In April she visited us and reported about it on her blog. Today we would like to introduce Annemone Schütz from AnneLiWest. Her blog is all about design, interior and lifestyle. She is also a passionate photographer and interior consultant and the author of the recently published book "Berlin's Finest - 50 inspiring design stores". In the interview she tells you all about her passion. Have fun reading!
Who are you?
I have lived in Berlin for over 20 years. Here I studied social and business communication at the University of the Arts, worked in the creative industry and started a family. I am a mom of two boys and two girls and have lived in Lichterfelde-West with my husband and children for what feels like an eternity. My small city office is located in Mitte.
What do you do?
For three years I've been blogging on AnneLiWest|Berlin about design, interiors, art and all the beautiful things I encounter in everyday life, at my jobs and on my travels. I love taking photos and writing. At the end of July my first book (for Delius Verlag) will be released. Berlin's Finest: 50 Inspiring Design Shops. The research for this project was not only a lot of fun, but showed what the Berlin design scene is capable of. Especially for my work as an interior designer, the perfect opportunity to get to know beautiful stores and their products. Whether it's special wall colors or wallpaper, fancy furniture and accessories for apartments, offices or as recently for a café or retail store - I enjoy the fact that the jobs are versatile and always different and that I can arrange my own day. This leaves time for family, leisure and inspiration.
What style do you like in your private life?
We live in an old building from 1894. High small rooms, wooden floorboards, typical coffered doors with ornate brass fittings and (leaky) double box windows. In the past, I would have said that this is the only kind of apartment for me. Cozy and a little bit grand. Now I could just as easily imagine living in a new build with lots of glass, exposed concrete and straight sightlines. Both styles have their appeal. Our interiors are a mix of modern and old, new and inherited, bargain and designer pieces, stainless steel and wood, neutrals and colorful details.
What's your favorite interior piece?
It's really hard to decide. I love my grandma's ancient kitchen buffet painted in Farrow & Ball with chick lattice, which has its place in our otherwise very modern kitchen, as much as the timelessly beautiful "GIRO" side table on casters by Sonata in our living room.
Where do you go in search of treasures?
It's lucky that I live in one of the most creative and colorful cities in the world! Berlin is like a big stage where life happens. Ideas and sources of inspiration are around every corner. You just have to walk with open eyes through the streets of the very different districts. New stores, studios or showrooms with beautiful things open almost every day. I also always discover great things at the annual DMY (Berlin Design Festival) and at design markets. To "find treasures" I recommend "J&V Finest Vintage Furniture" in Schöneberg, "room capacity" in Mitte, "Boucherie & Söhne" in Kreuzberg or "Stilraum Berlin" in Friedrichshain. I love these stores.
Where do you get new inspirations for colors, shapes and materials?
I get new inspirations when photographing home stories for the blog, for example. Or while traveling. How do other people live and dwell? Where are the trends going? What do I save to reuse in a modified form on the next occasion?
I like to buy design and home magazines abroad. Right now, there are Australian magazines on my desk. My daughter brought them back from her exchange year. Other countries, other (beautiful) things! Pinterest, Dawanda and blogs also help a lot with finding ideas.
Where is your favorite place in Berlin...?
The most beautiful place is at home. A coffee or a beer in the garden under the walnut tree - wonderful.
What does a perfect day look like for you?
A perfect day for me starts with sunshine and blue skies. Checking emails and networks with a cup of coffee, breakfast with family or friends somewhere with a view of the water. After that, one or two exciting appointments. Taking photos in a wonderful apartment, in an abandoned place with a lot of patina or in a beautiful landscape. It's best to sift through the resulting photos immediately, edit them and write something about them. Then the early evening can be heralded with a sundowner. Cooking together with the family or with good friends is always cozy and relaxing. And a good red wine with the meal. Also in summer. Beautiful.
Thank you, Anne!
Who are you?
I have lived in Berlin for over 20 years. Here I studied social and business communication at the University of the Arts, worked in the creative industry and started a family. I am a mom of two boys and two girls and have lived in Lichterfelde-West with my husband and children for what feels like an eternity. My small city office is located in Mitte.
What do you do?
For three years I've been blogging on AnneLiWest|Berlin about design, interiors, art and all the beautiful things I encounter in everyday life, at my jobs and on my travels. I love taking photos and writing. At the end of July my first book (for Delius Verlag) will be released. Berlin's Finest: 50 Inspiring Design Shops. The research for this project was not only a lot of fun, but showed what the Berlin design scene is capable of. Especially for my work as an interior designer, the perfect opportunity to get to know beautiful stores and their products. Whether it's special wall colors or wallpaper, fancy furniture and accessories for apartments, offices or as recently for a café or retail store - I enjoy the fact that the jobs are versatile and always different and that I can arrange my own day. This leaves time for family, leisure and inspiration.
What style do you like in your private life?
We live in an old building from 1894. High small rooms, wooden floorboards, typical coffered doors with ornate brass fittings and (leaky) double box windows. In the past, I would have said that this is the only kind of apartment for me. Cozy and a little bit grand. Now I could just as easily imagine living in a new build with lots of glass, exposed concrete and straight sightlines. Both styles have their appeal. Our interiors are a mix of modern and old, new and inherited, bargain and designer pieces, stainless steel and wood, neutrals and colorful details.
What's your favorite interior piece?
It's really hard to decide. I love my grandma's ancient kitchen buffet painted in Farrow & Ball with chick lattice, which has its place in our otherwise very modern kitchen, as much as the timelessly beautiful "GIRO" side table on casters by Sonata in our living room.
Where do you go in search of treasures?
It's lucky that I live in one of the most creative and colorful cities in the world! Berlin is like a big stage where life happens. Ideas and sources of inspiration are around every corner. You just have to walk with open eyes through the streets of the very different districts. New stores, studios or showrooms with beautiful things open almost every day. I also always discover great things at the annual DMY (Berlin Design Festival) and at design markets. To "find treasures" I recommend "J&V Finest Vintage Furniture" in Schöneberg, "room capacity" in Mitte, "Boucherie & Söhne" in Kreuzberg or "Stilraum Berlin" in Friedrichshain. I love these stores.
Where do you get new inspirations for colors, shapes and materials?
I get new inspirations when photographing home stories for the blog, for example. Or while traveling. How do other people live and dwell? Where are the trends going? What do I save to reuse in a modified form on the next occasion?
I like to buy design and home magazines abroad. Right now, there are Australian magazines on my desk. My daughter brought them back from her exchange year. Other countries, other (beautiful) things! Pinterest, Dawanda and blogs also help a lot with finding ideas.
Where is your favorite place in Berlin...?
The most beautiful place is at home. A coffee or a beer in the garden under the walnut tree - wonderful.
What does a perfect day look like for you?
A perfect day for me starts with sunshine and blue skies. Checking emails and networks with a cup of coffee, breakfast with family or friends somewhere with a view of the water. After that, one or two exciting appointments. Taking photos in a wonderful apartment, in an abandoned place with a lot of patina or in a beautiful landscape. It's best to sift through the resulting photos immediately, edit them and write something about them. Then the early evening can be heralded with a sundowner. Cooking together with the family or with good friends is always cozy and relaxing. And a good red wine with the meal. Also in summer. Beautiful.
Thank you, Anne!
