Photo by Katja Steinmetzer
This weekend’s Get the Look Decor is inspired by the retro center city apartment of Katja Steinmetzer. This West German pottery obsessed cat lady lives in Brussels, Belgium, with her cats June, Watson, Flo and Wally.
Katja is living proof that you don’t need tons of money to have the home of your dreams. For more decorating inspiration and tips on supporting a vintage addiction on a shoestring budget, check out her blog, Fat Cat. Visit her on Flickr for even more photos of her colorful, plant-filled home.
[Clockwise from top left: Mid Century Modern Teak Credenza by MidCenturyMobler; Black Throw Blanket by JarvisGift; West German Scheurich planter by stargazer66; Modern Teak Arm Chairs by rhanvintage; Mid-Century Danish Modern Desk by modernmidcenturyfurn; Copper Gild Mirror by EthelAndAnnieGlass.]
Describe your home decorating style.
I wish I could say my decorating style was mid-century modern, which, in my mind, conjures up images of sleek, monochrome and minimal interiors. However, with my love for stuff and colour, eclectic retro is probably a much better description. I love vintage mid-century furniture and accessories, and I mix everything up with Ikea buys, African objects, real antiquities and lots of greenery.
[Clockwise from top left: Rosenthal Studio Line 'Pollo' Vase by lara111; CADO Royal Teak Wall Unit by jeffroberts; Vintage industrial cage light by trendybindi; West German Pottery Vase by Podooshki; West German Pottery Fat Lava Vase by GoGoBerlinette; West German Pottery Pitcher by thevintagequeendom; Vintage Record Photo Art Print by CharlenePrecious; War Eagle Owl Pillow by makemorefriends; Danish Candlesticks by MODhusTacoma.]
Did you decide to decorate in this style or was there an evolution to your decorating process?
I’ve been living in my home for 7 years now and there’s been a definite move away from my student day decor — bright yellow and orange walls, Ikea furniture, and ethnic accessories — to a more homogeneous vintage decor. Although I still love pops of colour — my collection of red fat lava vases being a case in point — I’ve now moved on to a more neutral background: white, grey and black walls, and wooden furniture.
[Clockwise from top left: Sadler Celery Vase by Vintage4Vintage; Cathrineholm Orange Lotus Pot by SwitchbladeandCookie; Vintage Aluminum Canisters by ReFindery; Reclaimed Wood & Pipe Shelving Unit by Hindsvik; Scheurich West Germany vase by happymessvintage; Finel Arabia mushroom bowl by vintage magnet.]
Where are your favorite places to shop for home items?
There’s really mainly just one: eBay ! I’m a total addict. I mean, having 24/7 access to a worldwide flea market — what’s not to love? Of course, I also enjoy strolling through real life flea markets, but here in Brussels, these mostly take place on Sunday mornings — not really compatible with a leisurely lie in.
And one of the reasons why I enjoy travelling to the UK so much is to visit the fabulous antiques centres and car boot sales. I always come back with a souvenir.
[Clockwise from top left: Danish Modern Teak Credenza by fabulousmess; Welby Brass Starburst Wall Clock by Modernismus; Carstens West German Pottery Vase from suninthebox; Mid Century Modern Wall Shelf by GallivantingGirls; Herman Miller shell chairs by SelectModern; Charley Harper National Parks Service Poster by ThreeStepsAhead.]
What inspires you when it comes to decorating?
Blogs like The Brick House and Door Sixteen have been real eye openers when it comes to personalizing my home on a limited budget.
What is your favorite part about your home?
I especially love that my numerous collections are on display everywhere.
Does your home hold any strong memories?
My home is more a constant source of happiness. And I’m very grateful to have a place where I get to express myself, do the things I really love — such as DIY-ing, cooking, gardening and blogging — and have fun with my kitties and friends.
Looking for more styles and interiors? Check out our video series, There’s No Place Like Here, where creative types show us their unique spaces — infused with their aesthetic and filled with the treasures they collect. Get involved and show us your amazing space in this Flickr pool.
More Get the Look: Home Decor Editions.
Housewares Category | Vintage Housewares
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