Eva Kaiser's home has been on my radar for a while now. When I first spotted it on
Instagram I assumed it was Danish, since the Danes are doing wonderful things with colours right now. But then I bumped into Eva at
Formland design fair and we chatted about her life on an old farm in Northern Germany with her husband, three sons, two dogs and seven Icelandic horses. I was so curious to hear more about the family's recent move across Germany, what it has been like to work with a blank canvas and how she combines colour in her beautiful home. Read on to feel inspired!
I understand you and your family recently relocated; can you tell us more about your move?
Well, it was the most exciting change of my life. We didn't just relocate, we started a completely new life with our three children. Before, we lived in the South of Germany in Karlsruhe in a beautiful house that we renovated 8 years ago. But one day my husband and I asked ourselves if it was the place we could see ourselves growing old in - and it wasn't.
We had a dream, but we didn't know how it would look in detail. Two years ago, we were on holiday and found that we loved to live with our horses (we own Icelandic horses) but also that we were looking for a challenge. So, we were looking for something that would give our life new meaning.
We found this beautiful place where we live now, and it took all our courage to sell everything we owned in the South and move away. It was the most difficult - and best decision I've ever made. Within one year we completely changed our lives and now we feel the rewards: we are so happy here, it felt like home in an instant. We are very lucky that my husband and I are both self-employed but nevertheless it took a lot to make the move!
What was the best thing about having a blank canvas to play with?
What a question! So difficult to answer! For me, it's been really hard to work with a blank canvas. I've had to make many decisions within a short space of time before we moved in. I was also not completely free to choose colours since there were already some colours present in the house - such as the old terrazzo floor. To be honest, it has been so hard to decorate and finish our new home and it's far from being finished. I've moved many times, but it has never taken me so long to make decisions! You really have to take care to strike a balance between not rushing and yet still moving forwards. That's not easy and you have to allow yourself to make mistakes. I've made many - I can tell you!
Are there any tricks you use to combine colours?
My favourite trick is to remember your first idea and remind yourself of it after you make your mood boards and have thought about it night after night. Your first, instinctive idea is usually the best. Another trick is to take a magazine and cut out all the colours you love. It doesn't matter if it's a picture or an advert. Or select shades from colour samples from paint producers. once you have picked out all the colours you love, you'll start to notice the same colours appearing. Play around with these colours and create a mood board or just allow them to come together randomly. It's a really fun and creative process.
How do you find the perfect wall colour?
This is the most difficult thing for me because I always have a really specific colour in mind and I always try to perfectly match it. My partner in crime is
Kolorat - a local paint company. They offer bespoke samples. After receiving these, I hope to have the perfect match and test it on every wall.
Your home is full of interesting furniture and accessories, where do you find them?
Everywhere. I'm always keeping my eyes open. I find pieces at flea markets, on my travels and find inspiration online.
When I first saw your home, I thought it was Danish, are you inspired by Danish design?
Yes, I am! I love the way Danish people play with colours and the creativity and ease with which they move away from the mainstream interior. But I always try to find my own way and hope to stay unique!
What's next?
Our home is far from finished. Art is very important to me and we have a wonderful collection of paintings that are waiting to be hung on the walls.
I understand you work within the world of interiors?
Yes, I offer
workshops around the topic of colourful living and I also produce and
sell homeware including cute colourful cushions from second-hand fabric and recycled yarn. You can also stay at our farm in a small holiday cottage that I have just finished furnishing (you're welcome to contact me directly for bookings)!
As soon as we can move around a little more, I know where my stop will be! Thank you so much for telling us more about your renovation Eva!
What do you think? Are you also feeling inspired by these beautiful colours?
Is there anything that stood out to you?
For more lovely colour inspiration today check out:
So friends, that's it from me today. I hope this home tour has offered wonderful bubble of respite from all that's happening right now!
Have a lovely sunny day!
Niki
Photography: Eva Kaiser, shared with kind permission
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