align With Your Search
If you’re browsing or shopping online, you may have found us by searching:
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vintage photographs for home decor
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handmade picture frames
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original antique photography
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ethical wall art
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interior design with meaning
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upcycled vintage art pieces
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custom hardwood photo frames
All of these search terms align with our mission: to deliver one-of-a-kind, sustainable, emotion-filled art to your walls.
🧠 Art That Sparks Emotion and Conversation
Clients often tell us that people stop and stare at their framed photograph when they come over. There’s something disarming about a vintage image—especially when presented in a stunning frame. It invites the question:
“Who is this? What’s the story here?”
And while you may not know the original narrative, you’ll find your own. You’ll project emotion onto it. You’ll create a new story in a modern setting.
This is what we mean when we say these are legacy pieces. They’re timeless. Personal. Unexpected. And no two are alike.
💡 How to Style Framed Vintage Photography in Your Space
Here are a few ways to incorporate these pieces into a modern home:
1. Create a Curated Wall
Group multiple framed vintage images together in a gallery wall. Use consistent spacing but mix frame woods and photo types for a rich, collected look.
2. Anchor a Room with a Statement Piece
One large photo framed in dark Wenge wood above a fireplace or headboard can act as the emotional center of a room.
3. Lean on Warmth
Use Merbau or Jatoba frames in rooms with warm lighting and natural textiles to enhance coziness and connection.
4. Mix Eras
Don’t be afraid to place vintage photography beside contemporary art. This contrast adds depth and intention.
5. Create Quiet Moments
Place a single framed portrait on a bedside table, writing desk, or reading nook. These small touches speak volumes.
💬 What Our Customers Are Saying
“There’s something haunting and beautiful about these pieces. I don’t know who the people in my photo are, but they feel like family.” — Klara, Amsterdam
“I’m an interior designer and I source pieces like this to bring emotional depth to modern spaces. Nothing beats the combination of vintage and handmade.” — Isaiah, Berlin
“It’s unlike anything else I’ve found online. Everything else felt trendy. This feels permanent.” — Rachel, New York
🛒 Why Buy From i deserve nice things?
✅ 100% Original Vintage Photographs
No reprints. No AI-generated fakes. Every photo is a piece of human history.
✅ Handcrafted Exotic Hardwood Frames
No plastics. No prefab corners. Just wood, grain, and care.
✅ Sustainably Made
We use reclaimed or ethically sourced hardwoods and produce everything by hand in Prague.
✅ One-of-One Pieces
Each work is truly unique. Once it’s sold, it’s gone.
✅ Ships Worldwide
From Prague to Portland, we carefully pack and ship with love and care.
🖼️ You Deserve More Than Mass-Produced
We know there are endless options for home décor. But few offer soul, story, and substance like we do. Whether you're an art collector, an interior designer, or someone simply looking to add meaning to your home, we invite you to browse our collection.
When you invest in one of our pieces, you’re not just decorating—you’re preserving. Honoring. Elevating.
You deserve that. And so do the stories we carry with us.
🛍️ Ready to Find Your Piece?
Visit our shop now:
👉 i deserve nice things – Explore the Collection