“I’m really addicted to vintage, so the instashop is perfect for my need to thrift but not having too many more things in the house!” continues Ruth. “We love to style up and take some sweet pictures of the vintage pieces we sell. Traveling to Belgium to source a new collection, and going home with a full car, makes us so happy! My own Instagram account @ruth_ela started as a hobby but also became a kind of job. What I love most is to inspire and get inspired, and the connections I have made. It’s so nice to talk to people who also have interior decor as their passion.”

My Style: That’s not easy to say. I’ve mixed up so many styles, I guess. I adore vintage and mix it with vintage design. I also like kitsch objects and like to have a playful, not too serious, interior. Then top it of with some Scandinavian vibes. I just do, and use my intuition if it fits. And most of the time it does.

Inspiration: I got my inspiration everywhere. Especially when I’m on holiday seeing new places. The houses, the colors, foreign interior magazines. But also at home I got inspired. By colors, clothes, at thrift shops, Instagram…

Favorite Element: Such a hard question. There are so many things. Mostly thrifted. For example: I love the plant pillars in the attic bedroom. But I also love the cupboards in the living room, both vintage. One filled with my happy vintage treasures. The other one with lots of prints above it.

I think I’m most happy with the unique thrift finds: special vases, ceramic animals, the Minnie Mouse in the kitchen. Oh, and our red chair! In the living room, I’m still very happy with the pink walls. And with the stained glass.

Proudest DIY: The front panels of our kitchen cabinets are made of old cheese boards, from the cheese market at Leerdam. It gives the kitchen a very unique style.

Is there something unique about your home or the way you use it? We have a multifunctional attic. It’s a huge attic, so it feels very spacious. We also use the attic as a work spot and guitar studio.

Please describe any helpful, inspiring, brilliant, or just plain useful small space maximizing and/or organizing tips you have: When you like to collect, or just can’t refuse nice stuff, it’s a very good thing to place these items together in a cupboard. At this way you won’t stuff your home with small things. And it gives happier housemates.

Finally, what’s your absolute best home secret or decorating advice? Shop vintage! Go check your local thrift shop or check the internet for thrift shops in your area. It’s sustainable and you’ll find some unique items too. I believe there’s always something for every interior!

• Living room — “Pink Ground” Farrow & Ball
• Holly’s room — “Calamine” Farrow & Ball

• Prints — Afdrukken van Ka
• Couch — EYYE
• Photo prints — Jenny & Jens
• Carpets — Living Maroc
• Pink stool, jug oranges, blue candle holder — Klevering
• Lilac stool — MisterDesign
• Crochet wreaths — @studio_nicnol
• White/green stool — WildStudioCph
• Koi Fishes — Ohayo
• Light blue chair — HAY
• Eames chairs — Morentz
• White cupboard — Vintage
• Carrot bowl and Dolphin vase — Echtjaap
• Ceramic candy — Odette Muijsers
• Cushions — Rijs

• Ceramic ice creams — Odette Muijsers
• Carpet — Living Maroc

• Bed — Auping
• Bedding — Bloemenveld
• Carpet — Living Maroc
• Vintage wallpaper — Swiet
• Stool, painting, plat pillars, blue cupboard — Vintage

• Bed — Maisons du Monde
• Vintage wallpaper — Swiet
• Carpets — Living Maroc
• Plaids — Lucas du Tertre
• Print giraffe — Afdrukken van Ka
• Chewingum machine — Vintage Brabant
• Lockers — mustardmade.com
• Bags — WAUW CAPOW
• Giraffe — H&M

• Bedding — Snurk Amsterdam
• Bed, Locker, desk and yellow chair —IKEA
• Carpet — Living Maroc
• Wall decoration — IXXI

Thanks Marc and Ruth!

This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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