- 3 min read
When sustainability and style go hand in hand:A conversation with interior designer Frederike Better
In the old school and former school hostel in Kittlitz - an idyllic thatched brick house in the immediate vicinity of Lake Schaalsee near Ratzeburg - interior designer Frederike Bettermann has created four fantastic vacation apartments for design-savvy guests. The focus was on one thing: developing a sustainable furnishing concept that makes it clear that environmental awareness and beautiful furnishings can go hand in hand.
THE BETTERHEIM, a project close to her heart, is one of the many showcase examples of the work of the trained interior designer and interior stylist, who was nominated for the Callwey Award "Best of Interior - the 50 most beautiful living concepts" this year. After studying at the Academy of Fashion and Design in Hamburg, Frederike Bettermann worked for several design magazines, a Hamburg interior designer and as a stylist for various photo productions and has been self-employed with her company better.interiors since 2012.
Today, Frederike Bettermann works with her clients to develop individual interior design concepts and creates feel-good spaces with great attention to detail. She specializes in particular in sustainable and plastic-free furnishings. She also works with experienced architects and building material dealers and advises on sustainable construction and renovation.
As an interior designer and stylist, Frederike also offers interior coaching - because in her opinion it doesn't always have to be a completely new interior concept; sometimes a new organization system or a simple but effective redesign with the existing furniture and accessories is enough.
In this interview, we find out more about her work as an interior designer and stylist, what defines Frederike Bettermann's interior design style, how she manages to integrate the sustainability aspect into her projects and what tips she has for your personal interior design at home.
Engel & Völkers Schleswig-Holstein:
Dear Frederike, great that we can learn more about your exciting work! Would you like to start by telling us where your enthusiasm for interior design comes from and how you got into this profession?
Frederike Bettermann:
It sounds a bit trite, but I was actually already constantly rearranging and redesigning my childhood bedroom. I also had a passion for home magazines from a very early age - hence my desire to work as an interior stylist.
I simply love designing rooms and I can fully develop my creativity. My internships during my studies also paved the way for me to become self-employed.
Engel & Völkers Schleswig-Holstein:
How would you describe your interior design style? How has it developed over the years that you have been working as a freelance interior designer?
Frederike Bettermann:
Of course, I always try to meet the tastes of my customers, because they should ultimately feel comfortable in their living spaces. But they also choose me because they like my style. A friend once described my style as "unpretentiously luxurious". I have learned to focus on the needs of the living situation and then let the design requirements flow into it.
Engel & Völkers Schleswig-Holstein:
In your work, you place particular emphasis on sustainability. How do you implement this in your projects and concepts?
Frederike Bettermann:
I have always enjoyed working with natural materials and colors. Sustainability also means that the furniture lasts as long as possible and is pleasing to the eye. I value quality without losing sight of the budget and try to incorporate and preserve many existing things in the concept.
Engel & Völkers Schleswig-Holstein:
Not only do you offer the development of complete interior design concepts and room designs for your clients, you also do one-to-one coaching sessions. What can clients expect from such coaching?
Frederike Bettermann:
At some point, a kind of operational blindness also develops in our living spaces. I always come in with a completely new "critical" view and try to understand the demands on the room and how these can be implemented with a design approach. In concrete terms, this usually means tidying up first and taking stock. And then I give suggestions for redesigning the existing items such as furniture, accessories, lighting, colors, etc. and recommend new purchases.
Engel & Völkers Schleswig-Holstein:
You also work as a stylist for film and photo productions, for events and use home staging to help sell properties. What do you pay particular attention to in home staging?
Frederike Bettermann:
It has been proven that properties sell better if the potential new residents can already imagine what it will be like to live there. So I try to furnish the properties as neutrally as possible in order to appeal to a wide audience and set high-quality highlights to present the properties in the best possible way.
Engel & Völkers Schleswig-Holstein:
And last but not least: Do you have one or two furnishing tips for our readers?
Frederike Bettermann:
I usually advise a rather restrained basic concept, which is then enhanced with highlights such as bright cushions, colorful artwork or eye-catching accessories. Accessories feel most at home in groups. This also soothes the eye and helps to present a harmonious living picture.
Engel & Völkers Schleswig-Holstein:
Dear Frederike, thank you very much for the exciting insights into your work and good luck for the future!
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Would you like to find out more about Frederike Bettermann's services and coaching? Then visit her website at www.betterinteriors.de. Here you will also find an online store with the most beautiful interior pieces and accessories, which can also be found in the charming vacation apartments of THE BETTERHEIM. And watch out: We are even giving away a beautiful piece on our Instagram account - which one it is and how you can take part, here in the post.
Frederike Bettermann
0171 839 16 85
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