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Exploring the Creative World of Helma Bongenaar
Helma Bongenaar is not your average interior designer; she is a multitalented creative force. Known for her vintage-filled home in Amsterdam, Helma combines her skills as a photographer, stylist, antique collector, and even a cookbook author to create a unique aesthetic she calls "thrifty clustercore." It emphasizes building beauty from the found, reclaimed, and reused.
Her Love for Vintage and Design
What sets Helma apart is her commitment to sustainability, a value reflected in her best house upgrade—the kitchen. Using reclaimed materials and scavenged doors, she transformed the space into a handmade masterpiece. Helma deeply believes in reusing everything, a mindset that resonates with eco-conscious homeowners. As she puts it, "Just use paint to make it look different." This innovative approach not only revitalizes old pieces but also tells a story laden with nostalgia.
Insights Into Helma’s Inspirations
When seeking inspiration, Helma often turns off the music and listens instead to the sounds of the city or her old records. She finds tranquility in silence or the tunes of artists like Charles Aznavour. Movies also fuel her creativity; the aesthetic of Wes Anderson's film "The Grand Budapest Hotel" has left a lasting impression on her work, showcasing how narrative and design converge beautifully in film.
The Future: A Cottage in France
Helma's newest adventure involves a quaint cottage in the French countryside, which she and her husband are currently renovating. Though it's a long-term project, she envisions a space distinctly different from her Amsterdam home, embodying the charm of France. This blend of personal and professional spaces invites a new layer of creativity.
Connecting with Community and Local Finds
For anyone keen on design, knowing the right places to shop is crucial. Helma recommends exploring secondhand shops in Amsterdam, a treasure trove of unique items that can infuse any design project with character. Her advice echoes the sentiments of many who find that local finds often lead to the most gratifying designs.
The Power of Reuse in Design
Through her choices and opinions, Helma advocates for sustainable practices in design. The idea of reusing and giving new life to old materials is not just environmentally friendly; it's also cost-effective. Simple strategies, like using fresh paint on old furniture, can open up countless avenues for creativity, prompting everyone to think about how they can apply this approach in their own spaces.
As Helma continues to innovate and inspire, her journey reminds us that our living spaces can be creative expressions of our values and history. Whether you live in a bustling city or a tranquil countryside, there are always ways to incorporate elements of beauty from the past into your home.
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