Snapshots from Claudi and Tiger's lovely Berlin home

Tjoohoo! It's a beautiful day here in Malmö (hey, I'll take anything other than snow right now!). Yesterday I had such a fun day filming with German TV channel  DW-TV around the fascinating term  'lagom' (a Swedish word essentially meaning not too much, not too little: just right) set to air this Saturday. The TV crew were based in Berlin, which is one of my absolute favourite cities (have you ever been? - if not you must!). Today I thought I'd share the home of another Berliner: Claudi. Claudi is a photographer and blogger behind Do it, but do it now and regularly shares snapshots of her home, DIY ideas and fabulous places in Germany's hip capital city. Her home, which she shares with her feline friend Tiger (short for Tigerlily) is packed with vintage finds, mid-century pieces, handmade details and an abundance of plants. Let's take a peek....

Photography: Claudetta Böttcher / Do it but do it now.

Oh so lovely and relaxed! I particularly like the unusual pieces like the green chair in the kitchen and round shelves in the sitting room - so inspiring! Did anything catch your eye?

A few items from Claudi's home: source vintage crates here,  black letter board, Kay Bojesen monkey, this rug is similar (made to order!), blanket from Elmas Home. 

For more pics of her home, DIY ideas, and tips on Berlin (among other things) check out Claudi's blog (in German) and instagram. I've also been having a snoop around Claudi and her boyfriend's fab interiors shop Elmas Home - definitely worth a look!

You might also want to take a peek at these lovely spaces with a mid-century touch: a charming innercity home with soul, a Dutch home in an old tannery and a fabulous mid-century modern home in LA home - a few of my favourite homes! 

Have a lovely day!

PS My Milan Design Week 2017 trend report is now available to read here!

READ MORE...

15

A charming and relaxed Dutch home

This lovely home by a canal in Amersfoort, The Netherlands, oozes charm and happiness. The family of four - Irene, her husband and two little girls - designed the living space themselves and centred everything around the home-made dining table where they like to gather. When Irene is not working as an assistant Product Manager she is busy hunting for flee market finds and working on cool DIY projects around her home which are documented on her blog. I love the relaxed, personal  feel of the space. It makes me want to embark on a few DIY projects of my own, how about you?

 

 

Source / credits: Photography: Celine Nuberg, Stylist: Studio nest. Homeowner Studio Wolk. Shared with kind permission.

Anything that stands out to you in particular? 

I really like the kitchen dresser. Irene painted it in several colours before deciding on mint green (try Farrow & Ball Teresa's green or Pale Powder for a similar effect). Other Dutch homes with great examples of hand painted furniture include this and this home).

You can see more of this home captured by Celine Nuberg and a full write up (in Dutch) here.

Since we're going all out Dutch today - you might want to check out other fab homes from The Netherland's previously featured here including this, this and this one. I love the use of colour!

Have a lovely day!

PS I'm so pleased to see the return of wonderful sponsor Dorayaky, a shop selling 100% handmade bags. Each bag is designed and manufactured by the creative duo Auroro Pérez and Fernando Albero in their studio in Valencia, Spain. The result is a range of personal handbags which capture their love for design and well-made objects.

READ MORE...

16

The home of a Dutch design duo

I always think the Dutch have a wonderful sense of style which wouldn't be out of place in Scandinavia. Take this home in Eindehoven for example. It's the cheerful family home of Dutch designers Tineke Beunders and Nathan Wierink behind the brand Ontwerpduo. The couple have carefully renovated the space with whites, pretty pastels and vintage one off pieces to create a calm yet happy family home. Take a peek...

Holly Marder, Avenue Lifestyle with kind permission. For Decor8. 

How cute is the little girl?

Interestingly the house didn't have a wide enough space for a double bed so Nathan built their bed between two walls. The curtains were put up for privacy and a touch of decadence. The idea turned out to be a great one since it also means their little baby can't roll out of bed! Small space inspiration indeed!

For more pics and the full interview visit Decor8.

I've had the pleasure of meeting Holly (the photographer and stylist behind this shoot) when she came to photograph my home i the spring (images currently for sale through Holly). She's fab - so much fun and really talented.

Other fab Dutch home tours shot and styled by Holly include this, this and this one. Her beautiful bedroom has also featured on here.

Oh and excitement for today - the latest edition of SOFFA magazine - the free digital design and lifestyle magazine that's all about the very best in the world of design went live yesterday. Read the latest edition here.

Have a great day!

READ MORE...

5

The lovely home of a Dutch designer / blogger

There are so many wonderful blogs out there, I seem to discover a new one every week! My latest find is  'My Attic', authored by Dutch designer Marij Hessel. Marij has a passion for interior, decorating, fashion and photography (among other things) and frequently shares images of her beautiful  Dutch home on her blog. Here's a sneak peek.

My Attic

My Attic

My Attic

My Attic

My Attic

My Attic

My Attic

My Attic

My Attic

My Attic

Oh so lovely. Monochromes, pastels, patterns and big leafed plants define this relaxed family home (in my eyes at least). I particularly love her bedroom which has been decorated using finds from a recent trip to morocco (long been on my list) and the Danish shop Grenes. You can read more about her bedroom and the items in it here.

Thank you so much for the permission to share the images Marij.

For more Dutch inspiration you might want to check out this family home, a home in a converted chidren's nursery and this fab Dutch bedroom make-over. I think a trip to Holland is in order. Speaking of which, is anyone going to the 'Meet the Blogger' event in October? Sadly I can't go but it looks so great and definitely a firm date in my diary for next year!

Have a lovely day!

READ MORE...

14

12 Child Friendly Ideas From A Happy Family Home in Berlin

This wonderful turn-of-the-century apartment in Berlin is everything a family home should be. Owned by Nicki (creator of Siglinchen) and her partner (both doctors) and their three daughters (aged 6, 12 and 15), the light-filled, 120 metre square (191 feet square) home is a blend of the minimalism (that Nicki so desires) and the relaxed, colourful vibe that comes from being a family of five. The result is a calm yet vibrant space bursting with happy colours, playful touches, music, books, art and plants. I clocked 12 great things to take-away from this delightful family home (scroll all the way down for notes on how to get the look too!). Enjoy the tour!

1. Research has shown colour affects emotions, and can have a significant effect on a child's development. Warmer colors like orange and yellow bring happiness and comfort and red has been known to increase the heart rate and therefore increase alertness and the appetite (according to Sciencing) - perfect for the kitchen then! 

2. Touches like the Donna Wilson cushions add a playfulness and help to create a home that embraces children and adults alike.

3. Children have the grubbiest fingers (at least mine do!). Using bright coloured fabric will protect your furniture (and can be thrown in the wash every now and again too!).

4. Using your kitchen windowsill as a mini garden for flowers, herbs and vegetables will help your children to learn about nature and the changing seasons -  and enjoy the proceeds too! 

5. Children's high chairs don't need to be boring! I've always loved the Tripp Trapp chair since it grows with your child - and how funky is that retro one too?!

6. It goes without saying that kid height hooks are helpful for keeping stuff off the floor - and they can't not notice these fabulous bright coloured Hang it All ones either. Perfect!

7. Who says you can't have white in a home with young children? White walls are easy to clean with a damp cloth and white furniture covers can be easier to clean than any others since you can always out tougher stains. Just make sure they're removable! 

8. Why stop at bunting when you can have pom poms and garlands too?! OK, this decor has been strung up for a party - but who says you can't totally leave it up for way longer than is necessary - especially when it looks this pretty!

"March to June is birthday season and the apartment is filled with garlands and balloons. The children and I love them so we leave them up for ages." Nicki.

9. Maps are great for helping children make sense of the world. Plus, if you're short for meal time chat, you can always start to plan your next adventure!

10. Marcel Proust once said "there are perhaps no days of our childhood we lived so fully as those we spent with a favourite book." Words to live by indeed! 

11. Tap into the calming influence of nature. Not only do plants help to purify the air, research has also shown they help to improve memory and concentration in both children and adults. 

"Since I generally prefer a more minimalist look and feel, I try to keep furniture and 'stuff' to a minimum  - both on the floor and walls." Nicki. 

"I love colour and I think it works best against a natural background - so it becomes white with lots of pops of colour." Nicki. 

12. Art makes you smart! A recent study revealed that children who visit art galleries demonstrate stronger critical thinking skills, higher levels of social tolerance, greater historical empathy and a taste of museums and cultural institutions. Why not start with your own private gallery at home?! it'll help to brighten up the room too. 

What a truly inspiring home, don't you think? It feels loved and lived in!

f you're curious about any of the items or feel like creating a similar vibe, you might find the below helpful: 

Get the look:

1. Whole Wide World
2. Girl 1
3. HANG IT ALL wall hanger
4. High Chair in Aqua Blue
5. Meg Printed Cotton Accent Pillow
6. Nursery Decoration
7. Pamina Sofa

If you'd like to see more of Nicki's lovely home hop on over to her instagram feed here.

And for more family home inspiration I'm loving a cheerful and bright Dutch home, all things bright and beautiful in a pared back family home and a lovely light-filled Swedish family home (this last one is one of my favourites!).

If you've got any great tips for creating a family home I'd love to hear them! 

Ha det så bra!

Niki

Photography:  Nicki / Siglinchen

READ MORE...

5

The bright and happy home of a Dutch blogger

I love a unique home. One where you can immediately tell something about the owner when you walk in (or see the home tour in a post!).  That's why I love the home of Dutch blogger Marlous Snijder (also founder of Oh Marie! magazine),  shot by Holly Marder for her 'Homes with Heart' column on Decor8. This home certainly has heart, and bags of it. I love the pops of colour, the quirky touches, and the slightly bohemian feel. I could hang out here all day drinking tea. How about you?! 

Home Marlous Snijder. Photography: Holly Marder. Decor8. 

How cute is the 'This morning, with her, having coffee, Johnny Cash' art?! One to get custom made through Geek Chic Prints?!

I think what I love most about this home are the bright bursts of yellow, such a cheerful colour to add to a home don't you think? One day I'll be brave enough to add a pop of yellow to my own home and when I do I'll also be taking my inspiration from this and this home. 

A SMEG fridge always goes down well too...!

Is there anything you love in particular about this home? 

More wonderful Dutch homes here, here and here (in case you missed them!). 

Have a lovely day!

READ MORE...

17