Designer Spotlight Andrea Groot
Tell us a bit about your background, where you are from, and how you got started?
My name is Andrea, I’m 46 and I live in Dordrecht, The Netherlands. I’m married to Peter and mum to 2 kids, Kim and Teun. When I was younger I already enjoyed doing little DYI projects in my first home. In recent years my interior spark and passion reignited primarily due to my passion for macramé, instagram and pinterest.
How did you get into interior design? Was it something you always wanted to do?
Actually it just happened spontaneously. I was making macramé hangings and started sharing these on instagram. The passion for interior design was always there. It has just become much easier to share these days with the event of instagram and pinterest.
Where do you gain inspiration? Any specific blogs?
Urban Jungle Bloggers and Jungalow. I The Netherlands I love reading ‘Interior Junkie’ and ‘Een goed verhaal’.
What do you feel the most cost-effective way to update a space is?
Painting! Without a doubt! A different colour on the wall changes a space instantaneously. Number 2 would be vintage rugs.
Where do you usually shop? What are some of your favorite brands / stores?
I love thrift shops. I find the most gorgeous rugs, vases and pots for my plants. I also love going to Loods 5, a shop-in-shop where you find many brands under the same roof. And of course the garden centre!
If you could only pick 3 home accessories in styling a living room – what would they be?
Vintage rugs, plants and books / magazines.
We love the plants you always add to your designs – how do you select which works best in the space?
Sometimes I go to the garden centre with a wish list but I end up coming home with what I love on the spot. I do pay attention to what the plants need. Those that require lots of sunlight unfortunately don’t do well in my home. Plants fit in any space; they bring a room to life.
How do you achieve the perfect mix of contemporary and vintage pieces? Any tips?
As long as you like it anything goes! You can easily match a designer vase with a vintage glass side table. Be bold and creative. Whatever makes you happy is beautiful. Full stop.
Any exciting projects you’re working on you can share with us?
I’m working on a few awesome collaborations and what I really think is rather special is an upcoming coffee table book of one of our rooms. How cool is that?
What’s the best way people can get in touch with you?
You can always email me on info@livinghip.nl. I’m always open for collaborations, advice or simply a nice conversation!