Home Story: Franzi from Berlin
“Linen is one of my favourite fabrics” – that is how Berliner Franzi raves about the subject of the hour. And she is certainly not alone; in recent years, linen has conquered the hearts and beds of many. This versatile fabric isn’t limited to the bedroom though: Franzi shows us how linen curtains frame a room wonderfully, and how a linen tablecloth creates an eye-catching dining set up. And all from her shared room in idyllic Prenzlauer Berg. Read on and get inspired by Franzi’s love for linen.
“Linen is one of my favourite fabrics” – that is how Berliner Franzi @franzibower raves about the subject of the hour. And she is certainly not alone; in recent years, linen has conquered the hearts and beds of many. This versatile fabric isn’t limited to the bedroom though: Franzi shows us how linen curtains frame a room wonderfully, and how a linen tablecloth creates an eye-catching dining set up. And all from her shared room in idyllic Prenzlauer Berg. Read on and get inspired by Franzi’s love for linen.
"With linen, I like the fact that it creates such a natural, vibrant surface"
In your Instagram bio you describe yourself as a "professional Berliner" – what does this mean to you?
Oh man, I wish I had a funny answer with an ‘aha!’ moment, but honestly, I didn’t think that much about it...I just thought it sounded cool!
But when I think about it now, the description actually works quite well. I’ve lived all my life in Berlin and still discover new, exciting locations every day. I try to share these discoveries as much as possible with my followers – many of whom live here – in my stories.
You live in a shared flat – how do you make your area your realm?
In general, one can say that a flat share requires compromises on interior design and other things. So when it comes to setting up common areas, you might want to coordinate with your roommates before placing your pink lava lamp in the hallway.
But in your own room, you can do what you want! To me it's really important that it smells good in the flat. I can do that (sometimes more, sometimes less) with the help of my favourite scented candles and the interior favourite par excellence: fresh flowers. And since my interior design style is usually rather clean, I try to personalise my area with small things such as gifts from friends and family or travel gifts. Very important, of course, is the Berlin poster leaning casually against my wall. Anyone who comes in instantly knows that a professional Berliner lives here ;)
What do you like most about our linen products?
Linen is one of my favourite things. While I’m clicking through your products and mentally pulling off my old bedding, it keeps coming back to me: lovely little details like the mother of pearl buttons on one, or the piping on another set of sheets don’t make choosing from the selection easier.
But after I finally reduced my Top 138 to a small but fine selection and held it in my hands, I could not be happier. The products really are such high quality and feel so great that my virtual shopping cart may already contain more linen treasures.
What's your advice on how to style linen?
Linen is available in all sorts of colours, but I think the fabric, especially in bright colours such as white, beige or light grey, radiates a special peace and naturalness. To enhance this effect, I like to combine linen with other natural materials such as wood or leather. But so not all my visitors fall asleep, you will also find clean, modern materials such as marble and brass, with which linen, I think, also fits wonderfully.
And to all those who, while thinking of linen, inevitably have horror scenarios of hours of ironing in their heads, I say: “embrace the wrinkles!” The times of perfect, sleek tablecloths and blankets are over. With linen, I like the fact that it creates such a natural, vibrant surface that invites you to throw yourself in and cuddle in (though I’d rather hold back with the tablecloth).
Many would argue that linen is exclusively a summer fabric. Would you agree?
Honestly, I was also of this opinion until recently. But anyone who has ever had the pleasure of cuddling up in a linen-covered bed one winter night knows that there are few fabrics that will keep you warmer.
After this experience, I was intrigued and decided to research it. Lo and behold: linen’s insulating properties ensure that it keeps you pleasantly cool in summer and warm in winter (probably half of you knew that already, but I was very impressed).
How would you describe your interior style?
I always find this question a bit tricky, because I don’t set up my room with the thought of a particular style, but simply buy what I like and and will fit together well in my opinion. But after a short search I would describe my style as mid-century modern with a Scandinavian influence. But not so modern that it’s no longer comfortable! Cosiness is especially important to me and is created with neutral colours, natural materials and warm light.
All photos taken by @franzibower