About

Nova Tempus is a small, independent vintage homeware business run by me,  Ilse Witjes, from my home by the park. Arnhem, NL

I’ve worked (among other things) as a B&B owner & shopkeeper for the past 10+ years, but I’ve always had an obsession with beautiful, eclectic interiors and an inability to resist the thrill of the hunt. I’ve spent decades pulling over at the side of the road to rummage from age 9,  through car boot sales, antiques shops, flea markets and French brocantes, and I finally legitimised my hobby by turning it into a business when covid hit and my B&B had to close due restrictions. Since then, I've run Nova Tempus part-time alongside my other work, family life and the ongoing renovation/styling of our house from 1890.

I source an ever-changing collection of vintage and pre-loved homeware from the UK, Europe and beyond, alongside vintage furniture, specific finds sourced to order and a hire collection for photoshoots, dinner parties and events. 

Everything at Nova Tempus is something I’d happily have in my own home — so much so that I often find it difficult to part with my finds. I’m drawn to beautiful silhouettes, interesting materials, character and personality, with a particular weakness for Christmas stuff, marble and onyx, burr woods, hand-blown glass, brass and silver. Expect to shop mid-century glassware, French furniture, hand-formed and woven ceramics, vintage barware, silver and stainless steel tableware, shell trinket dishes, linens, cutlery, platters and other pieces that make a home feel personal.

Get in touch, send me an email below.

Love Ilse