Book Review: The New Book Of 'So Leb Ich'

'So leb ich' is a wonderful statement. It is resolute, sound and individual. It literally means 'That's how I live'. But 'So leb ich' is not only the title of the new book, it is actually the name of a very successful German interiors community. In fact it is the largest interiors community in the German speaking parts of Europe. Founded back in 2007 by interior designer Nicole Maalouf this community has attracted thousands of interior fans to share pictures of their homes and inspire each other. And right now the second book of the community has been launched with the full title: 'Das neue SoLebIch-Buch für ein schönes Zuhause' (the new SoLebIch-book for a beautiful home). And it is packed with beautiful inspiration.

Over 190 pages burst with 245 photographies of numerous homes beautifully styled and decorated by its dwellers. The book's charm lies in the magic of such interior communities - they showcase authentic homes, styled, decorated and photographed by mere mortals - no glossy finishings, no sophisticated dashes of this and that, no big photo editing. 

The book is structured into rooms - the reader is being welcomed through the hallway, passes the kitchen, the dining room, the living room, enters the home office, the bedroom and finally the nursery.  Each chapter is opened by an enticing illustrations by Larissa Bertonasco. Moreover, every picture is described, the participating community members are being quoted throughout the book and the content is enriched with additional trend descriptions, design classics information and DIY tips - including hints that more background information is available online on www.SoLebIch.de.

I've been going through the book over and over again and I really must admit that I love it. I adore the authenticity and personality of every photograph, I love the book's layout, its touch and feel. On one hand, it is informative and helpful, on the other hand it is as inspiring and beautiful as a coffee table book. If you are an interior design aficionado like me, you will love this book equally - no matter whether you understand German or not. You can buy a copy HERE.

Have an inspiring Thursday, my dear friends!

Photography by Igor Josifovic

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Let Your Home Tell A Story: At {Mine}

Interior design, interior styling, decorating - the home has never been so much in focus as today. Pinterest is thriving with interior inspiration, interior design blogs are exceedingly successful and many new interior online platforms pop up. I've tested quite a few so far, but currently I am very smitten by a new, beautiful platform to share, discover and source real interiors. Please meet 'at {mine}'.

This London based platform is currently undergoing a beta test and I am one of the happy members to have the opportunity to experience and contribute to this new online community for home and design lovers. But what makes 'at {mine}' so special?

First of all, it has all the functionalities you would expect: You can set up your account, upload pictures, like pictures, tag products in the pictures and link to the source, follow other profiles, comment. But what really stood out for me as compared to other interior online communities: 'at {mine}' has understood the importance of a beautiful user interface - after all, if an online community addresses design loving people, it should be pretty designy itself, right? And this task has been beautifully accomplished by 'at {mine}', just look how wonderful my profile looks like:

If you like what you see, I have great news: I've teamed up with the creative folks of 'at {mine}' and I can offer 10 invite codes for the first 10 readers who sign up! The invite code is "HappyAtMine" and you can join here www.atmine.com. So join me and show me how it looks 'at {yours}'!

Happy weekend!

Photos/Screens by 'at {mine}'

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