@kaetesbude
At Home with Katharina
Katharina, a dynamic project manager at Blumen2000, invites us into her charming 67 square meter apartment nestled in the heart of Hamburg-Ottensen, Altona. From the moment you step into Katharina's apartment, you're greeted by a skillful blend of vintage and modern decor that harmoniously coexists to create a rich, layered living environment. The space is a testament to Katharina’s style ethos, which dances on the line between minimalism and maximalism, and is heavily influenced by Nordic and Scandinavian design principles.
Katharina's home 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 blend the old with the new in ways that are both innovative and respectful of the past.
Inside Kate's Home: A Blend of Heritage and Modernity
Bright, airy, and punctuated by splashes of color, the apartment's charm is significantly enhanced by heirloom pieces handed down through generations. These pieces add not just aesthetic value but also a sense of history and continuity, elements Katharina finds incredibly beautiful and meaningful.
Vida: It's truly a dream apartment, and what struck me immediately upon entering is how skillfully you mix vintage pieces with modern ones, which I find super exciting because it gives the rooms such good substance. You feel embraced by the rooms and they seem so inviting. Although one might think your interior 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 funny that you think I'm minimalist. I think my boyfriend would see it a bit differently. When we moved in, there was a rule, three decorative items per room - maximum! But that rule didn't last very long. So it's become a bit more, but we've found a level we both can live with. Somewhere between minimalism and maximalism. Basically, our style is more Nordic/Scandinavian. The apartment is very bright at its core, which is then broken up by vintage furniture and splashes of color. All the older, darker pieces of furniture 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 style clash that arises from it is just fascinating.
Vida: That's true! It feels like a real, approachable apartment, 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're probably original, right?
Kate: They're probably original. I'm not entirely sure, but I think the house is from around 1920, and I assume the tiles are about the same age. I'm also very glad they've never been removed. I think that's what makes it really special.
Vida: Absolutely. It would be a shame to remove them. They're worth a lot more. There's quite a good market for historic tiles that are refurbished and reused.
One of the standout features in her home is the original blue Hanseatic tiles in the kitchen-living area, which likely date back to the 1920s. Their preservation adds a unique historical layer to the home's modern-day narrative, embodying the blend of tradition and contemporaneity.
The Role of Rugs in Interior Design
Vida: Well, we've laid out a few rugs here, which is our specialty. What do you think is the effect of a rug on the room? Why do you have rugs in your home?
Kate: For me, rugs give the room a certain coziness, similar to curtains and pillows. When we didn't have a rug in the living room, the room didn't feel complete. As soon as the rug was laid down, the room became more homey and warmer. The colors of the rug gave the room a completely different atmosphere, even though we already had a nice wooden floor. A rug just rounds off the room.
Vida: Absolutely. A rug creates a kind of island where all the furniture can fit. It unites the space and creates an inviting atmosphere.
Kate: Yes, and rugs are often very individual. You see a rug and immediately think, "That's it, it belongs here." I think rugs reflect personal style and enrich the space.
Vida: Exactly. Each 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 peace, especially when the rest of the room is already lively. On the other hand, a rug with a striking pattern and colors gives the room exclusivity. There are so many facets to discover. Vida: We're glad you found the perfect rug.
Engaging with the Community: Social Media Influence
Katharina has also built a significant presence on social media, where she shares her home's evolution and her thoughts on design, gaining a considerable following.
Vida: You've built quite a social media community on your channel now. How did you start sharing your home impressions?
Kate: I've worked in social media in the past, but I transitioned within marketing. I wasn't as involved in community management and content production anymore. Then I thought, "Oh, I kind of miss this part of content production." Eventually, one of my best friends gave me the final push and said, "Why not try it out, it would be great." That was also during the time of Corona, when we were all at home a lot. 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 anymore to implement a similar style in one's own four walls if inspired. I wonder what experiences you've had, because I think the community on Instagram, especially in the field of interior design, is really supportive.
Kate: Only positive experiences. I had concerns back then about what it would be like to present yourself and your home like that. I'm more behind the camera than in front of it. But I must say, I've never experienced a backlash. On the contrary, the reactions were consistently positive, both from those who share their content and from the entire community. It's really pleasant.
Beyond just a showcase of personal style and heritage, Katharina's story emphasizes the power of sharing and community in the digital age. Her ability to connect with others through social media and share her journey of home customization highlights the evolving nature of home-making in the 21st century. Katharina's experience offers valuable insights into how our living spaces can become sources of comfort, creativity, and community, inspiring us all to open our doors and our hearts in new and meaningful ways.
