Now as we are bound to our homes, you might need a little inspiration to get a change or to feel even more comfortable. We had a chat with interior designer Stephanie Thatenhorst, who is a regular in many international interior design publications and who recently opened an interior store in Munich. During the current quarantine she offers video consultations, even when looking only for a vase or setting up a lovely table.
We met her in her Showroom in Theresienstraße in Schwabing.
IRMA: What was the initial idea to open a showroom and make it an inspirational place for your clients, but also for people who have no professional experience with Interior Design yet?
STEPHANIE THATENHORST: It is my biggest passion to find all those special manufacturers around the world who produce these beautiful furniture and decorative pieces.
All those things deserve a stage where not only our project clients can experience and buy them. In our showroom people can explore an Apartment environment. You can find several living corners, a kitchen, a bedroom, a bathroom… There are many special and unique treasures you cannot find everywhere. I wanted to create a special and unusual interior shop in Munich.
Middle: Serving Trolley „Grace“ by Sebastian Herkner for Schönbuch.
Right: Tableware: Ann Demeulemeester for Serax, Vase: Hay
IRMA: Times have changed, and the focus is now very strongly on our own environment. How do you see that develop in the future?
STEPHANIE THATENHORST: While spending a lot of time at home people recognize how important it is to feel comfortable. Living and working in an inspiring environment changes your well-being a lot.
We might spend less time in the office and with restricted traveling for a while, we will be more at home and therefor it becomes more and more important to create an enjoyable atmosphere in it.
IRMA: Which services do you provide to your clients to communicate with you while the showroom is closed?
STEPHANIE THATENHORST: You can send me pictures or a video tour from your home and I will be able to consult you digitally. If you are looking for a new vase or a whole new living room setting, I’m very pleased to help and make suggestions.
IRMA: Can I also contact you if I would just like to get your advise about nice table settings for my family at home?
STEPHANIE THATENHORST: Of course, you can. We work with many special table ware producers and designers. A lot of those pieces are in our showroom.
Console with several layers of hand-painted lacquere (refined high-crafted glossy porcelain effect) designed by Hannes Peer
(we are exclusive resellers for SEM Milano in Germany). Chair: Valerie Objet
IRMA: Materials, lights and texture will become more important for a comfortable home in the future. How do you see that trend developing?
STEPHANIE THATENHORST: Warm materials (fabric, wood) and earthy colours will come up even more… but always with at least a little twist of bright colour… it makes everyone feel happy!
Table Ware Sebastian Herkner for Ames (black) and Serax. Fabric on the sofa in the back, Dimore Milano
IRMA: For example, if you have a small apartment but like to make a major change, how do you get started? Can you give us a tip?
STEPHANIE THATENHORST: Bring some colour on the walls and add fabrics (curtains, cushions, rugs, wall coverings, throws) in different ways, they always bring a lot of atmosphere.
Middle: kitchen designed by Stephanie Thatenhorst. Wooden lacquered and fabric inlays Travertine top
Right: Floor Tiles „Confetti“ by Marcante Testa vor Ceramica Vouge
IRMA: To your opinion which object can make a drastic change to your interior, if you have not a big budget
STEPHANIE THATENHORST: Set up a few different new lights (table light, floor light, wall light), they will bring a big change in atmosphere. Even a new vase makes a big difference!
IRMA: How would you describe your personal style of interior design?
STEPHANIE THATENHORST: Eclectic, with a mid-century influence and very bright!
