Designer Interview: MONIKA CLAASSEN

Sometimes in this series we meet creative types

I admire but have yet to meet, and

sometimes friends are profiled.

But our inspiring guest today

m o n i k a  c l a a s s e n

is both!

Monika’s lovely rooms are full of soul and atmosphere.

You may recognize the gorgeously stylish

Monika of

Splendid Willow

from the pages of

Rue Magazine

where her lovely home in all its

edgy classic Swedish glory

was recently featured.

Let’s enjoy her incredible interior design talent and

chat with sweet Mon for a moment, yes?

Here we get a peek at artwork by Monika above the bed.

Has design always been important to you?

Yes, from a very early age.

I started to re-arrange furniture in my family home

to the extent that my parents never knew

what the house would look like

when they came home!

I can honestly say that design

(primarily interior design)

has always been one of my top passions.

It never gets boring to me.

Ditto!

Monika uses wallpaper in magical ways (see the library of books?)

Her color sense? Exquisite.

You’re originally from Sweden.

Are there Swedish traditions/philosophies

influencing your daily life in the US?

Oh yes!

The further away from Sweden you live

the more Swedish you become!

A hearty, big breakfast and family

sit-down dinners are key at our house.

Life quality is very important in Sweden,

and I get a good reminder every time I go back.

It is ok to be lazy in the weekends.

This just in:

We’re moving to Sweden, honey.

A very thoughtful someone lives here.

What does living more soulfully everyday bring to mind?

To stop and listen–to your own heart

and to other people.

We run way too fast.

Life needs to be lived not passed through.

I am far from good at it but at least

I am aware, and trying.

Right there with you, Mon.

Seeing this Horst piece framed

in such a manner took my breath away!

The secretaire is such an incredible piece.

What is inspiring you at the moment?

City walking!

I am a city girl at heart.

On my recent trip to Stockholm

I walked for hours every day

and just took everything in.

People, architecture, design, food, museums, shops.

I don’t need to speak one word – just absorb!

Needless to say, I came back filled

to the brim with creative ideas.

A dream day for you would entail…

I feel I live it every day!

I try very hard to live in the moment,

and I enjoy having my family around.

I can’t wait for the family to expand.

I will be one very proud Grandma one day!

I so admire how this optimism radiates

from your blog consistently as well, Monika.

Any suggestions for balancing blogging and home life?

This summer I plan to just blog

a little in the morning

while the kids are asleep.

I’ll spend the rest of the day

having fun and exploring something new!

Love that advice…except my ‘kids’ sleep until noon.

Thank you, lovely

Monika!

It’s an inspiring life you lead,

and we’re so thankful you

share your creativity,

talent, and journey

so graciously with us.

Peace to you right where you are.

michele

Follow:

25 Comments

  1. July 1, 2011 / 9:01 am

    Michele,
    Thank you so much for posting the interview with our dear friend Monika! I enjoyed it a lot! I just love Monika's work and I love the way she is going through life! I you said she is a very thoughtful person and I love her so much!
    Wishing you a nice weekend!
    xx
    Greet

  2. July 1, 2011 / 11:59 am

    Besides the fact that her home is beautiful…creative….stylish, I think Monika's heart is what makes her special. She always has a kind word when she stops by. Some people are truly special.

  3. July 1, 2011 / 12:04 pm

    a beauty inside and out! thanks for that profile of monika! donna

  4. July 1, 2011 / 2:43 pm

    It's great to meet Monika! She's so interesting and has a beautiful soul.

    I really enjoyed this interview and I loved her suggestion about how to balance blogging and home life. I think I need to do the same!

    Have a wonderful long weekend, my friend.

    xo

    Luciane at HomeBunch.com

    PS: yes, we'll go see the fireworks today, and I see fireflies every night outside my window… I feel lucky when I see them! 🙂

  5. July 1, 2011 / 3:09 pm

    what a treat to chat with Monika! i so admire her sensibilities and style and am so happy to spread the word on her splendidliciousness.

    michele

  6. July 1, 2011 / 3:52 pm

    What a wonderful interview with Monika. She is such a creative lady with so much talent. You can get a sense of what a wonderful heart she has through her blog posts.

  7. July 1, 2011 / 4:03 pm

    I am grateful for you my friend. Thank you so much for including me in your fabulous series. I am blushing all the way to Seattle! YOU are the one to put in the spotlight!

    I wish you and your family a wonderful & relaxing weekend. Be lazy!!!

    Love to you,

    Mon

  8. July 1, 2011 / 6:53 pm

    Thank you for sharing! I love this guest post! your Q and A session is fabulous. I love learning about others. especially those w/ different cultural backgrounds than mine. It is true that Americans go way too fast compared to Europeans. I am trying to live more like them these days! Love her beautiful home.
    xo,
    Sena

  9. July 1, 2011 / 7:46 pm

    Ooooooh, gorgeous home alert!! I love that grey with the white panelling. *wipes drool off keyboard*

    And I LOVE that writing on the mirror. Love it!!

    Sarahx

  10. July 1, 2011 / 10:34 pm

    Thank you for this feature of our beloved Monika. She's truly something and I love her like a sister.

    Her home is a showcase of style and warmth. A place to love!

    xx Charlotta
    Space for Inspiration

  11. July 2, 2011 / 4:22 am

    Beautiful post on a beautiful blog. Well done.

  12. July 2, 2011 / 7:58 pm

    Beautiful words, beautiful style, beautiful profile! I love Monika's style and philosophies, she's a lovely blog friend who never fails to inspire!

    Love,
    Meera xx

  13. July 2, 2011 / 11:49 pm

    So exciting to
    see two bloggers
    that I admire come
    together! Beautiful
    interview, Michele.
    You BOTH inspire me : )
    Happy Fourth of July!
    xx Suzanne

  14. July 3, 2011 / 7:36 am

    Your blog is amazing! What an inspiration. Following you.
    Patti

  15. July 3, 2011 / 8:51 pm

    Wow, so much gorgeous inspiration in this post – both in the pictures and words… fabulous interview and I love all the kitty cats – I do believe that pets really make a home seem that much more cozy xxx

  16. July 4, 2011 / 4:15 am

    Everything is just so lovely! I'm taking Monika's advice, won't speak much but just take it all in.
    Thank you. Your blog is like a breath of fresh air! ~Reina~

  17. July 4, 2011 / 12:38 pm

    Monika is one of my favorite bloggers – her gorgeous home, creative posts, and her generosity are so inspiring. Such a great interview, Michele!!

  18. July 5, 2011 / 3:34 pm

    You couldn't have chosen a more stylish and kind person to feature! A great feature indeed! XX

  19. July 13, 2011 / 1:59 pm

    How is it possible to create rooms that are dynamic and soothing at the same time? What an art.

  20. July 14, 2011 / 8:56 am

    Thanks so much for sharing this, very inspiring 🙂

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing