Photo by Stefan Radtke

We welcome Marina Hanisch to our Complementary! Guest Curation series. Marina Hanisch, founder of Marina Hanisch Interiors, showcases her favorite finds, each thoughtfully chosen to reflect her signature mix of modern sophistication and eclectic charm. With rich textures and timeless appeal, these selections create inviting and effortlessly elegant spaces.

Photo by Stefan Radtke

Based in Greenwich, CT, Marina is an acclaimed interior designer known for crafting high-end residential spaces that evolve with her clients' lives. Her signature style blends modern and eclectic elements, using neutral tones, rich textures, and unexpected materials to create inviting, story-driven interiors.

For this curation, Marina has selected pieces that reflect her - design philosophy—where every element brings warmth, depth, and character to a space.

Her picks showcase a seamless balance of sophistication and comfort, offering an inviting energy for luxury living.

Marina Hanisch’s Passion for Estate Sales and Online Auctions

For Marina, estate sales and online auctions are more than just a way to source furniture and decor—they are a window into the past and a vital part of her design process.

Drawn to pieces with history, Marina is captivated by objects that “bear the patina of time and tell a story.” This passion translates into estate sales and online auctions. These types of sales offer a way to uncover one-of-a-kind finds that bring depth and character to a space. From antique furnishings to unique decorative accents, these treasures add a sense of authenticity and charm to Marina’s designs, creating interiors that feel warm, layered, and rich with history.

Photo by Lindsay Brown

Marina Hanisch’s Favorite Auction Finds

When browsing online auctions it is usually sculptural furniture, unique vintage lighting, and artful ceramics that draw Marina in.

One of her favorite finds is a pair of rattan chairs covered in shearling. She appreciates the contrast of the structured wood with the softness of the shearling.

These pieces bring texture, warmth, and character to a space, combining sculptural elegance with an inviting, lived-in feel.

Marina Hanisch’s Curation of Favorites

Explore Marina Hanisch’s online auction selections, each chosen for its unique blend of modern sophistication and timeless appeal.

Consider this mid-century modern lamp, which she selects for its striking combination of sleek chrome and industrial design.

“I love how the sleekness of the chrome creates a modern feel to this otherwise industrial task lamp,” she says.

Marina offers interior styling tips, suggesting to pair it with a gorgeous sitting chair and a stone side table for the perfect setup, effortlessly blending style and function.

Mid-Century Modern Style Adjustable Floor Lamp

Additionally, Marina chooses a carved marble figure, a striking - sculpture that offers a sense of refinement and mystery. Its abstract form provides a sculptural, artistic presence that can become a conversation piece within the space

Norma B. Flanagan (20th C. CT) Carved Gray-Black Marble, Abstract Figure

Another intriguing piece is a modernist carved wood sculpture. Marian explains that she loves incorporating sculptures into art collections, “it is a great way to add visual interest, dimension and depth.”

Modernist Carved Wood Mother And Child

Marina Hanisch’s Auction Favorites and Inspirations

Sculptural furniture, unusual vintage lighting, ceramics, and ornamental items—especially those with organic, flawed forms—always appeal to Marina Hanisch. She enjoys finding objects that give depth and character, and bringing warmth and history to a room,

Marina is frequently drawn to ceramics, unique vintage lighting, and sculptural furniture. She appreciates those with organic, imperfect forms.

Specifically, she says, “I love finding pieces that bring warmth and history into a space, adding that collected, lived-in feel.”

In light of this, she selects a pair of steel stools. She believes steel frames are “a true architectural staple and instantly add character.”

Quality Pair Of Chic Steel Stool / Ottoman Base Frames

Marina also selects a Mid-Century Chaise Upholstered in Mohair for restoration, a classic piece that combines vintage charm with luxurious comfort, building an elegant home interior, perfect for upgrading your living room. The plush mohair upholstery offers opportunity for blending classic and contemporary decor.

Mid-Century Chaise Upholstered In Mohair For Restoration

Another item showcased in Marina's selections is a stunning Heavy Pottery Baluster Form Oil Jar, a striking work that adds earthy texture to any space. Its form and unique craftsmanship allow it to stand out, while also adding warm colors.

Heavy Pottery Baluster Form Oil Jar

Marina Hanisch’s Expert Tips for Estate Sales and Online Auctions

For those new and old to the world of estate sales and online auctions, Marina offers some valuable advice. She urges people to be patient and research.

Also, do not hesitate to ask the auctioneer for additional photos— “seeing a piece from every angle helps you understand its true condition.”

She also reminds you to check the dimensions as it is easy to misjudge scale online especially with furniture pieces, “you wouldn’t want to be surprised by a miniature chair when you were expecting a statement piece.”

Stay open-minded when browsing estate sales and online auctions—sometimes, a piece you would not expect to fit your style can turn out to be the perfect statement for your space.