At Home with Lea
At Home with Lea In the bustling metropolis of Hamburg lies a hidden gem of coziness. Here, in an inviting oasis of tranquility, lives Lea. Arriving at Lea's door in Hamburg's Uhlenhorst neighborhood, you already know that this visit will be something special. Welcoming and warm, the talented art director greets us in her unique apartment. Upon entering Lea's home, it is immediately clear that this is no ordinary place. Here, art and aesthetics come together to create a living space that captivates every visitor. The apartment is filled with small details and surprises waiting to be discovered. Wherever the eye wanders, there is something that appeals to our senses. The enticing scent of candles and croissants fills the air, instantly transporting us into a world of comfort. However, it's not just the scents but, above all, the countless loving details that Lea has integrated into her decor that fascinate us. Let's dive deep into Lea's inspiring world together. Here, we will learn how she transforms tiny accents into something magnificent and how she manages to create a home that touches us not only visually but also emotionally. Additionally, Lea will provide us with insights into her multifaceted journey to realizing her professional dream as an entrepreneur.
Lea guides us through her charming apartment on the fourth floor of an old building, where soft soul music is currently playing in the background, adding a wonderful touch to everything. The apartment features 2 ½ rooms and stands out with its beautiful high ceilings, nostalgic old building charm, and its proximity to the Alster. Here, she shares her home with her boyfriend and her cat Missy, named after the legendary rapper Missy Elliott. The atmosphere Lea has created here is truly remarkable. In this apartment, it's easy to feel how comfortable she is.
Infinite possibilities with modular furniture.
The challenges of self-employment.
Lea openly discusses how self-employment has changed her perspective. As a creative person, she feels at home in her field and truly thrives when working on new ideas. However, she has also realized that self-employment means more than just creative work.
V: We've known each other for a while now, not only through Instagram but also because we work together. You're an Art Director, our Art Director, if I may say so. That's why we know that you started your own business at the beginning of the year. Would you like to tell us a bit about it? Why did you do it, and have you regretted it or are you still happy?
L: Well, first of all, it's the flexibility. I'm a very freedom-loving, dynamic person, and I eventually dared to go for it. That's why I don't regret it. I haven't been self-employed for that long, but so far, it feels great. I can get up every morning and shape my own day. That's actually the main reward for me.
V: Has anything personally surprised you about self-employment? I'm self-employed as well, and if someone had told me a few things beforehand, I might have hesitated a couple of times. I would probably still have done it because I'm super happy, but is there anything you think people should know beforehand?
L: You have your profession, in my case, design and art direction, but what you can't do is business management and project coordination. I had already taken on some of these tasks in my previous job, but it's on a whole different level. I think you grow into it, but it's definitely something where I say, "Wow, you have to invest a lot of time and really work on yourself.
The Passion for Collecting
Amidst her apartment, we notice the many carefully selected details that she has collected over the years. Lea reveals that this passion comes from her grandmother, who herself is a passionate collector.
V: We're here in your beautiful apartment, and one thing that immediately stands out is your passion for collecting. I know that this comes from your family a bit. Your grandmother is a great collector and has gathered a lot from all around the world. Did you inherit this or what fascinates you about it so much?
L: I think that's definitely a factor. Greetings to grandma, by the way, as it was her birthday yesterday. I just loved getting lost in these things as a child - especially in the details. Paintings on vases, ornaments on rugs. That has always fascinated me immensely. I think the second reason is the history behind each item because everyday objects are somehow meant for people, and every person has a story, and every culture brings stories with it. The third is, of course, the professional aspect, which developed over time through my design studies. I am incredibly interested in the diversity of the visual world and the different perspectives on life. What do teapots look like in China, Iran, and Germany? I'm simply interested in this diversity.
In the portrait in the bathroom, Lea's appreciation for her grandmother is reflected. The portrait is a tribute to the woman who means more to her than just her grandmother - she is a source of inspiration.
Instagram: A Window into Lea's World
Lea shares her passion and her sense of aesthetics on Instagram. Her account, @great.at.living, showcases her apartment in all its glory and inspires thousands of people worldwide.
V: That's really beautiful, and you can see it in your apartment with all these detail-oriented places. You've also started an Instagram account, @great.at.living, where you showcase your apartment. What prompted you to do that?
L: We moved in here during the COVID-19 pandemic, and I was super proud to have found this apartment because, as everyone knows, apartment hunting in Hamburg isn't the most enjoyable activity. I was really proud because there was actually nothing here. When we moved in, I think there were only two power outlets in the entire apartment. We restored the kitchen floor together with my brother, and I couldn't show it to anyone. So, I somehow had a strong desire to share it with the world, and that seemed like the logical step.
Lea's apartment exudes timeless elegance that stands apart from fleeting trends. However, she has an eye on the future and considers the possibility of incorporating colored walls and additional modular furniture into her home.
V: That makes a lot of sense, and you're very successful with it. The community loves your account, and so do we. Regarding interior design, there are always trends that come and go. I find your decor quite timeless and independent of seasonal trends. But is there something that I just saw somewhere and find really exciting that I'd like to implement in my own space?
L: Definitely colored walls. I think they're just fantastic. They might come in someday. And what I consider a trend but also something that's timeless is modular furniture. From a sustainability perspective, I find it super meaningful because the furniture grows with the apartment. Here, the Vitsoe shelf or the couch, for example. These are all objects that fit anywhere and are adaptable.
Rugs with Stories
In her living and bedroom, there are Rizbaf rugs that serve not only as a visual highlight but also tell stories of nomadic women.
V: And we also have a few of our rugs at your place, especially some Rizbaf rugs have found their cozy spot with you. Why did you choose them?
L: Coziness. They are incredibly plush, and I walk barefoot in the apartment a lot, and I think they provide the best surface to walk on. They are super soft and, at the same time, durable because we have a cat. It's also important to me that the materials are as natural as possible, and I'm very satisfied with them.
V: You chose two quite different designs. One is quite geometric with this checkerboard pattern, and the other one tells a bit of a story about the nomadic women living in the mountains. Why did you choose these two in particular?
L: This checkerboard pattern is actually a current trend. It has been for a while. I find it really cool that you can find something like this in a traditional product like the Persian rug. The other one, which is in the bedroom, tells a story. It's like from my childhood, where I enjoyed stories and small details like the little palm trees or camels, and I just find it beautiful. It's a bit like a picture book on the floor.
V: That's true. We always say that rugs, especially from nomadic women, are like diaries for them. It's how they process their environment, and if you look closely, you can see that too. V: Thank you very much for having us here. Thank you for the croissants and the delicious coffee. We hope we can come back again and look forward to a shared future with you as our Art Director. Thank you.
L: Thank you too. It was nice having you here.
