The carpet must speak to the curtain

In Vienna, interior designer Nina Hausott-Eppinger emphasizes the importance of creating living spaces that reflect personal identity rather than simply following trends found in glossy catalogs. She believes that finding the right furnishings involves more than just aesthetics—it requires understanding how individuals want to feel within their environments. This approach focuses on emotional aspects such as comfort, security, and relaxation, often inspired by personal memories or experiences, like choosing a blue sofa reminiscent of a holiday in Greece. Hausott-Eppinger has been working as an interior designer in Vienna for over ten years. Her method involves spending time getting to know her clients better, which includes activities like having meals together or visiting potential spaces. During these visits, she identifies what works and what doesn't—such as whether a particular sofa brings joy or discomfort. The process isn't solely about individual pieces but also about ensuring harmony between elements, exemplified by the phrase “the carpet must speak with the curtain.” However, she acknowledges that sometimes breaking this harmony can lead to creative outcomes. The design process does not always begin with clear-cut decisions. Clients might need to test samples or even walk barefoot on carpets to determine suitable materials. It makes sense to invest in foundational elements like flooring and bathrooms early on, while furniture can be upgraded later with higher quality options. Creating inviting living areas using soft colors is another aspect of her work. She notes that many customers become bolder over time when it comes to color choices. Drawing parallels with fashion, she suggests mixing patterns and textures to introduce variety into spaces where someone prefers muted tones like gray or beige. Combining multiple colors necessitates careful selection of patterns to ensure they complement each other, emphasizing details like matching buttons on cushions and poufs. Her practice involves sourcing items from various suppliers in Vienna and attending trade fairs, including the Salone in Milan. She maintains a list of current projects and photographs potential pieces she might need in the future, sometimes referencing items from four years ago. Her thinking is visual, relying heavily on imagery to guide her selections. Selecting appropriate surfaces plays a crucial role in her designs. Materials must align with daily life requirements—washable fabrics for high-traffic areas, durable wood finishes for households with children, or stone countertops for easy maintenance. Practical considerations extend to organization strategies within rooms, particularly in entryways where open storage can create visual clutter. Instead, she recommends using cabinets and dressers, highlighting the effectiveness of baskets in children's rooms for storing toys and other items efficiently.