As "kateshyggehome", Instagrammer Katharina shares her passion for interiors with her community every day. In recent months, the birth of her daughter Frida presented her with a very special interior challenge. She told us what has changed in her 90 m² home in Neukölln, Berlin in Germany, since then.
How would you describe your interior style?
There's definitely a strong Scandinavian influence, because I lived in Copenhagen in Denmark for a while and spent a lot of time in Scandinavia as a child. I like things clean and tidy, but it should still feel cosy and warm. I don't like it too sterile – more "hygge".
You work full time at a PR agency. How did you get into interiors?
That's right, I've been in PR for more than eight years, mostly in fashion. Over the years, my focus simply shifted from fashion to interiors, especially because interiors last a bit longer.
And Instagram was the right platform for your love of interiors.
I started the Instagram account because I wanted a little project of my own, and because people kept telling us how great our flat was. I thought: "That's worth sharing." And now I'm really happy about the wonderful interiors community.
You also have a young daughter. What has changed in your home since Frida was born?
The bedroom has changed completely – only the bed is the same as before. We've added two new, larger chests of drawers, a changing table and a cot, and put up new pictures. We didn't want a separate children's room for now, as there's enough space in the bedroom. In the living room, she now has a play corner and her own chair so she can keep us company at the table.
What will Frida's room look like one day? Which pieces of furniture are essential?
Her cot and chest of drawers will definitely move into her room, which is currently the dressing room. Then we'll need shelves for toys and books, and I definitely want a tipi as a cosy corner – that's essential for me.
"For children's furniture, it's a good idea to choose flexible solutions and stick to subtle colours. In Instagrammer Katharina's home, colourful toys bring plenty of colour into the children's room and every other room. If that's not enough for you, you can add extra splashes of colour with home accessories such as rugs, bed linen, curtains, pictures and lights." – Viktoria, interior expert
How did you manage to turn your period apartment into such an inviting, feel-good space?
Of course, it took a while, and all the furniture was bought over the years and chosen to go together. I used to dislike wooden furniture, for example, and everything was black and white. Now wood tones dominate, and I find they radiate a lot of warmth and cosiness.
Tell us your three must-haves for a hygge home.
A comfortable sofa with lots of cushions and a blanket, warm wood tones, rugs and candles – and a fresh bunch of flowers every now and then.
What do you particularly like about living in Berlin? Is there anything you miss?
What I like about our neighbourhood is that it's close to the Landwehr Canal and lots of parks. There are also many great cafés and restaurants, so you hardly need to leave the area. But we also like strolling through Mitte or heading out into the countryside – the area around Berlin is beautiful too.
Are you thinking about moving to the countryside now that you have a child?
We are. Sometimes I miss the peace and quiet here, even though I grew up in Berlin and don't know anything else. But with a child, you naturally start wondering whether you'll stay in Neukölln or move after all.
Thank you so much for the wonderful insight into your home.
