HENK Visits Laila Rietbergen
In the 'HENK Visits' series, we visit people who inspire us to give you a glimpse into their daily lives at home. This time, we pay a visit to author and Japandi enthusiast and expert Laila Rietbergen.
Every day, Laila from Utrecht (@japandi.interior) inspires hundreds of thousands of followers on Instagram with her passion and love for the Japandi interior style. She even wrote a book, Japandi Living, in which she introduces you to the basics of this popular interior style. We spoke with her about her love for Japandi, how she keeps up with the latest trends and developments, and, of course, about her book.
How did your love for Japandi originate, and how has this passion developed over the past few years?
As a little girl, I was always busy redecorating my room. I inherited my love for interior design from my mother. We both love (re)styling and enjoy discussing new plans and ideas together. Funda is also an accepted "addiction" within the family. Everything is then arranged, and walls are moved, even if the house in question will never be visited by us.
After completing my Sport Marketing studies at Johan Cruijff University, I had various jobs. I always knew I wanted to start my own business but first wanted to gain work experience. In 2018, I traveled to Japan, and that's where my love for Japanese interiors and culture blossomed. Long story short, in October 2020, I started my account @Japandi.interior, and now I am full-time engaged in interior design. For me, Japandi is more than just the color on the wall; it is a lifestyle that helps me create a minimalistic and serene home environment.
Which designers and brands within Japandi inspire you the most and why?
There are many designers and brands that inspire me, and I also find inspiration in so much more than just designers and brands. Think of nature, different cultures, and art. But when asked this question, Norm Architects, based in Copenhagen, and Keiji Ashizawa Design, based in Tokyo, immediately come to mind; they are an incredibly great inspiration. Both individually and in their collaborations. They have collaborated on multiple interior projects and also done multiple furniture projects under the name Karimoku Case Study. These case studies represent to me the perfect combination of Scandinavia and Japan.
In what ways do you stay informed about the latest trends and developments in the world of Japandi?
It probably won't surprise you, but for me, Instagram is an important medium. What I like about Instagram is that you can communicate with everyone around the world and gain very diverse inspiration. Personally, I find it beautiful to see how everyone creates their "own Japandi version" and adapts it, partly depending on culture, location, and climate. I also enjoy being inspired by books and (online) magazines. Think of Openhouse, Kinfolk, Design Anthology & Ark Journal. In addition, by talking to people in the industry about everything related to interior design and more.
What are your (Japandi) must-haves for your home?
In terms of material, I'm really in love with wood and find it incredibly fun to combine different treatments, colors, and variations of wood. Wooden items are therefore really a must for me. In Scandinavia and especially in Japan, truly beautiful ceramic items are made. I myself have many items from the company Mywabi, which is run by Delja. A Dutch woman who has lived in Japan for several years and brings the most beautiful, unique handmade items from Japan to the Netherlands.
For me, a washi lamp is really a must-have. So much comes together for me here: craftsmanship, natural materials, beautiful shapes, ancient traditions and techniques, and the beautiful diffused light they give. It had been on my wish list for years, but I recently gifted myself an Akari Light by Isamu Noguchi. I truly enjoy it every day; for me, it's a true work of art.
Why did you choose the Collect Cabinet and Slot dining bench for your interior?
For a long time, I had been looking for a cabinet for the living room where we could store glasses and ceramics, among other things. We love dinner parties and have everything for 12 people. In addition, I have a weakness for (Japanese) ceramics. When I saw the Collect Cabinet, I immediately fell in love with the design. The combination of the round legs and handles/knobs and the straight lines of the cabinet immediately stood out. The high legs give it an airy design, and it's beautiful that you can see the floor under the cabinet. Because the cabinet is 1.75 meters high and there is still space to the ceiling, you can also style the cabinet with a few items, such as books. Truly a gem!
As mentioned, I love combining different types of wood/finishes. I chose the dining bench in oak with black stain. The round shapes of the bench complement the straight lines in the conservatory and our glass and oak sliding door. Another important reason why I chose the Slot dining bench is that you can use it in multiple ways, of course as a dining bench, but we now use it more as a sideboard against the wall.
You have published a first book about Japandi (an inspiration book that also provides tips on how to make your own home Japandi) and are coming out with a second book; what will you do in the second book?
That's right, in my first book, Japandi Living - Japanese Tradition & Scandinavian design, I introduce you to the basics of the Japandi style. Where did it originate, what does it entail, and how can you apply it yourself in different spaces. My second book, Japandi - Serene homes & Thoughtful living, will be released in October 2024. Of course, Japandi will again be central to the book, and I will share a lot of beautiful and inspiring images. It is a deepening of the first book where I zoom in on different Japandi elements, the influences of both Japan and Scandinavia, and also show the diversity. All of this is to help the reader discover his or her own Japandi version and not only create a home that they find beautiful but also meet the practical and comfort wishes of the (different) resident(s). And perhaps most importantly, truly feel at home in their own home!
Are you also excited? Check out the Collect Cabinet and the Slot dining bench here.