At Milola, we love working with fellow professionals who share our passion for home interiors. In our new Milola Meets series, we chat to interior designers, architects, furniture designers and home stagers to learn more about what inspires them in the world of interiors. 

Having spent almost 20 years in the furniture industry, I made a pivotal decision to leave the corporate world due to health reasons. Fueled by a desire to follow what made my heart race at 300 km an hour, I dedicated my time to acquiring training and enhancing my skills in interior design. In 2017, I founded Localia. Interiors, a boutique Interior Design studio based in the Swiss German speaking part of Switzerland aimed at supporting female professionals and house buyers in transforming their homes into love letters to themselves.

In essence, it's about curating a space filled with elements you love (!), that evoke happiness, comfort, and a feeling of belonging. Ultimately, your home becomes a sanctuary where you can flourish and embrace your true self. It's crucial to have a place where we can return after a long day—a sanctuary that rejuvenates and reaffirms our well-being.

I craft bespoke interior styling narratives that tell the story of my clients. My interior design philosophy revolves around the belief that clients should surround themselves only with things they love. Rather than conforming spaces to fit us, spaces should reflect us.

For me, there's essentially only one style: the client's style! I enjoy a mix of styles and don't typically follow fleeting trends. I also love blending old with new, modern with traditional. It brings life and structure to the interior.

I find inspiration from a variety of sources, including both large and small design fairs—I'm currently enamored with "3 Days of Design" in Copenhagen. I also draw inspiration from Swiss and international interior magazines, as well as platforms like Pinterest and social media. Exploring small design brands is a passion of mine, as it allows me to introduce unique furniture and accessories to my clients that aren't commonly found on the high street. Furthermore, I take inspiration from the lives of my clients, often inquiring about their favorite vacation spots and cherished pieces of furniture that have been with them for years.

Moreover, the most rewarding aspect was how the client relationship blossomed into a genuine friendship. It's worth noting that undergoing such extensive remodeling while already residing in the home was no easy feat for the client. She gracefully referred to this period of her life as "Krisenglück," or "crisis happiness," finding solace in the midst of the upheaval.

Just one piece of advice? ... Haha!

Don't underestimate the magnitude of a renovation project—it can be exhausting and overwhelming due to the myriad choices involved. If you're unsure about managing it all, consider seeking support from an interior designer. You may not need a comprehensive interior concept; perhaps just having a designer assist you in selecting materials, colours (such as tiles, kitchen finishes, and surfaces), and offering layout suggestions tailored to your needs could be invaluable. It's crucial to involve them early in the project, ideally during the planning phase.

Also, when it comes to hiring contractors or decorators, avoid simply opting for the cheapest option. Seek recommendations from your network and, of course, from your personal interior designer if you have one.

Remember, if your budget is tight, it's wiser to hold off on cheaper products that could lead to higher costs later. It's better to wait and invest in quality, even if it means delaying certain aspects of your remodelling plans, such as acquiring those dream bathroom tiles in a later phase.

Oh, I could go on with more advice!

I absolutely adore the Velvet Sideboards by Kristensen. The quality is exceptional, and I particularly appreciate the rounded edges and hidden doors—perfect for discreetly storing items like a home bar (ideal for keeping it away from curious teenagers!). Plus, the sideboards come in a variety of wood hues, ensuring a perfect match for any home.

All the shown interior concepts are by Localia Interiors, so if you have been inspired by these or her philosophy and want to discuss your plans for your home or need some help then all of her details are below!