A Home with Katharina
Katharina, a dynamic project manager at Blumen2000, invites us into her charming 67 square metre apartment in the heart of Hamburg-Ottensen, Altona. From the moment you step into Katharina's home, you're greeted by a skillful blend of vintage and modern decorations that coexist harmoniously, creating a rich, multi-layered living environment. The space is a testament to Katharina's style ethos, dancing on the border between minimalism and maximalism, heavily influenced by Nordic and Scandinavian design principles.
Katharina's apartment is more than just a place to live; it's a carefully curated space that tells the story of her life, her heritage, and her design philosophy. It serves as a source of inspiration for anyone looking to infuse their living spaces with personality, warmth, and style. Through our Homestories, Katharina invites us to rethink our own spaces, encouraging us to connect the old and the new in innovative and respectful ways.
Bright, airy, and enlivened by pops of colour, the apartment's charm is significantly enhanced by heirloom pieces passed down through generations. These pieces not only add aesthetic value but also a sense of history and continuity, elements Katharina finds incredibly beautiful and meaningful.
Vida: It truly is a dream apartment, and what immediately struck me upon entering is how skillfully you combine vintage pieces with modern ones, which I find super exciting because it gives the rooms so much substance. You feel embraced by the spaces, and they seem so inviting. Although one might think your decorating style is minimalist at first glance, it doesn't feel that way at all. How did that come about? How would you describe your style?
Kate: I find it quite amusing that you think I'm minimalist. I think my boyfriend would see it a bit differently. When we moved in, the rule was three decorative items per room – maximum! But that rule didn't last long. So, it's become a bit more, but we've found a level we can both live with. Somewhere between minimalism and maximalism. Fundamentally, our style is more Nordic/Scandinavian. The apartment is very bright at its core, which is then softened by vintage furniture and splashes of colour. All the older, darker furniture pieces come from my family and are heirlooms. I find that incredibly beautiful because it adds a personal touch. These are pieces from my grandparents, from my great-aunt, and the stylistic contrast that arises from it is simply fascinating.
Vida: That's true! It feels like a real, accessible home, not like one of those 'Architectural Digest' moments where you can't touch anything. What I particularly liked in the kitchen-living area are the blue Hanseatic tiles. They are probably original, aren't they?
Kate: They are probably original. I'm not entirely sure, but I think the house dates back to the 1920s, and I assume the tiles are about the same age. I'm also very glad they were never removed. I think that makes it really special.
Vida: Absolutely. It would be a shame to remove them. They are worth much more. There's a pretty good market for historical tiles that are restored and reused.
A standout feature in her home is the original blue Hanseatic tiles in the kitchen-living area, likely dating back to the 1920s. Their preservation adds a unique historical layer to the home's modern narrative, embodying the blend of tradition and modernity.
The Role of Rugs in Interior Design
Vida: Well, we've laid out a few rugs here, which is our specialty. What effect do you think a rug has on a room? Why do you have rugs in your home?
Kate: For me, rugs add a certain cosiness to a room, similar to curtains and cushions. When we didn't have a rug in the living room, the space felt incomplete. As soon as the rug was laid out, the room became cosier and warmer. The colours of the rug gave the room a completely different atmosphere, even though we already had beautiful wooden flooring. A rug simply completes the room.
Vida: Absolutely. A rug creates a kind of island where all the furniture can find its place. It unifies the space and creates an inviting atmosphere. Kate: Yes, and rugs are often very individual. You see a rug and immediately think, 'This is it, it belongs here.' I think rugs reflect personal style and enrich the room.
Vida: Exactly. Every rug changes the room in its own way. It's amazing how quickly and easily you can create a new atmosphere by adding a rug. It opens up many design possibilities.
Kate: Especially a simple rug brings calm, particularly when the rest of the room is already lively. On the other hand, a rug with a striking pattern and colours adds a certain character to the room. There are so many facets to discover.
Vida: We're glad you found the perfect rug.
Engaging with the Community: Influence Through Social Media
Katharina has also built a significant presence on social media, where she shares the evolution of her home and her thoughts on design, garnering a substantial following.
Vida: You've built quite a large community on your channel now. How did you start sharing your impressions of your home?
Kate: I worked in social media in the past, but then moved within marketing. I wasn't as heavily involved in community management and content production anymore. Then I thought, 'Oh, I kind of miss that part of content production.' Eventually, one of my best friends gave me the final nudge and said, 'Why don't you give it a try? That would be great.' This was also during the Corona period when we were all spending a lot of time at home. It was a time when I just started taking a few photos, and that's how it all began.
Vida: You know what I find particularly interesting? Especially during Corona, many people started sharing their homes, and it didn't seem so unattainable to achieve a similar style in one's own four walls when inspired. I wonder what your experiences have been, because I think the community on Instagram, especially in the interior design space, is really supportive.
Kate: Only positive experiences. I had concerns back then about what it would be like to present myself and my home so openly. I'm more behind the camera than in front of it. But I have to say, I've never encountered negative reactions. On the contrary, the reactions have been consistently positive, both from those who share their content and from the community as a whole. It's really pleasant.
Beyond showcasing personal style and heritage, Katharina's story highlights the power of sharing and community in the digital age. Her ability to connect with others through social media, sharing her home-making journey, underscores the evolving nature of home decor in the 21st century. Katharina's experience offers valuable insights into how our living spaces can become sources of comfort, creativity, and connection, inspiring us all to open our doors and hearts in new and meaningful ways.
