Interview: MONIKA CLAASSEN

June 30, 2011



Sometimes in this series we meet creative types
I admire but have yet to meet, and
sometimes friends are profiled.

But our inspiring guest today

m o n i k a  c l a a s s e n

is both!

Monika's lovely rooms are full of soul and atmosphere.

You may recognize the gorgeously stylish
Monika of
Splendid Willow
from the pages of
Rue Magazine
where her lovely home in all its
edgy classic Swedish glory
was recently featured. 

Let's enjoy her incredible interior design talent and
chat with sweet Mon for a moment, yes?

Here we get a peek at artwork by Monika above the bed.

Has design always been important to you?

Yes, from a very early age.
I started to re-arrange furniture in my family home
to the extent that my parents never knew
what the house would look like
when they came home!
I can honestly say that design
(primarily interior design)
has always been one of my top passions.

It never gets boring to me.

Ditto!

Monika uses wallpaper in magical ways (see the library of books?)
Her color sense? Exquisite.


You're originally from Sweden.
Are there Swedish traditions/philosophies
influencing your daily life in the US? 

Oh yes!
The further away from Sweden you live
the more Swedish you become!
A hearty, big breakfast and family
sit-down dinners are key at our house.

Life quality is very important in Sweden,
and I get a good reminder every time I go back.

It is ok to be lazy in the weekends.

This just in:
We're moving to Sweden, honey.

A very thoughtful someone lives here.


What does living more soulfully everyday bring to mind?

To stop and listen--to your own heart
and to other people.
We run way too fast.
Life needs to be lived not passed through.
I am far from good at it but at least
I am aware, and trying.

Right there with you, Mon.


Seeing this Horst piece framed
in such a manner took my breath away!

The secretaire is such an incredible piece.

What is inspiring you at the moment?

City walking!
I am a city girl at heart.
On my recent trip to Stockholm
I walked for hours every day
and just took everything in.
People, architecture, design, food, museums, shops.
I don't need to speak one word - just absorb!
Needless to say, I came back filled
to the brim with creative ideas.




A dream day for you would entail...

I feel I live it every day!
I try very hard to live in the moment,
and I enjoy having my family around.
I can't wait for the family to expand.
I will be one very proud Grandma one day!

I so admire how this optimism radiates
from your blog consistently as well, Monika.


Any suggestions for balancing blogging and home life?

This summer I plan to just blog
a little in the morning
while the kids are asleep.
I'll spend the rest of the day
having fun and exploring something new!

Love that advice...except my 'kids' sleep until noon.


Thank you, lovely
Monika!
It's an inspiring life you lead,
and we're so thankful you
share your creativity,
talent, and journey 
so graciously with us.

Peace to you right where you are.

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25 comments

  1. Greet LefèvreJuly 1, 2011 at 4:01 AM

    Michele,
    Thank you so much for posting the interview with our dear friend Monika! I enjoyed it a lot! I just love Monika's work and I love the way she is going through life! I you said she is a very thoughtful person and I love her so much!
    Wishing you a nice weekend!
    xx
    Greet

    ReplyDelete
  2. SHERRY HARTJuly 1, 2011 at 6:59 AM

    Besides the fact that her home is beautiful...creative....stylish, I think Monika's heart is what makes her special. She always has a kind word when she stops by. Some people are truly special.

    ReplyDelete
  3. A Perfect GrayJuly 1, 2011 at 7:04 AM

    a beauty inside and out! thanks for that profile of monika! donna

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  4. Luciane at HomeBunch.comJuly 1, 2011 at 9:43 AM

    It's great to meet Monika! She's so interesting and has a beautiful soul.

    I really enjoyed this interview and I loved her suggestion about how to balance blogging and home life. I think I need to do the same!


    Have a wonderful long weekend, my friend.

    xo

    Luciane at HomeBunch.com

    PS: yes, we'll go see the fireworks today, and I see fireflies every night outside my window... I feel lucky when I see them! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  5. micheleJuly 1, 2011 at 10:09 AM

    what a treat to chat with Monika! i so admire her sensibilities and style and am so happy to spread the word on her splendidliciousness.

    michele

    ReplyDelete
  6. under spanish mossJuly 1, 2011 at 10:52 AM

    What a wonderful interview with Monika. She is such a creative lady with so much talent. You can get a sense of what a wonderful heart she has through her blog posts.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Splendid WillowJuly 1, 2011 at 11:03 AM

    I am grateful for you my friend. Thank you so much for including me in your fabulous series. I am blushing all the way to Seattle! YOU are the one to put in the spotlight!

    I wish you and your family a wonderful & relaxing weekend. Be lazy!!!

    Love to you,

    Mon

    ReplyDelete
  8. By the BluegrassJuly 1, 2011 at 1:53 PM

    Thank you for sharing! I love this guest post! your Q and A session is fabulous. I love learning about others. especially those w/ different cultural backgrounds than mine. It is true that Americans go way too fast compared to Europeans. I am trying to live more like them these days! Love her beautiful home.
    xo,
    Sena

    ReplyDelete
  9. Sarah @ Modern Country StyleJuly 1, 2011 at 2:46 PM

    Ooooooh, gorgeous home alert!! I love that grey with the white panelling. *wipes drool off keyboard*

    And I LOVE that writing on the mirror. Love it!!

    Sarahx

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  10. MarianneJuly 1, 2011 at 3:36 PM

    Love this interview with Monika. She is just as lovely in person as she is on her blog.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Charlotta WardJuly 1, 2011 at 5:34 PM

    Thank you for this feature of our beloved Monika. She's truly something and I love her like a sister.

    Her home is a showcase of style and warmth. A place to love!

    xx Charlotta
    Space for Inspiration

    ReplyDelete
  12. Courtney ~ French Country CottageJuly 1, 2011 at 6:27 PM

    Wonderful post~ I love her style!! Off to follow her blog! Thanks so much for sharing at FNF :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. UnknownJuly 1, 2011 at 11:22 PM

    Beautiful post on a beautiful blog. Well done.

    ReplyDelete
  14. UnknownJuly 2, 2011 at 5:01 AM

    What a beautiful home she has, great interview too its lovely to find out about the face behind the name

    ReplyDelete
  15. Meera @ firstsenseJuly 2, 2011 at 2:58 PM

    Beautiful words, beautiful style, beautiful profile! I love Monika's style and philosophies, she's a lovely blog friend who never fails to inspire!

    Love,
    Meera xx

    ReplyDelete
  16. Privet and HollyJuly 2, 2011 at 6:49 PM

    So exciting to
    see two bloggers
    that I admire come
    together! Beautiful
    interview, Michele.
    You BOTH inspire me : )
    Happy Fourth of July!
    xx Suzanne

    ReplyDelete
  17. Ivy and ElephantsJuly 3, 2011 at 2:36 AM

    Your blog is amazing! What an inspiration. Following you.
    Patti

    ReplyDelete
  18. UnknownJuly 3, 2011 at 3:51 PM

    Wow, so much gorgeous inspiration in this post - both in the pictures and words... fabulous interview and I love all the kitty cats - I do believe that pets really make a home seem that much more cozy xxx

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  19. EVERYTHING ANASTACIAJuly 3, 2011 at 11:15 PM

    Everything is just so lovely! I'm taking Monika's advice, won't speak much but just take it all in.
    Thank you. Your blog is like a breath of fresh air! ~Reina~

    ReplyDelete
  20. designchicJuly 4, 2011 at 7:38 AM

    Monika is one of my favorite bloggers - her gorgeous home, creative posts, and her generosity are so inspiring. Such a great interview, Michele!!

    ReplyDelete
  21. JamiJuly 5, 2011 at 9:01 AM

    Lovely post...what a beautiful home! If you get a chance, I'd love for you to share this at the Tuesday To Do Party!
    http://blackberryvine.blogspot.com/2011/07/tuesday-to-do-17-and-16-list-makers.html
    Smiles!
    Jami

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  22. StaceyJuly 5, 2011 at 10:34 AM

    You couldn't have chosen a more stylish and kind person to feature! A great feature indeed! XX

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  23. SImple and Serene LivingJuly 7, 2011 at 12:37 PM

    beautiful post. I am so happy to have found and followed your blog through White Wednesday. I am looking forward to your future posts.
    Laura
    http://imsovintage.blogspot.com/

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  24. UnknownJuly 13, 2011 at 8:59 AM

    How is it possible to create rooms that are dynamic and soothing at the same time? What an art.

    ReplyDelete
  25. abeachcottageJuly 14, 2011 at 3:56 AM

    Thanks so much for sharing this, very inspiring :)

    ReplyDelete

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