It’s fascinating how one thing can lead to another. In Susanne’s case she took an upholstery course, resulting in a striking dining chair set. But what’s more: the pretty rose fabric inspired her to create a huge cross-stitch wall hanging. This new passion was born one and a half years ago, and since then Susanne has grown in her craft and style. In the meantime, by sharing her creations on Instagram, more and more people have become interested in these giant works of art. The number of requests for commissioned pieces has also grown.

Parallel with the XXL cross-stitching, Susanne found herself being increasingly captivated with interior styling. It’s definitely a field she’d love to explore. So much so, it will make up one half of her new website aptly named Style and Stitches. Her personal style is still evolving, but she likes to keep things uncluttered. Not in the minimalist sense, since she’s not keen on slick perfection. “There’s a charm to imperfection. And I couldn’t live without colors!” says Susanne with a smile. This is particularly evident in her living area with its soft color palette. The mix of vintage and modern pieces make it an intriguing whole, while the floral touches add a bit of romance.

Susanne finds inspiration in an array of things. As a basis for her cross-stitch pieces, she’ll only use her own photos or one that her client provides. She also has great admiration for old craftsmanship like the minuscule cross-stitching on her grandma’s wallet. Susanne’s work feels like a modern-day interpretation of an old craft. It sure is laborious enough: The rose artwork in the living room contains nearly 5,000 feet of thread!! Being one of a kind, made to last and impossible to overlook…it is well worth the effort.

My Style: Mix and match, old and new.

Inspiration: Often a single piece of furniture like a chair or mirror enables my creative mind to work overtime. Details in a piece of furniture or object like a weathered mirror, a flower, or old school crafts.

Favorite Element: The old mirror.

Biggest Challenge: Drilling holes in the walls. The walls are too soft.

What Friends Say: Your style, especially in the living room, is unique. Never seen it before. Everybody feels at home.

Biggest Embarrassment: The toilet; it’s outdated.

Proudest DIY: Cross-stitch XXL rose embroidery.

Biggest Indulgence: The roof terrace.

Best Advice: Have patience; Rome wasn’t built in a day. Your house will become a home when you decorate it while living in it.

Dream Sources: The story behind the house, the furniture or the decoration.

PAINT & COLORS
Living room wall – Early Dew by Flexa

LIVING ROOM
Sofa – Woonexpress
Armchair – Karwei
Rug – Trendhopper
Cushions – Kwantum, Xenos
Wall lamp – DIY made from an IKEA bracket, a Karwei bulb and a Stoersnoer cable

DINING ROOM
Dining table – made by a female carpenter
Dining chairs – secondhand and reupholstered by Susanne
Cabinet – top half is a secondhand find on Marktplaats (the Dutch Craigslist) while the bottom part is from IKEA
Bookcase – IKEA

BEDROOM
Art print – Het Paradijs

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