Hannah Behrens loves northern Europe and understated design. She has worked as a freelance graphic designer for two years, partly for the popular brand Vitra. We visited Hannah in her modern maisonette flat in Hamburg in Germany, where she skilfully combines a stylish home office with an inviting living area.
Hannah, what do you like most about your flat?
The light on the upper floors. The floor-to-ceiling windows let in plenty of light whatever the season. That lifts my mood, whether I'm getting cosy or need to concentrate – there's always a little bit of the outdoors inside.
What do you need to feel at home?
I can tell very quickly whether I feel comfortable somewhere – it's mainly about the atmosphere of the rooms. Later, when I furnish them and add personal pieces of furniture and accessories, things I connect with memories or simply find beautiful, the rooms become a home.
That's why I rarely buy on impulse – I look at products several times before buying them, to make sure I won't be bored of them after a few days.
Do you have any tips for making open-plan spaces cosy?
It's nice when materials complement each other. In rooms with very clean lines, I like wooden floors – they make a space feel homely from the start. I combine simple upholstered furniture with patterned rugs, cushions or throws.
On heavier, dark furniture I place delicate plants and, in summer, colourful flowers. And candlelight. I love candles and light some almost every evening.
How do you combine design classics so that a home feels lived-in rather than like a showroom?
Personally, I like it best when the surroundings don't distract too much from the classics. That way they can tell their story best. I pair them with understated furniture, small personal items and plants.
What do you expect from a piece of furniture, and which classic do you think meets those expectations best?
Durability is what I expect from classics. That means using materials that can withstand wear and tear for an exceptionally long time. And it only works in combination with a contemporary design.
Rolf Fehlbaum (Vitra Chairman) once said: "A classic becomes a classic because it wins the battle: first against the old, existing products, and then against all the new products that try to take its place."
So when I invest in a classic, I know it will always have its place. I really like that idea! My father has sat and worked on some of my furniture too.
Do you often work from home?
As a freelance graphic designer, I'm not tied to one workplace. When I don't have client meetings, I prefer working from home. I can stay focused there for a long time, and the coffee tastes best [laughs].
For creative exchange, I go to shared workspaces. There are quite a few here in Hamburg. I love the balance my job allows me – switching between teamwork and working on my own.
What should you pay particular attention to when furnishing a home office? Do you have any design tips?
A low noise level and a view of greenery are important when I spend a long time concentrating in one room. I arrange the furniture so that it's easy to keep things tidy and nothing distracts me from work. I'd find it hard to be creative in a messy or cluttered room.
How do you balance work and free time?
In my job, it's sometimes hard to say: "Now I've finished for the day and my free time begins", because I don't have typical working hours or colleagues to take my cue from. I started keeping a journal a year ago, and it has helped me not to neglect my private life. I use it to plan my work and personal plans for each week.
How important is being close to nature to you?
Very important! After stressful days of meetings, I often notice that I really long for a long walk. There are wonderful routes around Hamburg, across wide fields or along the Elbe. Nature is where I slow down fastest – on foot or on horseback.
What feeling does a place need to give you to be a retreat?
Familiarity and permanence. I used to travel a lot. On my travels I was always meeting new people, which was a wonderful experience. But I rarely found places where I could withdraw.
I really appreciate having a home again where I feel safe, can relax and decide for myself when I want to be alone. Usually that's never for long. I have a large family and circle of friends, and I love inviting them to the long table in my dining room.
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Thank you, Hannah, for the insight into your flat and the wonderful inspiration for working from home and switching off!
