Ana shapes her world the way she likes it. That's where the name of her blog, "My Petit World", comes from – and it shows in her personal mix of modern design and antique vintage pieces. Even as a child she was very open-minded and loved art and architecture. Today she lives with her son and husband in a 75 m² flat in Vienna in Austria with its own garden.
We visited her idyllic home and talked to her about her personal style, her favourite season and her passion for her garden.
Ana, you clearly have a feel for design. Do you also work in interiors?
Before I became a mother, I trained as an interior designer and worked for an architect. After that I became interested in blogging, and since the start of last year I've focused entirely on interiors. In a few years I'd love to open my own interior design studio.
How would you describe your interior style?
My style is a mix of many different styles. Whether it's a top designer, vintage pieces, handmade ceramics or treasures from the antiques shop – anything that pleases my eye is allowed to move in. I love it when a home reflects the people who live there. But if I had to choose, I'd say I love the 1920s to 1950s most, along with the charm of period buildings.
And your personal style? With your short brown hair and beret, you remind us of "Amélie" …
The way I dress expresses my personality. I love the feminine style of women in the old days, with beautiful dresses, gloves and hats. I try to put together a modern version of it for myself. I also really love antiques – just as much as modern design. These different styles are reflected in the flat too.
What's your favourite season, and why?
My favourite season is early summer, because that's when nature really wakes up and comes into bloom. I spend the time in our garden or with friends & family.
Do you decorate seasonally too?
Yes, I love decorating seasonally, for example with fresh flowers, simply to have nature around me – it inspires me a lot.
Who or what inspires you?
I find inspiration in lots of everyday things - a beautiful melody, a work of art or nature itself. There are no limits to creativity. I also have some great interior and architecture books that I browse through now and then.
You have a knack for stylish, artistic arrangements. Do you have any tips on how to place decorative objects?
I think I inherited that from my grandad. He was an artist and very creative. My decorating tip is to combine new, modern pieces with one-of-a-kind objects. As for placing things in general, I don't think there are any rules.
You should give your creativity free rein and try new things. A table lamp that normally stands in the home office can just as well go on a chest of drawers in the living room, or simply on the floor next to a pile of books.
What do you like about Marimekko?
What I particularly like about Marimekko is that the pieces are very delicate and playful. I generally love delicate things.
Do you have a favourite piece from the Finnish brand?
I've really taken to the large Urna glass vase. I'd been looking for a long time for a large vase for my hydrangeas – one with a beautiful shape that doesn't look too dominant. It's simply a perfect centrepiece for the table.
I also really like the drinking glasses. They're ideal as ice-cream bowls in summer. And I love the brand's beautiful, delicate floral patterns, which run through everything - from the tableware to the textiles.
You recently brightened up your garden with accessories from Marimekko. Would you say your interior style carries on outdoors?
Yes, my style continues in my garden, because it bears my signature and reflects my personality. I really like vintage, but also classic elegance as well as playfulness – it's all in the mix!
Besides your interior, we especially love your beautiful hydrangea hedge. Do you have green fingers and any tips for getting your garden to bloom?
I don't really have green fingers. Hydrangeas are very easy to care for. Apart from watering, feeding and pruning them in spring, there's not much you need to do. They're definitely eye-catching and brighten up not only our garden, but also the vases in our flat. Every now and then a few neighbours even come by and cut themselves some flowers.
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Ana, thank you so much for the wonderful insight into your home!
