Linda Käckermann
Hi Linda, please introduce yourself:
Hi, I'm Linda, founder of the vintage design studio AIN’T NO TRASH. As a curator for furniture that has been in circulation for decades, I focus on selecting objects that create a feeling. My passion lies in the materials, shapes, and character of each piece.
#1 What is AIN’T NO TRASH and why did you found it?
AIN’T NO TRASH is a studio specializing in vintage design furniture. We curate exceptional pieces from various iconic eras, including Space Age, Bauhaus, and the 1960s and 1970s.
Our journey began during the first lockdown in 2020. Recognizing an opportunity to turn my passion for collecting objects into a business, I founded AIN’T NO TRASH. At the time, there were very few places, either physical or online, that offered a curated selection of vintage design pieces. This gap inspired me to create a space where extraordinary objects could find a new audience.
#2 How has working with design classics changed your relationship to your own living space?
For me, it has always been secondary whether an object is tied to a particular designer or brand. What has always mattered more is the connection we have with the objects that surround us, the ones that create a feeling. Living with my partner Lina, this approach is something we both deeply value. For us, it's about curating a home filled with objects that truly feel like us.
What has changed with AIN’T NO TRASH is the access to unique pieces. We now have the opportunity to connect with rare, exceptional objects that hold a story, an emotion, or a distinct character.
#3 How and where do you find the objects you sell at AIN’T NO TRASH?
After almost five years in this business, we’ve built a brand with significant reach and a strong network. We know where to go, where to look, and who to connect with. This solid foundation also allows objects to be offered to me directly.
#4 In recent years, interior design has become more and more mainstream and people's sense of how they want to furnish their homes seems to have changed. On Instagram and TikTok, you are constantly shown perfectly designed interiors, there are various magazines on the subject and coffee table books on interior design are piling up in people's homes. Do you have the feeling that the designers in demand or particularly popular styles are changing very quickly, or are similar things still in demand now as they were at the beginning of AIN’T NO TRASH?
I’ve noticed that, especially since the pandemic, when life centered around our homes, there’s been increased interest in interior design. What’s interesting is not only the fast-paced nature of styles and trends, but also how the perception of objects has shifted. What was once considered niche has gradually become mainstream.
For ANT, we’ve always curated based on our own instincts. However, we’ve noticed that once an object involves a well-known designer or design, it naturally appeals to a broader audience.
#5 Has there been a piece of furniture that you have found particularly hard to sell because you have grown so fond of it?
It's hard to name just one. It’s more than just an object. It’s the stories that make the objects.
#6 Do you have any exciting projects coming up in the near future or are there any changes planned?
What began as dealing with vintage furniture has grown into a brand, allowing me to think more expansively and collaborate across diverse fields. There are projects in the works and changes ahead. These plans will kick off in 2025, though I can’t share more details just yet.
#7 How do you see your role as a dealer of vintage design furniture in today's society?
As a curator and dealer of vintage design furniture, my role is to connect people with objects that transform spaces and tell a story. It’s not about following trends or focusing on brand names, it’s about discovering pieces that resonate with desires and bring something unique to spaces.
#8 How does your environment influence your work?
My surroundings are an integral part of my work. The people and places around me shape my creativity and have a significant impact on my ability to create.
Working with my partner Lina, is one of my greatest sources of inspiration. The projects we’ve created reflect our shared vision. Our physical environment also plays a crucial role in this. Being visual individuals, we draw inspiration from what we see.
#9 Three things that inspire you at the moment:
Exploring neighborhoods I’ve never been to before.
Projects I'm currently working on.
Antique designs and mural paintings.
#10 What do you currently read, watch, listen to?
The album Petrichor by 070 Shake.
The series 1992
I have several books I've started, but none that I've recently finished.
Links
website: aintnotrash.de
Instagram: aintnotrash, lindakaeckermann
Photo Credits: © AIN’T NO TRASH
Interview by Emily Paefgen