"I'm someone for whom an aesthetic environment is very important. I draw strength and inspiration from calm and order." Consti from the blog dreieckchen.de is known for her passion for interiors and decorating, especially DIY – so small details naturally play a key role. We visited the interior expert in her 85 m² flat in Landau in der Pfalz and came back with lots of practical styling tips for you, especially for shelves.
Consti, tell us about your home.
I live with my husband, Moritz, in an 85 m² flat in a former winery in Landau in der Pfalz.
What do you like so much about your flat?
The harmonious combination of historic details and a modern design concept. The facade, balcony railings and window frames are coordinated in muted shades of beige and black. Thanks to the high windows and ceilings, the rooms are beautifully flooded with light.
When we viewed the flat, we instantly fell in love with the building's beautiful sandstone facade. The courtyard has a Mediterranean feel. Many of our guests say it feels like being on holiday. Because of its mild climate, the Palatinate is often called the Tuscany of Germany. We love being close to nature and go walking in the surrounding forests and vineyards as often as we can.
Do you work from home so you can enjoy this lovely place?
Yes. Last year I took the plunge and turned my hobby into my job. I'm a full-time, self-employed blogger at dreieckchen.de and work with various clients in the interiors and DIY sector.
That sounds exciting! What do you write about on your blog, dreieckchen.de?
On my blog, I want to inspire my readers with styling tips, DIY projects and real-life interior ideas. With how-to guides and simple tips and tricks, I show them how to make their homes beautiful themselves: tidy, practical and, above all, suitable for everyday life. Product recommendations are always welcome, of course.
That sets you apart from most interior bloggers.
It's never been so easy to collect new ideas – and never so hard to keep track of them. At a time of endless sources of inspiration such as Instagram and Pinterest, the flood of images and trends can be overwhelming. Especially if you haven't found your own style yet, or your home isn't particularly photogenic, it can leave you dissatisfied.
I want to help my readers and followers with practical tips they can adapt for their own homes and easily recreate. On the blog, I share my experiences and show how I've solved "problem areas" in my flat or in friends' homes. That goes down really well, and not just on Instagram. The most popular blog posts are problem solvers – for example, how to make a bare bathroom feel cosier.
Speaking of DIY: what are your personal tips for people who aren't very handy?
Just give it a go, because you can learn a lot – there are online instructions for almost everything. For more complex DIY projects, I'd get some help, because many things are easier with two – my husband often has to lend a hand. When I have new DIY ideas, I like to meet up with friends who love crafting. At our last girls' night, we made the lovely macramé feather garland that now hangs above our bed.
The garland looks really lovely. Why do design and DIY go together so well for you?
Every design product was once a DIY idea that the designer created, planned and made themselves. I like giving my home a personal touch with my own ideas – for example, with a dried flower wreath as wall decoration.
How would you describe your interior style?
Scandinavian, natural and cosy – with a few boho highlights.
So a harmonious mix. Do you have any styling tips for us?
One thing that always works: grouping decorative objects in odd numbers. Arranged in a triangle, they look more interesting. I like combining glossy and matt surfaces – for example, vases and plant pots such as the Shell Pot and the Speckle plant pot from ferm LIVING.
And what are the no-gos?
Tastes differ, but I find it difficult when everything looks too crowded and jumbled. It's no fun when you're dusting, either [laughs]. Or when decorative objects are placed on their own without much thought and look lost.
What's an absolute must on a perfectly styled shelf?
For the shelf to look cohesive, I think it's important to decide on a colour scheme first. To start, I'd gather all the decorative objects on a table and make a selection. That gives you the best overview of what goes together. Then, of course, you can experiment on the shelf and move things around.
What's your favourite piece on your living room shelf, and why?
I really like the Milk table lamp from &Tradition. It's well made, dimmable and gives off a pleasant, indirect light.
What matters to you when buying shelving?
First of all, I ask myself what I want to use the shelf for: should it have closed fronts and be used for storage? Or should it have open compartments for displaying decorative objects? It should look light and still catch the eye without taking over. Of course, a shelf should be sturdy, look good and fit into the existing space. That isn't always easy, especially with open-plan layouts.
How often do you restyle a shelf, and what do you enjoy most about decorating?
I usually restyle with the seasons. In spring and summer, with light materials such as bamboo and rattan; in autumn, with warmer colours and dried flowers in rust red and dark natural tones. For a festive Christmas atmosphere, I like decorating with white paper stars and dark candle holders. I like to take my time decorating. There's something meditative about it for me, and I can forget everything around me.
You'll find more tips on styling shelves here.
What are your favourite interior brands, and why?
Oh, there are quite a few! I like thoughtful, simple design that's practical and versatile, such as the Block Table serving trolley by Normann Copenhagen.
I also really like designs with organic shapes and small details, such as the popular plant pots and bowls by Kristina Dam Studio. The beautiful ceramic tableware from Marimekko and Broste Copenhagen looks as if it had been hand-thrown. Surrounding myself with favourite things in everyday life gives me moments of happiness every day.
Do you spend almost all of your free time on interiors too?
My thoughts revolve around new interior ideas, decorating and DIY inspiration around the clock. I like leafing through coffee table books – most recently "Travel Home", which shows great interior ideas and still lifes. As a self-employed person, I spend a lot of time on personal development and self-organisation. When I just want to switch off, my favourite reads are the books of French author Guillaume Musso.
Is there anything you collect?
Vases, cushions and baskets. I now have quite a large collection of them.
Where do you find inspiration?
In everyday life, I'm often inspired by friends' and family members' homes. But most of my inspiration comes on holiday, when I can just go with the flow. I love browsing side streets, concept stores and cafés. Our holiday in Bali last year really stayed with me. I tried to bring that relaxed way of life into our living room.
Tell us about your favourite spot in your flat.
The living room. On the chaise longue, I disappear into a mountain of cushions and throws and can snuggle up. In summer, I enjoy the first rays of sunshine with a cappuccino in the morning on the comfortable outdoor sofa on the balcony.
What do you do on a day off?
Working from home, I often find it hard to set boundaries. So on a day off, I like to really treat myself: going out for breakfast, spending lots of time outdoors and going for walks. The best way for me to relax is a lovely spa day with a sauna, a massage, reading and simply letting my thoughts drift. Afterwards, I'm full of new energy.
Where does your love of detail and your passion for interiors, decorating and especially DIY decor come from?
I'm someone for whom an aesthetic environment is very important. I draw my strength and inspiration from calm and order. My interior style has developed over the years. I've worked out which colours and materials I feel most comfortable with. If something at home bothers me, I always have it in front of me – and at the back of my mind, I know I'm still looking for an alternative. But slowly, I feel like I've arrived. Small details give your home personality – and it's fun to discover them.
What's your next interior project?
I'd still love a new display cabinet for storing glasses in our living room. My absolute dream would be to renovate an old house – ideally with an extension I could use as a studio, and a large garden with a view of the countryside, over the vineyards or a lake.
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Thank you so much for the interview and all the useful tips, Consti!
