Home is where the love is. And to look inside the home of Julie Štandera is like taking a breath of fresh air smothered in love.

This family home with a huge window looking out into the green landscape is a kids’ sanctuary as well as the place that clearly expresses – ‘home is the cosiest and friendliest place under the sun’.     

YOU SEALED YOUR LOVE WITH WEDDING VOWS IN AN UNUSUAL CEREMONY IN LAS VEGAS. HOW DO YOU LOOK BACK ON THIS EVENT?

Like the best decision of my life. It all happened at the right time in the right place.

WHAT’S THE KEY TO A HAPPY MARRIAGE AND A PEACEFUL HOME?

Good communication and regular retreats for parents excluding the kids. (laughing)

WHAT PARENTING RULES DO YOU STICK TO WHEN RAISING ROSE AND KEVIN?

That smartphones and technology don’t belong in the hands of my children. And that time is the most precious thing we have and can give.

WHAT MAKES A HOME?

Mum and Dad.

WHICH PART OF YOUR HOME IS YOUR FAVOURITE?

The table. I love it when we get together and all sit around it. And the window, that’s the highlight of our home. The view from it is forever changing- covered in snow, blooming, green…There’s always something going on to watch.

AND WHICH PART OF YOUR HOME IS YOUR KIDS‘ FAVOURITE?

The window ledge and the sofa, undeniably. (laughing) It’s their climbing frame, diving board, trampoline and stage, all in one.

IS THERE ANY INTERIOR DESIGN THING YOU’RE STILL LONGING FOR?

At present, we’re intensely working on Kevin’s room. Once his room is finished, the only thing missing in our interior is the fireplace. It’s our interior design cherry on top! We can’t wait to light its first fire. Right now, I feel like owning a house is a project for life, there’s always something to work on and something to long for.

AND WHAT IS THE SMELL OF HOME?

Like a freshly baked cake.

GOT ANY TIPS FOR US FOR FAVOURITE INTERIOR FRAGRANCES OR CANDLES?

My favourite (bought) fragrance is the one we bought back from our honeymoon in Mexico. I use it sparingly because we only bought back two bottles, so I only use it around the house on exception.

WHAT THREE WORDS DESCRIBE YOUR HOME?

Light. Toys. Nature.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU CHANGE AND MOVE THINGS AROUND?

I move things around quite often, but usually, it’s just small things on shelves. Say, the staple foods in the kitchen like flour, sugar, herbs and spices. Toys in the kid’s room, toy cars, dolls, etc. I always try to find the most ideal place, so its ‘home’ makes sense... So, whenever someone is looking for something, ‘Mum’ usually knows where it is. (laughing)

WHAT MAKES ANY PLACE LOOK COSIER?

Curtains and paintings.

AND WHAT SHOULD EVERY HOME HAVE?

Love.

ARE YOU AN EARLY BIRD OR A NIGHT OWL?

A night owl.

WHAT FEELINGS DOES A FRESHLY MADE BED IN CRISP CLEAN SHEETS EVOKE?

Coming home.

WHAT NEW PRODUCT COULD LEJAAN ADD TO ITS RANGE?

Wallpaper that matches kid’s bed linen. That would make everything beautifully matchy-matchy.

WOULD YOU RATHER SLEEP UNDER A MILLION STARS OR IN A LUXURY HOTEL?

Sleep under a million stars in a luxury hotel.

DO YOU PREFER VINTAGE OR NEW THINGS?

Vintage – ideally hand-downs from my Mum, my grandma or my great-grandma.  

DO YOU PREFER A NIGHT OUT PARTYING OR A NIGHT IN BED?

At a party and then in bed. (laughing)

DO YOU PREFER COFFEE OR TEA IN THE MORNING?

Tea.

DO YOU PREFER MONOTONE BED-MAKING OR MIX & MATCH?

Monotone, but once I own mainly Lejaan bed linen, I’ll do the Mix & Match. I look forward to doing so!

PRODUCTS CITED:

Brilliant White Daily Notes Bed Linen

Grey Beige Old Memories Pillowcase

Anthracite Grey Deep Secret Bedsheet

Grey Woven Monocolour Cushion Cover

Grey Woven Monocolour Blanket

Yellow Colour Melange Cushion Cover

Yellow Knitted Colour Melange Blanket

Blue Colour Melange Cushion Cover

Blue Knitted Colour Melange Blanket

Light Grey Gentle Organic Towels

Brick Gentle Organic Towels

Kid‘s Flat White Bed Linen

Kid’s Illustrated Rebeca's Dream Pillowcase

Kid’s Illustrated Rebeca's Dream Bedsheet

Kid's Afternoon Storm Bed Linen

Kid’s Illustrated Tobias' Dream Bedsheet