It’s almost three years ago that I started Happy Interior Blog. And it all started because of my love and passion for interiors but more than that because of my love for personal homes with a soul and character. Homes that mirror the owner’s personality. Homes that grow over time. With its dwellers. Even though I have not moved from my apartment ever since I started blogging, it has grown over time, it has changed, shaped and has gotten more mature, more reflective, it has become a tad more serene. And what is even more important – it is far from reaching a point of perfection. Just like myself. That’s why I want to encourage you to love your home, to grow it and to be comfortable and content with the home you are shaping yourself.
Home has a peculiar meaning to me. As a kid belonging to the so-called second generation of foreigners living in Austria, I grew up being at home in Austria with my parents, but everyone kept telling me that our real home was back there what then was Yugoslavia. I grew up in a feeling of not belonging here nor there. Or belonging here and there. I’ve developed a feeling of being at home wherever I found myself at any point in my life – be it in Austria, Greece, Germany or France.
Growing a home takes time. Like growing anything in life: partnerships, kids, or simply plants. It requires time and attention. And lots of reflection. This applies to homes too. Let your home flow and go with your life. Bring things in, take things out. Just like in your mundane life. Stick to things, cherish them and don’t part with them. Again, just like in your everyday life. Make your home not only a safe haven, but also a reason to be happy. Let it make you smile, let it make you unwind, ponder, and feel at ease. After all, it’s your home, it’s you. It’s where you belong. Wherever that may be.
Happy weekend, friends!
20 Comments
You are so right ! Home is where my family is, home is where my friends are, home is where I am happy!
Love this post. As an expat myself (and changing apartments a few times over the years) home is really an ever-changing environment and now that I’m changing apartments again – this post is just the reminder I need to take time and care with it. Your home is beautifully loved. So inspiring. Thank you for sharing 🙂
I really love your blue vases! And yes, I think your home looks beautifully serene!
Gorgeous home! Building a home is about collecting things over time which make you happy and mean something to you x
I’m not sure we ever reach a point of perfection, in ourselves or in our homes. And I think that is just fine. Life would be pretty dull otherwise. Great sentiments mister!
Simply, amazing words! So touching me 🙂
schön gesagt…
Wonderful and touching post, Igor. I think that’s exactly why we love one apartment or house and don’t really feel comfortable with another one – even if it’s perfectly styled or especially then. Missing that … soul!
Absolutly ! you can always see(feel) the difference between a home that has grown with its owner and has personality, as opposed to one that has been instantly decorated – no matter how beautiful, if a home is missing those layers it always feels lacking to me.
I’m so happy to read so many similar viewpoints on the meaning of home and how we grow our home. This is wonderful and encouraging. Thank you all! 🙏
Well said. Your postings have much to offer – the pictures, the words.
Thank you!
-Marianne
Hi Igor, could you tell where the print of the girl with a batman mask is from? Thanks, Ana
Hi Ana! Sure it’s by the American artist Emily Winfield Martin and you can buy her prints on Etsy, here is the link: https://www.etsy.com/shop/theblackapple
Wise words my friend and you do it well. Your home has definitely grown as you have and I’m delighted you have embraced feeling at home everywhere you lay your hat:-) Bon weekend!
Hey Igor, I have the same feelings, as I have a also moved around a lot. Making your place a home with your own stuff that reflects who you are is so true. I love your home, so stylish and very you. Well done 🙂 and have a great Sunday my friend Axx
So happy my illustration finally found a place in your home 🙂
What a lovely post Igor! Yes, I love that my home grows with me and the older I get, the more I realize that objects with stories make a home feel much more like home than just “things”. Happy to see you still have a bit of the sake candle left!
That bookshelf/rack in the first picture – I love it! Do you have a source for it? Thanks!
Yes, it’s from an online shop called Finnish Design Shop!
Thank you!!!