Old buildings and minimalism with interior lover Sandra

We caught up with Sandra, also known as Our.homeliving, and she takes us into the world of home styling and minimalism. Through her aesthetically pleasing photos and minimalist interior design style, she inspires many people and shares her passion for interior design. We share with you Sandra’s love for the Bauhaus era as well as her tips at the end that everyone can take to heart for their aesthetic and cozy interior.

• Our.homeliving Instagram
• Our.homeliving TikTok

Bauhaus era: the pioneer of modern design

FIV: Hi Sandra, nice of you to take the time for us, before we start with current affairs, let’s say you could go back in time, what era would it be?

Sandra: I believe in the Bauhaus era. As a pioneer of modern design, the Bauhaus movement laid the groundwork for many modern design trends. A visit to this period would allow you to experience the minimalist aesthetic and clean lines that continue to inspire today. I have a few coffee table books from this period and love browsing through them.

FIV: Aha – And what materials do you prefer to use to create such an aesthetic?

I love how wood creates a warm and cozy atmosphere.

Sandra: I love natural materials that bring warmth and authenticity to a room. Wood is a clear favorite for me as it offers versatility, durability and a timeless beauty. I love how wood creates a warm and cozy atmosphere while connecting with nature. We have an incredible amount of wooden furniture. Otherwise, I like to use materials such as stone and linen. Both lend a natural charm and offer an incredible amount of scope for design.

FIV: Old or new building – what do you prefer to work with and why?

Sandra: That’s a really difficult question, to be honest. I appreciate both the uniqueness of old buildings and the modern aesthetics of new buildings, but my heart definitely beats more for old buildings. We lived in an old apartment for 5 years and I loved it. Apartments in old buildings exude a unique charm. The high ceilings, the beautiful stucco decorations and the characterful wooden floors give every room a special atmosphere that I love. It’s a really exciting challenge to renovate these historic buildings and breathe new life into them while retaining their original charm and authenticity.

Minimalism – less is more

FIV: We can almost guess the answer, but let’s take another look anyway: Eclectic or minimalism?

Sandra: Definitely minimalism. I appreciate the simplicity, clarity and calm that a minimalist approach can create in a room. The clean look and reduction to the essentials particularly appeal to me and are often my guiding principles when designing.

However, I sometimes have to remind myself to stay true to this style, as there are indeed just too many beautiful things that can be tempting. Nevertheless, I make sure that my rooms always look tidy and organized, as I enjoy the calming effect of a minimalist design.

FIV: You know what’s good Sandra, why don’t you tell us 3 tips for creating the perfect home?

Think not only about aesthetics, but also about functionality.

Sandra: 1. take time to discover and define your personal interior design style. Search through sources of inspiration such as magazines, blogs and social media platforms to find out what appeals to you.

2 Then make a plan and think about how you want to use your rooms. Sketch the floor plan and experiment with different layouts. I like to create mood boards for this. They are my absolute game changers. Important: When furnishing a room, don’t just think about aesthetics, but also about functionality. Ask yourself how the room will be used and choose furniture and decorations accordingly.

3. experiment with colors and textures to add depth and dimension to your space. Choose a color palette that suits your style and personality and play with different textures.

Ceiling lights are only there to look good!

FIV: Okay, now we know what’s important, is there a faux pas that should be avoided?
Sandra: My faux pas is definitely when you don’t have enough indirect lighting. I’m not a fan of ceiling lights at all. But they still have to hang and look nice, haha.

Here you can get inspiration from Sandra for your interior:

• Our.homeliving Instagram
• Our.homeliving TikTok

Now in FIV Issue #32!

You can also discover the whole interview as well as inspiring fitness stories, travel tips and fashion in the complete magazine!

• Read now: FIV Magazine #32

More interior?

Haven’t found the right aesthetic for your own interior yet? Then let yourself be inspired here:

• Furnishing styles

Bedroom cozy furnishings: Here’s how

A comfortably furnished bedroom is of great importance. A pleasant and inviting atmosphere in the bedroom can help reduce stress, improve sleep quality and increase overall well-being. But what is important when furnishing the bedroom?

A soothing color choice: Soft basic tones

The choice of colors for your bedroom is a crucial aspect of its design. Calming and soft shades such as pastel blue, soft green or warm beige tones create a relaxing atmosphere. Avoid bold and intrusive colors, as they can affect the quality of sleep. Also experiment with different color combinations to give your bedroom a personal touch.

These are the best colors for the bedroom:

• Pastel blue
• Delicate green
• Warm beige tones

Cozy furniture and efficient storage solutions

The bed is undoubtedly the most important piece of furniture in the bedroom. Invest in a quality mattress and comfortable bedding to promote a restful night’s sleep. Choose a headboard upholstery that matches the style of your bedroom. You can decorate the bed with cozy pillows and a warm blanket to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

If the room offers enough space, a small seating area in the bedroom can be a nice addition. A comfortable armchair or chaise longue invites you to read, relax or meditate. Place a small side table and a reading lamp to create a cozy corner where you can switch off. Since a tidy bedroom contributes to a relaxed mind, you can also use smart storage solutions to keep your personal items neatly organized.

Tip: A cozy seating area invites you to read and relax before bedtime

In addition to a cozy interior, it also depends on the right decoration.

Decoration: colorful accents and personal accessories

Stickers for bedrooms, atmospheric lamps & Co. – Through clever decoration ideas you can give your bedroom a personal touch and create an atmosphere of peace and coziness. From strategic lighting to personal accessories, there are many ways to beautify the bedroom and make it an inviting space of relaxation.

Wall sticker for bedroom as accent

Bedroom wall stickers are a great way to add a personal touch to a room without having to make permanent changes. There are a variety of wall stickers available in different designs, patterns and sizes that are easy to apply and remove. Choose a wall you want to highlight and place an eye-catching wall sticker there for your bedroom. Whether it’s an inspirational quote, a nature motif or abstract patterns, wall stickers can beautify the room in a creative and playful way and create an individual atmosphere.

Atmospheric and well-designed lighting

Well-designed lighting can significantly affect the ambience in the bedroom. Use a combination of dimmable ceiling lights, bedside lamps and indirect lighting to create a pleasant and moody atmosphere. You can also experiment with different lampshades to add a touch of personality.

This is what you should pay attention to in terms of lighting in the bedroom:

• Dimmable ceiling lights adjust the brightness in the room
• Indirect light creates a moody atmosphere
• Bedside lamps and wall sconces serve as decorative light sources
• Strategically placed mirrors reflect as light
• Curtains and blinds regulate daylight

Natural elements and personal touches

Incorporating natural elements into bedroom design can have a calming effect. Plants are a great way to bring freshness and life to the room. Choose low-maintenance plants like a houseplant or succulents to create a relaxing atmosphere. Wooden furniture and accessories will give the room a natural and organic aesthetic.

Finally, add personal touches to the bedroom that reflect your personality. Hang artistic wall art, place family photos on the nightstand, or display mementos on a dresser. Individual elements create a familiar atmosphere and make the room a retreat that’s all yours.

Tip: Bedroom as a technology-free zone

Also, to promote restful sleep, make your bedroom a technology-free zone. Avoid using televisions, computers or smartphones in the bedroom. Instead, you can use an analog alarm clock and read a book as a bedtime ritual. This helps to calm the mind and create a relaxing sleep environment.

Inspiration: Furnishing styles, better sleep & Co.

In what color should the wall be painted? Where should the bed be placed? And how can you improve the quality of your sleep? Find out here which color accents are best suited for the bedroom and how Feng Shui can contribute to a restful sleep.

Feng Shui for the bedroom: harmony between the elements

What should you pay attention to the position and orientation of the bed in the bedroom? And what colors, shapes and materials are best suited for the bedroom? Feng Shui as a style of furnishing is about creating a harmonious balance between the elements and at the same time taking into account the desired effect on people. Find out how to decorate your bedroom in Feng Shui style here.

Setting individual accents with trend colors

The choice of color has an enormous impact on the atmosphere and mood of a room. Through targeted color selection, you can visually change a room and achieve different effects. How you can set clever accents through different colors, that and more you will learn in this video.

5 tricks for restful sleep

Quality sleep affects many aspects of our well-being, including our cognitive function, mood, immune function and ability to manage stress. Galileo has tested the latest gadget for a more restful sleep.

Five measures for a cozy terrace

To make your own terrace cozy and stylish, you need only a few well thought-out furnishings and matching accessories. The basis for a cozy terrace is stylish lounge and garden furniture, which is enhanced by high-quality outdoor textiles. Whether boho style, wood look or stylish lounge in metal look – beautiful is what pleases.
What should also not be missing in any case is a suitable sunshade and, if necessary, a privacy screen, which can be made particularly natural, for example, by plants. Otherwise, plants and flowers as well as light sources in the form of candles, fire bowls and fairy lights are also the best way to make the terrace cozy and according to your own taste. So you are guaranteed to feel comfortable, whether with friends, family or just relaxed for yourself.

Lounge and garden furniture: stylish and cozy

The basis for your outdoor living room is beautiful lounge or garden furniture. It is a question of personal taste whether furniture in wood look, rattan, polyrattan or metal is the best choice for you. In addition, it makes a big difference for which occasions you want to use the furniture mainly. Hammocks, deck chairs and garden loungers are the right choice if you mainly want to relax on the terrace. Whereas garden benches and a large table are ideal for social gatherings. A lounge corner with a large side table is a good compromise and can be used both for relaxing and spending time with family and friends.

Ideal for family, friends & to relax is a lounge corner

Those who like it more extravagant and are looking for something very special, can put a luxurious garden bed, a cozy hanging chair or an idyllic beach chair on the terrace. Last but not least, for the selection of suitable furniture, the available space and, of course, the budget plays a major role.

Interior design tips summarized:

• For relaxation: hammocks and deckchairs
• For social evenings: Garden bench and large table
• For the extravagant: Garden bed, hanging chair & beach chair

Ideal for both balcony, garden, and terrace – the hammock:

High quality outdoor textiles: weatherproof seat covers and fluffy blankets

Once the furniture is chosen, it’s time to decorate the terrace. Here, high-quality outdoor textiles play a major role. On the one hand, they can be a real eye-catcher, and on the other hand, of course, they should be particularly cozy and practical. Fluffy blankets and soft cushions, for example, are a must for relaxing evenings under the open sky.

Blanket, cushion & seat pads are cozy & practical

In addition, outdoor textiles such as seat covers, blankets and cushions should fit well into the overall picture and match the style of the selected furniture. Bohemian-style textiles, for example, go very well with wood and natural materials, while metal garden furniture in combination with simple colors like gray or beige can look very classy. In addition, it is important that the outdoor upholstery is weatherproof and can withstand the occasional rain shower.

• For wood & natural materials: bohemian style textiles
• Metal garden furniture: cool colors, such as beige and gray

Suitable sun protection: awning, sun sail and co.

Every patio furnishing includes a suitable sunshade. If the terrace is large or the lounge area is in the middle of the garden, a large parasol or a sun sail may be the right choice, while a terrace that is directly adjacent to the house can be well protected from the sun with an awning. While awnings can be expensive, they last all the longer for it. You can benefit from a high-quality awning for decades.

Tip: Invest in awning, sun sail & parasol

But it is also worth paying attention to good quality parasols and sun sails. Free-arm umbrellas, for example, offer maximum flexibility, as they can be swiveled into the right position and adjusted in inclination. In addition, the material plays an important role. The fabric should keep out sunlight, be light-resistant and withstand rain.

Lush planting: from flower beds to screens

To really feel at home on the terrace, plants and flowers should not be missing. Especially if there is no garden adjacent to the terrace, a little greenery works wonders. You can choose from typical terrace plants such as hibiscus, bamboo or angel’s trumpet, as well as herbs, tomato plants and other vegetables.

In addition, plants can be a good natural privacy screen. Especially bamboo, holly and cypress are very popular here. If you have a larger garden, you can plant your own tree or create a flower bed full of roses, lilacs and hydrangeas.

The most popular plants for garden & terrace:

• Hibiscus
• Bamboo
• Angel Trumpet
• Herbs
• Vegetable plants
• Flowerbed

On smaller terraces, it can be a good idea to plant on top of each other or prefer hanging and climbing plants such as climbing roses or climbing hydrangeas. In addition, the color and smell of flowers make a lot, because what could be better than a floral scent of jasmine with your morning coffee.

Not only the planting affects the atmosphere of the terrace, but also the lighting:

Romantic lighting: rustic fire bowl or sustainable solar lamps

In addition to the plants, the lighting is important for the feel-good factor. Especially when you sit in the garden for a long time in the evening and enjoy the pleasant cool evening air, the patio lighting makes a lot of difference. For those who want it romantic, candles, lamps and fairy lights should not be missing in any case. Particularly beautiful and environmentally friendly are solar-powered light chains and lights, which charge during the day and give off their light until late at night.
If you prefer something more rustic, you can use a fire bowl or a fire basket. These are also available in a beautiful, elegant design and some can even be converted into a grill.

Fire basket, fairy lights & Co. provides romance

Conclusion : How to turn your terrace into an outdoor living room

With a few tips and tricks, your terrace can easily be transformed into a beautiful and cozy outdoor living room, which, especially in summer, can replace the living room at home and be at least as comfortable and stylish. Whether with friends, family or for yourself, you can enjoy the sun during the day and spend a nice time and relax until the evening hours.

Our five tips summarized:

1. When choosing furniture, pay attention to coziness and function
2. Blanket, cushion and seat cover should be waterproof
3. Invest in sufficient sun protection
4. Plants and flowers provide greenery
5. The right feel-good factor can be achieved with lighting

But before you start choosing the right furniture, outdoor textiles, lighting, plants and flowers for you, you should think about what you mainly want to use your terrace for and what style suits you. Whether it’s a wooden set with a large table and long benches for evening dinners with the whole family or a cozy hammock to enjoy a book or two – there are no limits to your imagination. If you have enough space, individual elements and styles can be wonderfully combined.

Dining Room Furnishings: Benches, chests of drawers and chairs

If you’re lucky enough to have your dining area in a separate room, it’s best to place your dining table in the middle of the room. You should use all the space available! A display cabinet can hold all of your decorative objects.

Storage space is also needed in the dining room: With a low chest of drawers you have a place for dishes and other things and still have a clear view of the wall, where you can hang pictures, for example. Alternatively, you can also use a sideboard. You can be very flexible with a serving trolley. Shelves on the wall offer you the possibility to place the right utensils.

Tip! Popular and luxurious interior brands and furniture are presented here: Interior Brands XXL!

Dining room favourite: bench – classic and space miracle

Whether the classic model or a corner bench. Benches enjoy great popularity in the dining room. With or without backrests, these can be placed anywhere and can be spruced up with cushions. The seats can often be folded up and have an empty space that can be wonderfully used to store items.

Chairs: wicker, plastic or upholstered? Countless possibilities

The chairs in a dining room not only influence the look and atmosphere of a dining room to a large extent, but they also have a very practical purpose: seating comfort. So the motto “form follows function” is not too easy to follow in this case. When choosing chairs for your dining room, you should first and foremost have the plan of the “big picture” in mind, i.e. how you want your dining room to look in the end. It doesn’t matter if you want it to be charmingly colourful or if the dining table, decorations and chairs should match exactly – there are no limits to your creativity. However, you should never choose chairs only for their appearance, but also for their comfort, because no one likes to sit on an uncomfortable chair.

Materials: Indoor and outdoor – wood, marble, plastic, glass & co.

Wood is probably the most popular material in the dining room. In various surface designs, it convinces with its warm appearance and pleasant feel. Other materials that would be a popular choice for your dining room are chrome or plastic. Plastic is particularly well suited for outdoor use. Chairs made of plastic are a good choice for the garden or the terrace due to their high weather resistance.

Flooring: Tiles – floor and wall in different patterns

With their high resistance, tiles are ideal for withstanding the stresses of everyday life. They blend in perfectly with the décor of the dining room. Floor tiles or wall tiles? Or both? How do you want to furnish your dining room? Easy to clean, the tiles do not require time-consuming maintenance.

Tile types: Optics, material & Co.

Whether wood decor or stone look, different types of tiles are waiting to be discovered by you. Wall tiles can be applied as colour gradients or murals. The size of the room should not be ignored when choosing the tiles. While large rooms can also be wonderfully equipped with dark tiles, small rooms are best set in scene with light tiles.

Lighting: Lamps for the right light

To ensure that you have everything in view in the dining room and can admire your food in the right light, the dining area should always be well lit. A pendant lamp that also functions as a ceiling light should be mounted directly above the dining table. The best solution is to choose a height-adjustable lamp.

It becomes particularly noble with a chandelier. Large rooms can be decorated by this and give this a royal ambience. Dark corners in the dining room are best illuminated by floor lamps with warm light.

If you have integrated the dining area into the living room or kitchen, make sure you have dedicated lighting for it. Dedicated lighting makes the area look inviting and the table can also be used for other activities.

Colours and wall design: red, blue or green?

Red, orange, blue – the right choice of colour is also of enormous importance in the dining room. Red is a particularly popular choice when it comes to the wall design of your dining room. The color of passion and pleasure has an appetizing effect and thus promises a particularly delicious taste experience.

Have you ever paid attention to this? A lot of the restaurants are painted in red. Red is not only a feast for the eyes, it is also supposed to make the food taste better. You should counter the exciting and stimulating color with calm elements. An example of this would be plain seat cushions in white, grey, black or silver.

The classic interior design is the red salon. Inspired by the baroque style, the deep red and berry-coloured walls are complemented by flowers, curtains, paintings and mirrors. Velvet, damask or crystal are particularly popular due to their unique texture and feel. Those who prefer something lighter but still strong should opt for a radiant orange.

Appetite suppressant and fresh tones – effect of blue and green in the dining room

Blue and purple, on the other hand, have an appetite suppressing effect. Dark blue gives your dining room a dramatic and glamorous look. This look can be accentuated with velvet upholstery, silver and candles. The whole thing is harmonized by light wood furniture and bring a modern contrast.

Fresh and natural, you get this look with green tones. While yellowish green tones have a vitalizing effect, bluish tones appear balancing. Dining in this dining room can become a picnic in your own 4 walls. The green walls can be combined with wooden furniture and accessories in muted or more striking colours such as orange or red.

If your dining area is in the same room as the living room or kitchen, you can separate this area by colour. The harmony should be taken into account here: this depends on the cut of the room and the lighting.

Our tip: The less natural light falls into the room, the lighter the wall colour should be.

Decoration: Setting highlights – With flowers, candles and more

To make the dining room your ultimate feel-good area, it’s important not to forget the right decorations. The accessories and decoration is an area that you should design according to your individual taste. Murals, photos, vases and bowls will complete the look of your dining area.

Nevertheless, the rule also applies here: More is not always more. Even if decoration has a soothing effect, it can also quickly make your dining room look cluttered.

Do you still have precious heirlooms from your family at home? Then showcase them in the dining room! In showcases, antique pieces can be placed clearly visible and become a real highlight.

Table decoration: candles, flowers or Christmas decoration

The heart of the dining room is the table. When eating, the rule is: The eye eats with you! Accordingly, the right tablecloth can also sweeten the meal. Linen and damask are particularly popular materials when it comes to the tablecloth. For everyday use, table coverings made of cotton can embellish the table. Floral decor in all sorts of colors will add a festive touch to your menu. Candlesticks will make your room homely. Round off your decor with a tray. Various decorative items will find their place here.

Seasonal decorations such as Christmas market or Easter decorations are particularly popular. Advent wreaths at Christmas time and colourful eggs at Easter time.

Carpets: functional decoration under your feet

A carpet serves not only as a soft base for the feet, but also as a beautiful decorative element. It makes the room appear warmer and can act wonderfully as a splash of colour. However, especially in the dining room, an easy-care carpet should be purchased, which is easy to clean. Crumbs, stains and food residue should be easy to remove. Along the way, this can also act as a sound barrier: Noises caused by moving chairs are dampened by the fabric.

Tips for small dining rooms: space-saving, but stylish!

Especially the owners of small dining rooms or people who only use a small niche in the apartment as a dining area are faced with a challenge when it comes to skilfully setting the scene in this area. Which furniture and accessories should you go for and what should you do without? We now present the ideal solutions for the feel-good factor at the dining table.

Rectangular tables to fold out for several people

The dining table is usually the central point of the dining room, so it should be chosen wisely. To make the room look bigger, you should choose light materials. Oak, beech or pine are the best examples. Glass tables seem weightless and spacious. Rectangular tables take up as little space as possible, while round and oval tables take up much more space. Fold-out tables can be folded up again if required.

As a rule, a table for 2 people should be 80cm long, for 4 people 120cm and for 6 people 180cm. The table should always be placed with one side against the wall, 20cm space should be left between this and the table. The long edge of the table should always be parallel to the long side of the room.

Chairs or bench? This is how you save space!

Dining room chairs should be flexible and efficient. How about an upholstered bench, compact stools or high-quality folding chairs? Another alternative are filigree chairs without backrests with slim legs and an open back. Chairs based on this design look as if they disappear into the room.

Add light to your dining room: Corner lights, ceiling lamps and more

The more light that falls into the room, the larger the room appears. To create as much light as possible, you should proceed according to the following lighting concept: First, you should provide direct area lighting, perfect would be a pendant light above the dining table. The next step would be a matching ceiling light. Accent lighting such as corner lights will round out the lighting concept of the room. The light should be chosen in a warm white.

Bright colors and contrasts for optical magnification

How do you make a room look bigger? The answer: with bright colors! Rustic and cosy? You can achieve this style with yellow or orange tones. Another tip to give the room optical width are mirrors. A framed mirror behind the dining table breaks up the colour scheme, the refracted light makes the room look more open and brighter.

But also light-dark contrasts are best suited for a small dining room. Light walls with dark furniture can become a real highlight in the apartment. Delicate pastel shades such as pastel yellow or a soft orange set dark furniture wonderfully in scene.

Monochrome floor coverings: Carpet, tiles and co.

The flooring of a small room should ideally be plain. Large short pile carpets form an even base. If plain colours are too boring for you, you can also resort to small patterns, such as a fish or mosaic parquet.

Luxxu: luxury furniture & lamps – Traditional and innovative

The brand’s designer pieces are sold worldwide and handcrafted personally for the customer in Oporto, Portugal. You can have exclusive catalogues sent to you or customize Luxxu products. See for yourself in the showrooms, which can be found in Valencia and Paris, among other places.

Tip. All luxury brands for the perfect interior from A-Z you will find in our comprehensive XXL article furnishing brands

Material quality promise: only high quality like gold or crystal glass

Luxxu stands for luxury, elegance and personality. This designer brand uses only high quality materials such as 24K gold, crystal glass or Swarovski stones to give the products an elegant finish. The products are designed to be stylish and functional at the same time to fit perfectly in your home. Traditional yet innovative is the motto of this designer company. Nevertheless, the quality and high quality has a high priority at Luxxu. You want to create an elegant ambience and still make it homely? Then you should look for your perfect furnishing pieces at Luxxu.

Video: A Perfect Love Story for your home

A perfect interior love story between the eye-catchers of the Luxxu collection. Let the elegance of the furniture and its materials touch you and soon you’ll be living your own love story.

From chandelier to table lamp: palace with lamps from Luxxu

Everything started with lighting at Luxxu. If you want to create the right ambience in your home, you need the right lamps. Whether Waterfall, Liberty or Empire. The perfect lighting makes your home something special. Fancy or rather classic? That is entirely up to you! Find the perfect eye-catcher for your kitchen, living room or bedroom.

Luxxu lighting: perfect atmosphere with light, lamps and chandeliers

“Just practical” used to be! Nowadays lamps bring much more than just light. Dip your rooms in different lights and change the atmosphere in the different rooms. While the entrance area can be bright and splendid with the “Empire Chandelier by Luxxu”, it may be a little more timed and quiet in the private living rooms. Find your perfect lighting and bring variety into your home.

Price list of Luxxu lamps

On the official website of Luxxu you only get the prices of the individual products on request. Nevertheless, we were able to find some prices for you.

• Chandelier/Chandelier approx.: 7.000-43.000€
• Wall light/Wall approx.: 1.000-4.000€
• Ceiling light/plaster fund approx.: 3.000-9.000€
• Pendant light/ Pendant approx.: 1.000-4.000€
• Floor lamp/Florr approx.: 3.000-6.000€
• Tischlampe/Table lamps approx.: 1.000-3.000€
• Suspension lamp/Susoensuin approx.: 2.000-15.000€

Furniture collection: stylish with tables, cabinets & co.

Furniture can be much more than just practical. If you can count a piece of Portuguese handmade furniture as part of your interior, then you’ve definitely done something right. Choosing the right interior can determine how comfortable you feel in your own home and what your mood is. Luxxu’s unique designs will make you feel elegant and special. Get inspired by the furniture pieces and redecorate!

Statement mirrors – from simple to extravagant

A mirror no longer has to be classic and only a means to an end. Mirrors are increasingly used as decorative items and beautify and enlarge your room. Round, square, made of metal or with elegant leather imitations is up to you. You definitely can’t go wrong with the extraordinary products from Luxxu.

Wardrobe from Luxxu- Stylish through your everyday life

Clothes make the man but where to put all the clothes? Organization, elegance, structure and the perfect size. These are the most important requirements for a good wardrobe. It has to fit perfectly in the room, be able to store all your clothes and still look good. It would be perfect if you could go to your neat and structured closet every morning and pick out the perfect outfit to start your day.

Dream table: Eye-catching tables for office, dining room and living room

Choosing the right dining room table is an important decision. What breakfast table do you want to sit at with your family on Sunday morning or have an exciting game night with your friends? Everyone needs a table, big or small, so why not choose one that is luxurious and elegant? At Luxxu you will find different tables in all sizes and shapes, which will definitely be an eye-catcher.

• Apotheosis Dining table: dark marble top with golden legs
• Littus Dining table: round marble body with golden details
• Crackle Center table: coffee table in extraordinary design

Upholstered furniture: favourite pieces – sofas, beds and chairs

Luxury and still comfort? Elegance and still feel at home? Luxxu offers you this complete package. With high-quality fabrics, fancy designs and products handmade in Portugal, nothing can stand in the way of the feel-good factor in your own four walls. Whether sweet dreams in bed, a dinner on the famous Charla chair or a fading evening on the sofa. Everything is taken care of.

Perfect chairs: how to make your next dinner party a success

Luxxu offers a wide range of upholstered furniture. The absolute it-piece is definitely the “Charla” series. This is available in a variety of designs. For example as a dining chair, office chair, stool or bar chair. So you have the possibility to coordinate your furnishing to one product line or to mix it in different collections. From relaxed dinner to happy hour. You are stylishly prepared.

Luxxu beds: sweet dreams from Portugal

Is there anything better than simply falling into bed after a long, tiring day? We think: hardly! The beautiful ‘Château’ bed from Luxxu will add that extra touch to your perfect night’s sleep and looks very stylish too. The leather headboard is inspired by the walls of French castles and adds a touch of elegance to your bedroom. Nevertheless, it looks very modern with the golden details and is definitely an eye-catcher in this room.

Sofas from Luxxu: from armchair to living room landscape

Finding the perfect sofa is no easy decision. No matter if you are planning an evening with friends or watching a movie with your partner. In most cases, the sofa is the focal point of the room and should be chosen accordingly. At Luxxu, you’ll find a variety of models, with something for everyone.

• Thomson Sofa: living room landscape in different grey tones
• Charla Sofa: two-three-seater in leather
• Anguis single sofa: black armchair with round body
• Saboteur Swivel Single Sofa: mix of leather and velvet with swivel function

Outdoor collection: garden with marble and steel furniture

In addition to an extensive range of indoor articles, the designer brand Luxxu also offers outdoor articles. In total, there are two main collections, the “Grey” and the “Wood” collection. So if you want to experience luxury not only in your own four walls, but also outdoors, you should definitely take a look. Create an outdoor lounge area and turn your backyard into your own personal Hamptons. Who says you can’t live your luxury lifestyle in nature?

The Grey Collection: furniture made of marble, steel and teak wood

This collection resembles some indoor items and you could almost forget that these are outdoor products. The main materials are marble, steel or teak. Also in this collection you can see the combination between stylish and functional. The materials used are very high quality, robust and above all comfortable. At the same time stylish and luxurious. The designs are inspired by the famous Hamptons. So if you want to forget your everyday life for a moment, you can retreat to your personal oasis of well-being.

The Wood Collection: merge with nature with outdoor furniture made of wood

This collection is mainly based on the material teak. In contrast to the Grey series, there is nothing of steel or marble to be seen here. As the name already suggests, this series is designed to be in harmony with nature and not to stand out from it. Despite this, the design templates here are also the Hamptons and comfort and appearance go hand in hand. The focus is on an elegant outdoor look that should make customers forget that they are not in the Hamptons, but only in their own garden.

Video: Luxxu exclusive: “Salone del Mobile” in Milan

The “Salone del Mobile” in Milan is the largest and most important furniture fair in the world. It takes place annually in April and always attracts several thousands of visitors from different countries. Luxxu was also there in 2019.

Armani in interior heaven: furniture, decoration & lamps

Giorgio Armani is probably one of the most famous and well-known designers in the world. The Italian has made a big name for himself in the fashion industry with his fashion line, his designs and collections. Find out here what makes his designs stand out and how he also incorporates this essence into the interior line of his fashion house.

Tip! All luxury brands for the perfect interior from A-Z can be found in our comprehensive XXL article Interior brands!

Giorgio Armani: Fashion, Shoes & Interior

The Italian design talent has made a name for himself in the fashion world. 1975 – the year in which the “Giorgio Armani” group was founded and the year that heralded the beginning of a new design era. The combination of evening and everyday fashion is like a balancing act. A balancing act, which Giorgio Armani masters perfectly. The designer seizes the opportunity and expands his assortment with new collections. This also includes an interior line with the name “Armani / Casa”. Following he explains his intention behind his works:

“I try to include the outside changes that affect our lifestyle, because home is where everyone translates their experiences into the personal dimension!”

Timeline Armani Casa: from the logo lamp to exclusive interior collections

It all started with a lamp – white & cream in color, pyramid in shape and the beginning of the successful series of Armani / Casa. The following gives you an overview of the key points of the genesis of the interior label.

• 1982: “Logo Lamp” – first interior object
• 2000: Launch of Armani / Casa with collection of furniture and accessories
• 2004: Team of interior design also offered custom furnishings
• 2008: collaboration with Molteni & C – kitchen solutions
• 2010: Partnership Armani / Roca – luxury bathrooms
• 2020: 20th anniversary – “Salone del Mobile” collection

Giorgio Armani: Interior designer with heart and passion

Ten houses scattered all over the world. Country house on the Côte d’Azur, villa directly on the coast and a luxurious penthouse in the middle of New York. Giorgio Armani didn’t start his interior line for the sake of money and business. True passion and heart for interior design are his secret for success. He has equipped and furnished all his domiciles himself with love for detail.

“Home is an extension of our being and how we feel!”

Stylish, timeless, minimalist design with a certain something gives Armani the feeling of home. His own houses are furnished in this style. Authenticity, passion and conviction in his designs are thus always given.

Features: Minimalism, clean lines and a touch of the exotic

Giorgio Armani in fashion, is Giorgio Armani in the interior world. He shines with his simple but memorable elegance. Furniture, decorative items and textiles with recognition value! What is the signature of Armani (Casa)? Read it yourself!

• Simple lines
• Perfect proportions
• Noble choice of material
• Essential luxury
• Minimalism
• Exquisite decorations
• Refined finishes
• Elegant textiles
• Symmetrical design
• Touch of the exotic

Armani Casa furnishings: living room, bathroom & co.

Armani embodies its own design era. His collections inspire with clean lines, attention to detail, elegant aesthetics and a touch of the exotic. His furniture pieces are made for private use as well as for large, luxurious hotel chains. Below you will find a list of the furniture assortment with a focus on the iconic and most popular individual pieces. Prices are in the higher price range, exact prices are only available on request via the website! Here is a small taste of the interior jewels of Armani / Casa:

Tables: elegance, minimalism and extravagance in one

Nathan: elegant, minimalist dining table with extra-thin table top in black paired with two slim, triangular table legs in one black and one white colour. Oliver: dining table with petrol-coloured 4cm thick table top combined with Z-shaped table legs in golden metal aesthetics. Boccherini: small, black side table in round shape with X-shaped legs in metal.

• Nathan: elegant dining table in black & white
• Oliver: petrol-coloured table, gold-coloured details
• Boccherini: round side table in black

Chairs: Armani style to sit on

“Essex” – designer chair as a highlight in white. Jylia: elegant chair with round profile in the backrest and the chair legs in strong dark blue. Maddalena: dining chair in minimalist aesthetics in mint green covered with leather.

• Essex: designer chair in white
• Jylia: dark blue chair, curved
• Maddalena: Leather chair in mint green

Beds: Welcome to Armani Heaven

Dandy: sleek cream bed with fully upholstered high arched headboard. Morfeo: curved bed with curve detail in black and beige colour combo. Oris: elegant bed in light shade with larger headboard in rectangular shape.

• Dandy: bed in beige, high headboard
• Morfeo: black & white bed
• Oris: light bed, large headboard

Desks: work in an Armani atmosphere

Giunone: Desk with curved design with five drawers in a light brown-dark brown colour combination. Jolie: Mint green desk with rounded corner edges and dark brown table legs in wood look including two drawers. Ohara: extravagantly cut desk with three sections in beige wood.

• Giunone: Desk brown, curved
• Jolie: desk mint green, brown legs
• Ohara: Wood in beige

Cupboards and shelves in Armani / Casa

Circle: round side table in black with storage option for wine glasses and co. Musa: shelf in simple design divided into two columns and four rows in dark colour look. Club: side table in vintage look with X-shaped table legs in greyish pattern.

• Circle: round side table, storage space
• Musa: minimalist shelf, black
• Club: greyish side table

Upholstered furniture in the Armani world

Olsen: 2-seater sofa with raised seat and curved lines in ice blue including decorative cushions. Canaletto: large low-slung sofa in beige with swappable elements in a minimalist look. Baloon: 30s inspired armchair including footrest in bright red with metallic graphic details in black.

• Olsen: 2 seater sofa in ice blue
• Canaletto: minimalist sofa in beige
• Baloon: bright red armchair with footrest

Lighting: Armani Casa makes every home shine

Light changes mood, light makes mood, Armani illuminates the design world. With his puristic, yet extravagant lamp design he inspires the clientele. From table lamps to floor lamps, you’ll find everything in the range that will make your home shine! Convince yourself:

Table lamps: elegant design in the interior world

Alabaster: rectangular table lamp with a light marble finish and a black, low-set wooden leg. Bloom: cream-coloured lamp with mushroom-shaped lampshade and metallic details on the leg. Gamma: table lamp with large, simple lampshade in white and elongated, narrow leg in red gradient.

• Alabaster: black table lamp, marble look
• Bloom: Table lamp in cream
• Gamma: white lamp, red leg

Floor lamps in elegant and minimalist design

Medusa: floor lamp with four black wooden legs and white cylindrical lampshade. Next: decorative, minimalist floor lamp in metal with gold and petrol-coloured accents. Aurora: floor lamp with legs in black satin and lampshade in beige fabric wrapped in a metal grid.

• Medusa: black floor lamp
• Next: Metal floor lamp, pertrol
• Aurora: Lamp in satin look

“The balance between Far Eastern inspiration and Art Deco – I love this design era and there are some pieces in my collections that clearly allude to it. I designed them as elements of an imaginary movie set in the 30s!”

Textiles by Armani Casa: Wallpapers & Carpets

An apartment without wallpaper and carpets is like an outfit without shoes and accessories. Incomplete. Giorgio Armani has taken up the challenge and created exquisite, extravagant yet minimalist designs. Rugs inspired by artworks by Italian painters or famous operas are a common thread throughout his creations. See for yourself:

Wallpapers: Art on the wall by Armani / Casa

Nabucco: Wallpaper with a striped texture of onyx panels inspired by the opera “Nabucodonosor” by Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi. Macbeth: Wallpaper with a “trompe l’oeil” print in cool colours inspired by Shakespeare’s play “Macbeth”. Aida: Wallpaper with a large-scale palm tree pattern in a harmonious tone-on-tone play of colours.

• Nabucco: striped wallpaper
• Macbeth: artistic wallpaper
• Aida: Wallpaper with palm tree pattern

Quality carpets in the Armani aesthetic

In cooperation with “Designercarpets Teppich Drechsle” luxurious carpets are manufactured. Among others for prestigious projects like “The World Towers” in Mumbai, “Manila Century Spire” and the “Macka Residencenes” in Istanbul. The main production site for the carpets is Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Socially acceptable standards, good working conditions and a high level of social responsibility are top priorities for the manufacturers. Carpets from Armani / Casa inspire with their design inspired by art and craftsmanship. The following is a small sample of popular carpet products. Prices are available on request on the website. Convince yourself of the qualitative and designer masterpieces:

• Armstrong: striped carpet in grey
• Bax: Cream coloured carpet with geometric pattern
• Mason: Carpet with Art Deco inspired labyrinth pattern

Home accessories: luxurious Armani aesthetics and clean lines

Stylish, timeless and modern furniture and lamps have the potential to create a new living landscape. But only decorative items, tableware and flowers give the overall picture the personal touch and that certain something. Convince yourself!

Decoration for bathroom, kitchen and co.

• Norton: Soap dispenser in marble look
• Glee: metallic shimmering candles
• Ninfa: geometrically shaped glass vases

Tableware: Dishes like Armani

• Durer: Porcelain tea set with gold details
• Ginger: gold-plated metal bowl
• Arpa: simple cutlery made of metal

Exotic flower boxes in elegant aesthetics

• Platinum coloured bishop’s weed and eucharis in white boxes
• Flower box with santini chrysanthemums, eucharis and flexigrass
• Orange Nutan Flower and Vanda with Gilded Dwarf Palm Leaves

Specials: exclusive Armani luxury for the home

Interior Design Service: Interior Design from Milan to Mumbai

Private yachts, airplanes, exotic villas, unique residential complexes or extravagant apartments – the Interior Design Studio of Giorgio Armani offers a comprehensive design service for any type of property. Giorgio Armani founded the Interior Design Studio with this successful interior design service in 2004. His design flair, timeless furniture and a highly qualified team produce results that leave nothing to be desired but inspire dreams. Among other things, Giorgio Armani has already lent a hand to the following architectural projects:

• Miami: Luxury apartments with sea view
• London: Private flat in South Kensington
• Tel Aviv: Harbaa Towers (luxury office building)
• Beijing: Capital Residences
• Chengdu: Twin Tower residential building

Private Lounge: exclusive insight into the world of Armani / Casa

Armani Casa’s Private Lounge” offers an exclusive media database for members. Exclusive images and previews of new collections and products inspire the clientele. Only a username and password must be chosen and they are behind the doors of the exclusive Armani / Casa world!

Armani / Casa at your home

Giorgio Armani knows how to communicate with his customers at eye level and let them become part of his lifestyle. Thus, in addition to his design studio, he launches the “Armani/Casa at your home” service on the official website. Here, teams of experts and interior designers are available to assist in the redesign or renovation of the living area. The service can be accessed either through a Skype conversation or a meeting at one of the showrooms. The exclusive service inspires with the following offer (price on request):

• Moodboard
• Furniture layout
• 3D view
• Material presentation
• Furniture presentation
• Accessories presentation
• Information on the manufacture of curtains
• Specifications for the wall cladding

Video: Armani / Casa Salone del Mobile

One of the most popular collections of the interior house is called “Casa Salone del Mobile”! See for yourself the timelessness and the innovative as well as creative design process in the campaign video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nplteB-8Wu8

Shops: Armani / Casa in Milan

Two decades after the launch of the interior line, Armani / Casa can boast 41 stores. Divided into 29 European countries, the USA and Japan. Whether extravagant wallpapers, leather-covered desks or geometrically refined chairs in the kitchen area – the Armani / Casa stores offer the full range!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcltfW5nS-I

Example: Welcome to the Armani Hotel

It offers not only furniture, decorative items and interior design support. Giorgio Armani offers a sanctuary from everyday life. The Armani Hotels. Milan or Dubai. Italian flair or Arabian luxury. Armani has created two hotels that are decked out in Armani aesthetics from floor to ceiling. Below you can get a glimpse of the hotels in the form of videos:

Video: Armani Hotel Milano

In the middle of the center of the Italian metropolis, you can experience luxury in a new dimension. From fitness rooms to exquisite dining rooms and unique suites, the hotel offers everything your heart desires in the world of luxury. Convince yourself!

Video: Armani Hotel Dubai

Dubai – the place-to-go for a luxurious oriental holiday. Armani creates an atmosphere that calls for timelessness and extravagance in one. A truly successful balancing act. See for yourself!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leXtmOoN59I

Which camera is best suited for jewellery photos?

Basically, even amateur photographers can take spectacular jewelry photos with an average equipped digital camera. The only prerequisites for success in photography are manual settings for image resolution, general exposure and contrast. In the best case, the image resolution should be as high as possible to get the final image as sharp as possible. In addition, there should generally be good light in the room and the camera should have a very good exposure function. The contrast function of the camera is also crucial for the image to convince the customer. I have summarized here once again which criteria are decisive on a camera to take good decorative photos that stand out from the crowd and thus convince the customer of the product.

• the image resolution
• the exposure
• the contrast

Besides a good camera with the qualities mentioned above, an image stabilizer is also advantageous to get a picture that is not blurred. This makes the detail shots particularly accurate and brilliant. All further preparations depend on the skill, talent and experience of the photographer. Before the camera even takes the first picture, some preparations have to be made in order to create an optimal product in the end. First of all, attention should be paid to the background, choosing a neutral wall and a suitable background. In general, the room should be well lit and should not cast any shadows or similar, so that the jewellery is shown to its best advantage. With a little practice and the gradually trained eye of a photographer, photographs can be taken as if directly from the jewellery shop. Those who like can even prepare the photo presentation in the style of the showcases of jewellery shops. Here, I have summarized once again the most important preparations that should be made before taking the pictures in order not only to shoot the perfect picture as a professional.

• an optimal background
• a good detail illumination
• an exposure-friendly object environment

the perfect camera mode

Not the average digital camera or the better SLR camera provides the perfect picture. The camera mode is also important. Beginners initially find it difficult to understand the abbreviations or use of these modules. Benjamin will explain the advantages of these modules in a few minutes. With these basics you can become a professional in the field of jewellery photography.

Dimmed light or better clear room lighting?

White, hard light is ideal for jewellery photos, which shines rather diffusely on the jewellery. Flash would cause reflections and sharp shadows, making the shot worse. LED lights, LED strips or energy-saving lamps are suitable as light sources. Fluorescent tubes can also be positioned above the jewellery (or directly below the tube). A trick against sources of interference such as reflections or cast shadows is a homemade light shaft.

A white ball, preferably made of plexiglass, is suitable for this purpose. If it still has an opening the size of a lens, it can be attached to the camera and thus act as a light shaft to optically isolate the piece of jewellery. However, this alone does not prevent unwanted shadows from interfering with photography. Therefore, it should be tried out beforehand in different camera positions in which position shadows fall least over or in front of the piece. Even slight shadows must be avoided for optimum illumination.

Professional use of light

To get a better insight into the world of light, you should watch the video. There are many differences to work with cameras,  which are explained step by step in this clip. For a little professional jewellery photography, the A&O.

The optimal background for a successful jewellery presentation

Jewellery should sparkle so that it looks even more noble. If the material of a piece of jewellery is rather smooth, for example the leather on a leather bracelet, a discreetly dyed silk scarf is suitable as a background, which can be arranged with a few soft folds. But the focus always remains on the photo object, i.e. the jewellery. It is important to bring out its details, i.e. to set leather softly in the light, to let gemstones sparkle or to set silver chains in the optimal shine.

Close-ups in front of an otherwise neutrally arranged background enlarge the jewellery and show even the finest engravings or the special features of a stone setting. Instead of a dark background, light surroundings are preferable. If this is not possible due to the nature of the room, a desk lamp can help. In this bright spot, the jewellery is presented in such a way that the darker areas around the shooting location are not shown to advantage in the photograph. Even if the focus should remain on the jewellery, I have listed here again my top tips for the optimal background.

• discreet, neutral arranged background
• smooth jewel = silk scarf with soft folds
• bright colors & bright spot
• Close-ups make jewelry appear larger and highlight special features

Try it – Sakis explains how it works

Jewellery photography for catalogues, brochures, flyers or websites. You need someone who knows about this? In a few minutes Tony explains to you how to learn good and cheap jewellery photography. With simple tricks he shows you how to present jewellery.

Conclusion: With simple tricks, pictures succeed as from the jeweler shop

In order to present jewellery optimally for a photograph, different rules apply than, for example, in portrait photography. While contrasts and shadows create exciting visual effects there, both would only disturb the details of a piece of jewellery. The best way to take jewellery photos is to isolate the photo object from other shadow and light effects and to use as much natural daylight as possible as diffuse illumination.