Decorating: German vs. American

At some point, I’m sure you’ve all wondered, “When’s Katie going to start talking about the decor of the hangar loft she’s remodeling?!”

And that’s a pretty darn good question! It is the good stuff after all.

So here’s the truth: I haven’t started thinking about it yet. I’m thinking so structurally.  (Now don’t you go thinking that I sound like an engineer. I’m still the family doodler. I just have to make sure not to doodle the cart in front of the horse if you catch my drift.)

Here’s a fun book I was asked to review:

The color schemes and furniture arrangements are awesome in New Decorating Book. The iconic book from BHG is on its 10 edition, and it shows. It’s so cool! I swear I keep seeing stuff I’ve only ever seen in German homes even though this book is so obviously American with all the bright colors and accessories.

When Martin and I were trying to figure out how to set up home in Germany, it was so hard for me. I was thinking like an American, but there weren’t really American decor items available. Or I didn’t know where to find supplies to DIY a thing. I remember chatting with Holly from Decor8 when she was in Berlin. She’s an American who moved to Germany at the same time as me, and she said, “I just need a Target for like one day.”

It’s true.

I haven’t studied decorating since then. When it’s time, I seriously cannot wait to study this book. It sounds so much less stressful! Right now? It’s really useful for figuring out where to place fun stuff like the toilet versus the tub versus the washing machine (while following code, of course).

When the loft remodel is all said and done, we’ll have to play a game. Call it “Name that American Influence and Name that German One!”

Here’s one to get the ball rolling (in front of the horse and cart, mind you)…

We’re putting the washing machine in the bathroom. American? German?