Just a few months ago, blogger and content consultant Sebastian moved into his new period apartment in the centre of Cologne in Germany. He lives there with his dog Alma in around 100 m², which he has furnished not according to trends but with carefully chosen classics. In this interview, Sebastian tells us where he finds inspiration, how important change is to him and why the Scandinavian brand Audo is one of his absolute favourite interior brands.
Sebastian, tell us where and how you live.
I've lived in Cologne for ten years, and four months ago I moved into a lovely new flat. Right in the centre, yet very quiet, next to a park. It's a 100 m² period apartment with 3.80-metre ceilings, stucco mouldings, double doors and original floorboards.
What do you do for a living?
I work part-time as a teacher, and I'm also a blogger, content consultant and creator for other companies.
How did your passion for interiors come about?
I'd say I was born with it. At any rate, I can't remember a time when I wasn't interested in furnishing and interiors. Even as a child, much to my parents' dismay, I rearranged, redid and redecorated my bedroom every month. Having a "beautiful" home as THE place where you feel comfortable, safe and secure was always important to my parents, so the aim of making this "home" beautiful was always there. Luckily, I've carried that on.
How would you describe your interior style?
Timeless, clean and classic.
What colours will we find in your home? How do you choose them?
I love white as a base, especially combined with the wooden floorboards and selected black pieces of furniture. Flowers, books and decorative pieces can then bring in some colour!
What are your personal interior tips for our readers?
I'd recommend everyone furnish their flat or house according to what feels cosy to them personally – rather than following every trend, invest in carefully chosen classics and take your time with the furnishing.
What do you look for when buying new furniture and accessories?
Quality and design! It's important to me that furniture stays with me for a long time, which is why I tend to go for classics that won't be "out" again after one season. Accessories are different. There I'm happy to follow trends and play with colours and shapes, as a quick way to give the basic look a fresh feel.
We can spot a lot of Audo in your home. What is it you love so much about the brand?
For me, Audo is the epitome of perfect Danish design. I generally love Scandinavian interior design. It's effortless, understated, precise and stylish. Audo is one of the few brands where skilful design shows in both the furniture and the accessories.
What's your favourite design from the brand?
I really can't decide, because there are so many great designs. I especially like the Échasse vase, because it makes a statement even though it's so simple and elegant. But I also think the Co Dining Chairs, which I currently have my eye on for the kitchen, are fantastic.
Which is your favourite room in your home?
My dining room, which isn't just a dining room but also my study, meeting room and the creative centre of the flat. In fact, this room can be reached from almost every other room, so it's literally the heart of the flat. The highlight is the wonderful wall of windows looking out onto the beautiful period buildings on the street. I really like that.
What makes your flat your home?
My flat is the place where I feel completely comfortable and secure. It's my creative centre and the place where I can unwind and recharge my batteries.
Do you have role models when it comes to fashion and interiors, or do you choose design entirely according to your own taste?
Not role models as such, but I like to draw inspiration from lots of places. My interior at home is largely inspired by shop and hotel design.
Do you have a dream home? A house in the country, a loft in the city …
At the moment, I'd find it exciting to renovate and reinterpret a typical 1960s bungalow with a large garden.
How do you know it's time for a change at home? How often do you need change?
I noticed it last year and the year before, when my previous flat was becoming "too small" for me in the long run. I live and work here, and I need space for shoots, somewhere to store equipment and an office. At some point that was no longer possible in my old flat. I've also had a dog since last year, and I wanted a flat with green space nearby.
Do you have any rituals? What's the first thing you do in the morning after getting up, and when you come home from work?
Both in the morning after getting up and straight after work, I take Alma – my French bulldog – for a long walk.
What's your next interior project?
The "new flat" is both my current and my future project. I still have lots of plans here and I'm really looking forward to putting them into practice.
Shop the look
Sebastian, thank you for your time and this truly inspiring interview!
https://www.instagram.com/sebastian.schmidt
Photos: Rosetime Photography & Sebastian Schmidt
