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space matters: love at the [white] penthouse

Wouldn’t it be nice to be surrounded by love everyday? I think having “love” around you doesn’t just happen. Most of the time, it’s a personal choice—to love, to be loved, and to be constantly inspired.

Love defines Iro-Ivy’s very white abode in Germany. Like Sarah (of abeachcottage), I saw Ivy’s Penthouse through flickr when I was searching for charming Christmas homes last December 2009. By just looking at the photos of her home, one could tell that Ivy has a kind of style that goes beyond creating pretty spaces. A style that seems to radiate warmth and sincerity. She calls it “love”.

Ivy is probably one of the most passionate people I’ve encountered. She finds joy and inspiration in simple things. You can tell by the way she arranges and decorates her space, and by the way she takes pictures of the Penthouse.

Today, as the third and last feature for our “romantic white homes week”, we take a tour of Ivy’s Penthouse as she shares with us her decorating style, her passions, and bits of her life.

[Image above: "These (garland of paper flaglets) are made from 1960's vintage, Albert Van Luit wallpaper and pages of the German vintage book 'Die Kleine Hexe' ".]

“I practice ‘living big is an attitude’, depending on making the best use of what we have. A few square meters can be very functional and quite ‘large’, with the right use. The Penthouse measures 65 square meters, with 22 square meters being the second open floor, where the bedroom and dressing areas are. The rest is the main floor including the entrance, bathroom, dining area, reading corner, kitchen, living area, and office corner.”

“I give my living space its time to evolve with me, as much as I evolve living in the space. Even though, I did make plans, as soon as we chose this apartment and knew which existing furniture would be used and what needed/wished to be bought, I took small steps into actualizing them. After 2 years of living in the Penthouse, I can finally say that it’s very close to how I’d like it to be. According to my partner’s view though, it was already perfect after a few days! Oh well…. Of course, it’s different when I plan for a client.”

“I love clean lines and interesting architecture. However, as much as I appreciate and love beautiful objects, I try not to overburden a space with too many of them. I try to be surrounded only by things I like. If I’ve made an impulsive buy (which happens rarely, after long years of effort!), I donate it or sell it.”

[Image above: Ivy's LOVE mirror by the dining area.]

“I always get inspired by my love for decorating & making beautiful, functional living spaces, and turning them into homes.

Loving more than words and my appreciation for life make this place look happy and clean! I’m happy to be here and sharing this space with the true, internal sunshine of my life, who has made all these possible for me. In a way, I gave up daily sunshiny life in Greece, but now sunshine lives inside me! And I get to travel a lot, so it’s more than fine!”

[Image above: Framed wallpaper samples make fun, colorful and inexpensive wall displays. Know more about this project here.]

“I refresh the look of my living space by rearranging things now and then. I also upcycle and re-purpose things, which means that a new addition can be made, without having to spend anything.”

“I love light and therefore choose bright spaces to live in. Nothing decorates a space better than natural light! I love white and natural tones (obviously!), as much as natural textures. It is the perfect canvas for being creative and playing with accessories and pops of colour according to moods and seasons.”

[Image above:" Heart collection on the white, wooden pole under the stairs and a glimpse to the reading corner."]

“I keep the biggest part of surfaces clutter free, so that they can be easily used daily according to needs. I keep things organized and make use of cupboards, drawers and boxes to their fullest extent.”

“I find that my studies in Psychology are of great help when talking to people (most often friends, friends of
friends & acquaintances so far) about organizing & beautifying their living spaces. Finding out their true needs and overcoming their drawbacks can begin from their living spaces. Just like when someone can organize a closet as a parallel need to organizing his/her thoughts.

I believe that living spaces do and should reflect who we are. They are like eyes being the mirrors of our hearts. And this is why I have my objections about styling based on trends and not on people’s likes and choices.”

Again, thank you Ivy for taking the time from your busybee schedule to do this! You’re one very kind and inspiring spirit. Hope you get to touch more people with your photos and your designs.

To know more about Ivy’s style, her Penthouse and her crafts, visit here flickr photostream here, her etsy shop here and her blog here.

*Photos from Ivy’s flickr photostream.