Small Living Story: Planning Smaller

In conversation with Tina Oestreich from FEWO Staging

There are many holiday apartments, but only a few accommodations impress with a stylish concept and a skilful combination of the right furniture – especially in small spaces. To stand out from the crowd, the choice of furnishings is therefore becoming increasingly important. Because let's be honest: Gelsenkirchen Baroque is out, and I am most likely to become a regular guest where I am welcomed by a stylish ambience combined with high-quality and well-thought-out furnishings. Tina Oestreich from FEWO Staging has turned her passion into her profession and transforms ordinary holiday accommodation into something special.

Ms Oestreich, you are a real expert in breathing life into a wide variety of living situations. Could you briefly describe your work?

Tina Oestreich: I have the best ‘job’ in the world. I get to wake houses from their slumber and make people happy with a wonderful holiday. I am usually offered vacant houses which, if they have potential, are renovated according to my specifications. This includes the room layout, wall design, floor coverings, gardens and, most importantly, carefully selected interiors. I usually walk into a property and immediately have a vision of exactly how this house should look in the end. You have already used Müller Small Living for some of your projects.

How did you find out about us?

Tina Oestreich: I already knew Müller Möbel from the press and architecture magazines. At the furniture fair in Cologne, I was able to see the quality for myself and met a team that is a pleasure to work with.

What makes Müller furniture special for you?

Tina Oestreich: In addition to its high-quality workmanship, Müller furniture stands for design with clear forms that can still be combined well with different styles, whether industrial, Scandinavian or even modern country house.

Are there specific criteria you use to select the right furniture for a property? What do you consider particularly important?

Tina Oestreich: Our houses are usually redesigned after 10 years. Then, for example, the wall colours are renewed and small pieces of furniture are replaced. It's nice when the large pieces of furniture are of such high quality and adaptable that they can still fit into the holiday home after the redesign.

Rising property prices and increasingly scarce living space have led to a real rethink in recent years: minimalism is very much in vogue! Do you also notice this in relation to holiday properties (keyword ‘tiny houses’ & co.)?

Tina Oestreich: I firmly believe that tiny houses, tree houses and holidays in unusual micro-accommodation will also become increasingly important in the travel industry. However, location plays a major role here. They will work well in locations with magnificent views, for example at the top of trees, which you can bring into the tree house through large windows. The tiny house on the outskirts of town – individual accommodation ideal for short breaks and active people. One thing is clear: the less space there is, the more all the furniture has to fit perfectly – with a focus on the essentials. I don't see it working for long stays.

The combination of colour, light and decoration plays a major role in the interior design. Are there any absolute ‘dos’ or ‘don'ts’ that should be considered when designing rooms?

Tina Oestreich: Insomnia on holiday is a no-go. We try to prepare the bedrooms as best we can for our guests with high-quality beds and bedding, blackout curtains and colour schemes. Lighting is also an important element in a well-designed holiday home. We need basic lighting, but also mood lighting. For example, I once stayed in a holiday home where I couldn't read a book because the lighting in the house was too dim. I use accessories very selectively. They always have to complement my colour scheme. Less is more in this case. It's important to me that the kitchen is well equipped and that our guests can sit at a beautifully laid table. Special crockery, cutlery, glasses and candles are a big focus here and contribute to an enjoyable get-together.

Do you have a personal interior design tip for our readers?

Tina Oestreich: All rooms should have a uniform look and the same colour scheme. Monochrome base colours create a sense of calm and allow selected pieces of furniture to stand out.

Last (trick) question: where is the nicer place to holiday – the North Sea or the Baltic Sea?

Tina Oestreich: When we leave our home country, we actually like the North Sea and Denmark in particular. I love Scandinavian clarity (which somehow also suits Müller Small Living) and get some inspiration there.