5 Minutes with Vinterior's Sandrine Zhang Ferron

My interest in vintage furniture really grew... when I moved from a loft in East London to a Victorian terraced home. The shift in architecture was quite striking and I wanted the decor and interiors to not only reflect that change, but honour the character innate to the house. The true turning point came when I was searching for a yellow Poul Volther armchair. I wanted it in a shade that matched my cat's eyes. The hunt through countless markets, antique fairs, and seemingly endless online listings for the perfect chair made me realise how difficult and time-consuming finding vintage and antique furniture really is. There are such great pieces out there ready to be discovered, but most people don't have the time to be trawling around Kempton. That’s when my personal interest turned into a business idea and when my true passion for vintage and antique furniture started.

My taste and confidence in choosing vintage has really changed as I've... become more familiar with it all. I used to love mid-century, and though those practical pieces are still great, at the moment I'm much more drawn towards Art Deco. I love the grandeur and whimsy of the pieces, they really become a statement in the room.

When Vinterior launched... our focus was quite local and mid-century design was at the forefront. Today, our community spans more than 30 countries and over 100 categories. The shift has been remarkable: people now prioritise quality, sustainability, and individuality over fast furniture. Buying vintage has become a thoughtful expression of personal style and values rather than just a trend.

Luxury today is about... authenticity, provenance, and emotion. People increasingly value the individuality and substance of vintage pieces, it's their imperfections, history and craftsmanship which tell a story and elevate a home. Many pieces are also brilliant investments. It’s a more meaningful kind of luxury that celebrates character and longevity.

Conscious consumption has... encouraged people to buy less but better - to seek out pieces that stand the test of time. Vintage sits naturally within that shift. It’s sustainable by design, and adds depth and personality to a home in a way mass-produced furniture never can. This mindset has brought vintage into the mainstream, it’s now a considered choice rather than a niche one.

My personal approach to decorating a home is to... mix styles and eras to create something layered and personal. My home has Art Deco pieces sitting comfortably alongside mid-century and a few contemporary designs. I don’t overthink the rules, I just follow my instincts. If I love something and it fits the space, I make it work. I have a child and a cat, but I don’t let that hold me back from having beautiful pieces in the home. Every bump or scratch tells a story, and for me, it’s about creating a home that feels lived-in and full of character.

To someone starting their vintage collection from scratch, I'd recommend...starting with what you love. Don’t over-plan or buy everything at once, let your collection evolve naturally. Look for quality makers and materials, and don’t be afraid of contrast. Mixing styles, scales, and textures gives a home soul. And if something stops you in your tracks, trust that instinct and act quickly, as hesitation is usually how you miss the best finds!

My proudest Vinterior milestone so far has been... seeing Vinterior grow from an idea and a leap of faith, into the UK’s largest vintage and antique furniture marketplace has been incredible. We now work with over 10,000 sellers and have hundreds of thousands of listings. But what makes me most proud is knowing that we’re a big part of a cultural shift that champions pieces with provenance, over fast furniture, and in doing so, is helping people make a much better choice for the planet. 

Launching Vinterior has taught me...that perseverance and adaptability matter most. Building something from scratch teaches you patience, resilience, and the value of trusting your team. I’ve learned that growth happens when you let go a little and allow others to shape the vision alongside you.

My go-to ritual for winding down is...cooking and spending time with my family. I love creating meals that bring everyone together. It’s grounding, creative and makes the house feel alive. I also make time for yin yoga, the sauna, and cold baths after a weight-lifting session. It helps me recharge, release stress, and build long-term resilience. And at night, I love falling asleep to ‘sleep stories’ — they quiet my mind and help me fully switch off.

At the moment, I'm listening to...West End Girl by Lily Allen, a raw, emotional album that tells the story of a relationship from start to finish. It’s very different from her earlier work, but so honest it stays with you. Madeline and Pussy Palace are on repeat.

The one item on my wishlist right now is...the perfect rug - which is surprisingly hard to find. I want something large, with bold checkered borders, and the right balance of pattern and texture. It also needs to be resilient in a humid climate, so probably a low-pile wool rather than jute. I’m holding out for one that feels just right.

Lastly, I'd describe my style in three words as... eclectic, characterful, vintage.