Well, I do believe we've made it guys: it's Friday! And the sun is shining.
Hurraaaa! I hope you've got some fun plans for the weekend? But
please don't go quite yet as I have the prettiest house to share with you ! This gem of a family home in Tilburg city, North Brabant, The Netherlands belongs to Ilona Polycen (also known as
@mamoesjka_nl), her partner Daniel and two sons Tycho (13) and Fender (7). The thoughtfully decorated interior is characterised by subtle shades of pastel, soft light wood, one-off pieces and vintage touches. I caught up with Ilona to find out more.
How would you describe your interior style?
I
like a fresh white canvas decorated with vintage, design or handmade
items, mostly in fresh or soft pastel colours. I’d much rather have one
item that I really love rather than five things I just like. I don’t
shop on impulse. I will always take my time before I buy something for
my home.
Do you have a favourite spot?
You’ll often find me sitting on my pink home-made bench. It’s
my favourite spot in the house, where I write, scroll through Instagram
and sit with family and friends. From my bench, I also have a clear
view of the rest of the living room and the open-plan kitchen.
Do you update your home often?!
I
love to use my home as my test lab. If I haven’t painted anything for a
few weeks, the paint tins literally call out to me from the closet.
Where do you shop?
I
like to search the internet for new treasures. I look for both new and
second-hand items and design pieces as well as less expensive finds.
For me, it’s very important that they’re not things that everybody likes
and buys. I want stuff that is unique and is available on a small
scale. For that reason, I always search for small websites or designers
that sell their own work. It’s so much more fun to make a small
independent enterprise happy by purchasing some of their products than
to buy something from a big retail chain.
Do you have a favourite piece?
My
favourite piece of furniture is the vintage cupboard that my partner
and I bought at a thrift store. I really loved it when I first saw
it, but we both thought it was far too expensive (the cupboard was not
in the best condition) and we left the shop without buying it. But soon I
had second thoughts and we quickly went back again and bought it. We
gave the little cupboard some love with oil and wood paste and I now
think he’ll stay forever!
Chrysanthemum wallpaper by William Morris
25Lamp, this mustard waffle throw is similar.
What's your best home decorating tip?
I
like to do things my own way. I think that’s my best tip I can give
anyone. Make the choices yourself. Fill your home with items you really
love and that make you happy. These days you can find inspiration
everywhere. I like to scroll through Instagram and see all kinds of
interiors, but I have to stay true to myself. Something I’ve learned
over the years is to choose what makes you happy and don’t do what
everyone else is already doing.
Thank you so much for inviting us into your home this sunny Friday, Ilona!
If you don't already follow Ilona on instagram it's a must!
And for more beautiful Dutch home inspiration take a peek at a
lovely light-filled house boat,
the happy home of Marij Hessel, and
a charming and relaxed Dutch home.
Have a fabulous weekend all and see you Monday!
Niki
All photography: © Ilona Polcyn
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