Stylist Viktoria lives in Berlin in Germany with her husband and their three children. On Instagram, where she is known as @tthese_beautiful_thingss, she gives more than 66,000 home design enthusiasts a daily glimpse into her spacious city flat, which she has made warm and welcoming with soft natural tones. We visited her at home to talk about the effect of colour and how light works in harmony.
Dear Viktoria, describe yourself in three words.
Feminine, elegant and creative.
Your photos always look beautifully styled, as if everything has its place. How do you manage that with three children?
Everything really does have its place at home. Even so, I love rearranging and restyling things. My husband and I care a lot about having a beautiful, clean, tidy and fresh-smelling home – but not at any cost.
The children are free to play and let off steam here, and they often make a bit of a mess. We simply tidy everything away again before bedtime.
What matters most to you when furnishing the children's rooms?
I focus above all on durability and on choosing things that work well together. Of course, it's important that the children feel comfortable. I involve them in every decision, and we usually agree.
Which colours do you tend to choose?
I don't think a room should be too colourful, but it should still feel child-friendly, with a few touches of colour. The room becomes colourful enough as soon as the children start playing. Subtle shades and a mix of materials such as wood and linen create a calm, cosy feel. I like to pair them with modern classics such as the String System or the Acapulco Chair for children.
Do you have a favourite product from us?
Yes, quite a few, actually. But my favourite is the AJ floor lamp by Louis Poulsen – one of my favourite classics, and a must-have in our home. I also love the Vertigo pendant light and my new Series 7 chairs by Fritz Hansen. They all work beautifully together and give the room a completely new look.
Where does your passion for design and beautiful things come from?
I think it started when I was very young. I was fascinated by interior design, architecture and art. The first thing I did after school was rearrange my room and draw pictures of rooms, which I then furnished in my imagination.
My father always thought I would become an architect. Sadly, I never followed that path and chose a different field.
My passion grew over time. I tried out lots of things in my first home of my own and learnt that a flat or house should be allowed to evolve.
What is your biggest source of inspiration for interiors?
Interior magazines, travel, and then Pinterest and Instagram.
You tend to decorate in natural tones. Has that always been the case?
Yes, it really has. I tried one or two other styles along the way, but always came back to my own. I've always liked the mix of the clean lines of Bauhaus, feminine elegance and a little of the lightness of Scandinavian style. Art is an essential part of it, too.
What do you like most about that style?
Soft natural tones make a home look stylish without feeling like a showroom. You should simply feel comfortable and be happy to come home.
At last, we're starting to bring things back into our home that add a touch of Bauhaus style. I'm looking forward to it and curious to see how it all turns out.
Our flat isn't particularly bright, so I avoid large, dark pieces of furniture and prefer lighter ones. I always say, "Furnishing a home is a long process" – you never really finish. But I'm gradually feeling settled, and I look forward to the day when it's finally done.
Your walls also show how confidently you use colour, with different shades of grey and beige. How do you think wall colours can change a room?
The right wall colour can make a small room feel larger, for example, or make a large room feel cosier if you find yourself almost lost in it. Wall colour can also improve your sense of wellbeing. I like light natural tones because they have a calming effect on my family and me. We live right in the middle of Berlin in Germany, on the Ku’damm, so there's plenty of bustle and noise outside.
Art is one of your passions. How do you bring it into your home?
I think decorating is an art in itself, and I love arranging things in an artistic way and photographing them – flowers, branches and different materials. I also love painting and visiting art exhibitions. Three of my "paintings" are already hanging on our walls.
You use lots of different light sources in your home. Do you have any tips for planning your lighting?
I think there should be a lamp wherever you like to spend time at home, whether it's standing or hanging. Good lighting lets you create an atmosphere that feels right. A lamp is the finishing touch to any interior and adds an aesthetic quality.
What matters to you when buying a lamp? How do you choose one?
It depends on where I want to put it. I need plenty of light in the kitchen, while the living room and bedroom call for warmer, cosier lighting. I want the entrance to feel welcoming, with light that's neither too cool nor too warm.
As for design, I personally like modern or timeless classics – pieces that will last.
Dear Viktoria, thank you for giving us such a lovely glimpse into your home and inspiring us with your naturally beautiful interior!
https://www.instagram.com/tthese_beautiful_thingss
