After earning a degree from Rhode Island School of Design and spending four years with New York firm Costas Kondylis and Partners, Nina Freudenberger decided to branch out on her own. The Munich born interior designer jumped into the scary world of working for herself and quickly found success as she founded her own design business while also opening a retail store in NYC?s Nolita neighborhood called Haus Interior. Given her attention to detail and undeniable enviable knack for artfully styling anyone?s house into a home, we reached out to Nina to talk all things interior design and travel.
1. You own a brilliant interior design retail store in New York called Haus Interior and run your own firm. Which three countries top your list for inspiration?
I love traveling so try to get away every chance I get. I draw inspiration from each trip, but my largest influences are Scandinavia (the countryside in Denmark in particular), southern Germany (Bavaria) /northern Austria (Salzburg) and each and every time I go to Paris!
2. How would you describe your personal interior design aesthetic?
I would say that I lean towards the ?warm-modern look.? Clean lines in combination with natural materials are a constant throughout all of my work. I tend to stay neutral in my color choices but love to mix and match patterns for a fully decorated look.
3. What are a few of your favorite stores or sites to visit for ethnic/travel inspired home accessories?
In New York City, there are quite a few shops that have a really well traveled look. John Derian is a classic but I also love De Vera and Andrew Martin. And of course ABC! (http://www.andrewmartin.co.uk/ - there is one in NYC, http://www.deveraobjects.com/, http://www.johnderian.com/)
4. As a native of Munich, which shopping destinations in Germany do you consider a must-visit?
My two favorite cities for shopping are Berlin and Munich. Berlin has an incredible energy and is extremely supportive of young, innovative fashion designers. And Munich I always stop by my favorite store, Theresa, the owner has an incredible sense of style. (http://www.theresa.de/)
5. How does your interior design vision reflect in your personal style?
I tend to gravitate towards neutral colors and structured looks, such as blacks, nudes, grays and love to layer on major accessories to add that sparkle and glamour as a major statement. This season I am really loving that ?grellow? color ? that fabulous mustard/green yellow that is popping up everywhere, from clothing to home accessories.
6. What are your favorite pieces from L-atitude?
All of them! It is such a wonderfully curated collection! I think it is so exciting to be able to discover international designers through the site. Here are a few of my favorite pieces for the summer:
Shop Nina's Favorites From Top Left to Right:
Nicholas Liu Waterfall Bracelet
Lars Andersson Silk Lace Cowl Neck Tunic Dress
Grand Bazaar Istanbul Ikat Pillow
For the chance to enjoy one of the most picturesque views of Bali, head to Rock Bar at the Ayana Resort and Spa ? an open bar situated over 45 feet above the Indian Ocean. Given the obvious attraction of unobstructed landscape views and ocean sunsets no matter your location in the venue, it?s clear Rock Bar is a regular must-visit above Ayana?s Kisik Beach and Jimbaran Bay.
The bar, designed by Yashuhiro Koichi, opened in July of 2009, and has since entertained newlyweds, families, lovers, and friends looking to partake in nature?s stunningly gorgeous display of beauty. With 360 degree views, the bar earned the title of one of CNNGo?s Top 30 Hotel Bars in the World, an award that?s clearly well deserved given the combination of coast line magic and marvelous panoramas.
As a play off the location, Rock Bar serves certain beverages actually on the rocks - in a fish bowl, surrounded by natural rocks. Maestro Laval Lim-Hon creates said signature cocktails, and has had the pleasure of mixing beverages for notables including Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco and Liza Minelli. With its pedigree and earthly wonders, Rock Bar easily earns a spot on any traveler?s must visit list.
What To Wear There? Bali Beach Chic Looks, Click Here.
Stina Persson?s provocative and worldly illustrations vibrantly personify destinations she has once called home. Born in Lund, Sweden in 1972, this graphic artist studied at the prestigious Academia in Perugia, Italy, then continued on to focus her craft in New York City while studying at Pratt. In between, she enjoyed life in Tokyo and Florence before returning to settle down in Stockholm.
Stina employs a variety of mediums, initially creating her luminous characterizations by hand, before enriching them digitally. Using rich jewel toned inks, watercolor dyes, Mexican cut paper, handwritten technique, photography and acrylic Stina always finds the right balance between new and iconic, raw and refined ultimately making the ugly prettier and the beautiful a little edgier.
www.stinapersson.com
While the Swedish aesthetic changes with each designer, a connective concept brings all of these creatives together. What some may see as simplistic or monochromatic is actually a nod to the real sense of Swedish fashion. Attention is heavily paid to the construction of a garment, showing the Swedes? passion for craftsmanship and fine tailoring.
Swedish trendsetters could easily match NYC's penchant for all-black with their love of a darker palette. With a firm grasp on understated cool and subtle sophistication, Stockholm is here to stay.
Shop Stockholm Street Style Here.
Click here to participate in our Stockholm Sweepstakes!
SHOPPING:
What trip wouldn?t be complete without a bit of shopping? The following are just some of Stockholm?s can?t-miss spots:
Fashion:
- NK: The only department store you?ll find in Stockholm, this multi-brand destination carries all the Swedish labels including Bjorn Borg, Boomerang, Acne, Whyred, Tiger of Sweden, Eton Shirts, Filippa K, Marc O'Polo, Hunkydory, and J.Lindeberg.
- Zadig&Voltaire: Master the art of Stockholm street-chic with the effortlessly cool wares of this It-girl mainstay.
- Nathalie Schuterman: Peruse covetable designer fashions in this high-end shop and put together the perfect take on Stockholm?s feminine-cool style.
- Judits, Lisa Larsson and 118 Second L?der are some of the city?s best offerings in vintage ? a must-visit for consignment seekers.
Home:
- Orrefors/Kosta Boda: Stop here to indulge in beautiful Swedish crystal.
- Svenskt Tenn: This is your go-to shop for contemporary Swedish tin wares.
- Illums Bolighus: (www.illumsbolighus.se) Head here for charming holiday buys.
CULTURE:
Enjoy your daily dose of caffeine and meet with friends for a 'FIKA' at Le Cafe or Gateau in Sturegallerian. For those with a sweet tooth, the cinnamon buns, or ?kanel bulle,? are a must-order.
Take a trip over the bridge to Skeppsholmen and down to Museum Row, where you?ll find a trio of options to satisfy your culture fix: Moderna Museet, (www.modernamuseet.se) Ostasiatiska Museet, and Arkitektur Museet.
For a dose of old Stockholm charm, be sure to visit the cobble-stoned streets of Gamla Stan. Its enchanting boutiques are the perfect place to find souvenirs for friends and family. Finish the day with a glimpse of the official residence of the king, the Kungliga Slottet, for a moment of history.
For a more relaxing taste of Swedish culture, head to Sturebadet, which is located in the middle of Sthlm. Built in 1885, the spa boasts treatments, yoga, a Turkish bath, and a swimming pool ? exactly what you?ll need to recharge.
RESTAURANTS:
Two delicious lunch options are H?tel Diplomate n Strandvagen and
Sturekompaniet Sturegatan. For dinner, check out PA&C:o, a culinary staple in Stockholm. The restaurant has been a regular haunt for intellectuals, celebrities, and cool Stockholm tastemakers for over twenty years. A more off-the-beaten-path choice is Brofastet, a restaurant in Hornstull area of Stockholm, which calls to mind sentiments of New York City?s Waverly Inn.
HOTELS:
Finally, rest your head on a decadent pillow for the evening with your ideal refuge for the trip. Hotel Grand holds a more traditional and elegant feel, while Lydmar Hotel lends towards the young & hip clientele ? proving Stockholm has some of the most luxurious lodging options whatever your preferred style may be.
We scoured the fashion scene in Stockholm and fell in love with these designers. Integrate a dose of Swedish street style into your wardrobe this summer! Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair Astrid Olsson and Lee Cotter are the duo behind the label Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair which was introduced in 2004. The label was named after an old shoemaker's shop in London as a way to pay tribute to the old-world...
Read More1) How would you describe the style of women in Stockholm?
Swedish women are normally very fashionable and trendy at least from Stockholm where I am from. They don't wear a lot of colors more than the basic ones black, blue and grey.
2) What are your favorite places to shop in Stockholm?
When I'm in Sweden I try to only buy clothes from Swedish and Scandinavian designers. My favorite store is the big Acne store on Norrmalmstorg. Other stores are Filippa K, Whyred and Rodebjer. You an also head to NK ( Nordiska Companiet ) which is a big department store in the center of Stockholm, they carry lots of Scandinavian designers but also have a lot of international ones. Try and stop by their gorgeous food market on the lower floor which has amazing food like smoked salmon and crayfish.
3) What is the best fashion find you?ve had while shopping during your travels (Can you send us a photo)?
Right now my favorite pants are black leather pants from the Row that I basically live in. They are great wearing during the day with converse as well as with high heels for parties.
4) What three things ? besides the essentials ? do you always pack no matter where you go?
Converse, leather pants and a white t-shirt
5) What are your 4 favorite L-atitude items (www.shoplatitude.com)?
Veda max silk and leather jacket
Thakoon ruffles side tank
Thakoon blouson dress (in white)
Gabriele Colangelo washed silk drape dress
The invitations aren?t even in the mail and we are musing honeymoon destinations for our favorite summer brides. L-Atitude pairs this summer?s ?it brides? with must haves for their potential honeymoons. BRITS: THE MODEL AND THE ROCKER While the blogosphere is speculating on who will design Kate?s dress when she weds Kills front man Jamie Hince this summer, we are ruminating where they might go on their honeymoon. Our...
Read MoreDespite all the pomp and spectacles that appear on the surface of a big Indian wedding ? marigolds, red carpets, brass bands, horses, elephants, fire eaters, the odd groom-carrying helicopter ? the real opulence lies behind the scene. Wrapped in tissue and tulle, showcased with creativity and attention detail that would put Saks? Christmas window display to shame, the best sight to behold is the bride?s trousseau. Despite all the...
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