In her 120 m² home, Lena from the Instagram account @lena_living prefers a natural interior, which she shares with her partner and their daughter Frida. For this visual merchandiser, photo designer and blogger with an eye for detail, beautiful accessories play an important role, especially at Christmas. In this interview, she tells us her tips for creating a cosy dining room and how she gives her favourite designs from the popular brand Iittala a festive touch for the Advent table in just a few simple steps.
Lena, how and where do you live?
I live with my partner and our daughter in a 120 m² period apartment in the heart of Osnabrück in Germany.
Your interior style in three words?
Natural, harmonious and detailed.
You have a one-year-old daughter. Has much changed in your interior since she was born?
The biggest change to our interior is that we turned our guest room into a nursery. As a result, the room we used least before has become the room where we now spend most of our time every day. It's a really lovely change, because the large period windows and access to the conservatory give the room a great deal of charm.
Do you have a favourite corner or room?
Since I spend a lot of time with my daughter in the nursery, we've made this room especially cosy over the last few months.
We'd rather neglected the adjoining conservatory until the summer, when it got a makeover. Since then the space has felt completely different, and I'm really happy every day when I snuggle up with Frida on the daybed and read her books.
What does the word "home" mean to you?
For me, home is the place where I feel more comfortable than anywhere else. It's where I collect the loveliest everyday moments with my family, where I can unwind and recharge.
Lovingly chosen accessories run like a common thread through your flat. What effect do you think accessories have on the overall look of a home?
As the saying goes: it's the little things that make a big difference. For me, that saying fits home accessories perfectly. Here, a special souvenir that reminds you of a wonderful trip.
There, a beautiful bunch of flowers in your current favourite vase. Over there, a designer lamp you'd had your eye on for so long and finally treated yourself to. For me, these are the things that turn a home into a personal place.
Are you more of a fan of timeless or seasonal decorative accessories? Do you decorate especially for Christmas?
I have lots of timeless accessories that I use all year round and decorate seasonally for Christmas. At the moment, for example, my Iittala vases hold olive and pine branches, and small bowls are filled with pine cones.
In general, my decorating motto at Christmas is also "less is more", but a few stars made of wood, paper and straw, fairy lights, fir branches and garlands are an absolute must – they're what make Advent truly special.
What really gets you in the Christmas spirit?
It doesn't take much to get me in the Christmas spirit. I'm a big fan of this magical time of year. Baking biscuits, drinking punch, opening the doors of the Advent calendar, wrapping presents beautifully, going for walks when it's cold outside and then getting really cosy indoors … I could go on for ever.
But to really enjoy these things, time plays an important role, of course. That's why, for many years now, I've planned enough days off in December to make the run-up to Christmas truly stress-free.
This year has turned out rather differently than planned in many ways. Do you already have an idea of how you'll spend Christmas in the middle of a pandemic?
We always spend Christmas Eve in a small group with my parents, my sister and my brother-in-law. We'll do the same this year. I'm really looking forward to it, because it will be the first Christmas that Frida really experiences consciously. We're giving her a play kitchen, and I'm already looking forward to seeing her eyes light up.
On Christmas Day and Boxing Day, we've always visited relatives and friends and celebrated in big groups. That won't happen at all this year. It's a real shame, of course, but we'll simply make the best of it, send presents by post and enjoy the slower pace as much as we can in a small circle.
Your dining room seems to be the heart of your flat. Do you have any tips on how to make a dining room as homely as possible?
Personally, I rely on two things. First, cosy home textiles. I always lay my table with a linen tablecloth and cloth napkins.
On the bench and chairs, sheepskins and cushions create a snug atmosphere. I also think light is very important. Our VP1 provides the right light above the dining table, and candles add a warm ambience.
Do you have favourite interior brands?
There are quite a few. Iittala, Hay, &Tradition, Karup Design, Ferm Living and Lyngby Porcelæn are just a small selection.
What exactly do you like about the designs of these Scandinavian brands?
The often clean-lined, timeless and unobtrusive design. You can be sure it will give you pleasure for many years.
What are your interior must-haves for the dark season?
Snuggly cushions and throws, beautiful lights and, above all, candles!
Shop the look
www.instagram.com/lena_living
Thank you for the wonderful interview, Lena. We wish you a peaceful Christmas and happy holidays.
