ComingHome Interior {Hannover}
Would you like to join me for a moment because I'd love to show you my favorite showroom in Germany, it's called ComingHome Interior. It's a splendid shopping "experience" located in Hannover, the absolute best source for mid century modern, industrial, and just plain gorgeous finds. From furniture to ceramics, lighting, and beyond, you'll want to own everything.
Most of you know that my favorite spaces are those inhabited by creative souls who refuse to play by the rules, allow for a lot of style-overlapping, and go beyond the mainstream to design spaces that not only work for them, but are decorative, emotionally supportive, and contain a few unique finds with a story to tell.
From the moment I entered ComingHome, I felt like I had, well, come home. Okay, I'd add more floral patterns and a dose of cuteness here and there with prints, art, and such, but overall this store definitely speaks to both my husband and I. There's a bit of tension in their designs, a masculine and feminine touch in every corner, soft meets sturdy, but never too obvious. You have to look for it.
It was painful for me to leave this lamp behind. Out of everything in the store, I wanted this lamp the most. Best of all, it's one-of-a-kind because Rainer made it himself.
How are the prices? You'll like this... What you see isn't beyond reach because it's all affordable (most tables between 300-500,- Euro for instance, chairs a little less), completely devoid of the bloated mark up so common back home (in New England) due to being in such high demand. Shopping is much more fun when you can imagine owning something because the price tag doesn't give you a heart attack.
Also what makes ComingHome such a special place is the down-to-earth approach of Rainer S?ll, one of the owners and designers who holds an MS in Architecture. (His business partner is Claudia Nowotny, a theatre painter and stage designer, whom I did not meet.) You can discuss any piece in his showroom at length, he's so knowledgeable, and his obvious creativity and passion for his work is inspiring. Don't you love how well everything is styled without looking too perfect?
The sweetest high chair ever.It's also obvious that both have their finger on the pulse of contemporary and mid century modern design and Rainer has an intimate relationship with his clients, although his prices do not reflect this high level of customer service - it's all part of the store experience. I observed him working with a few of his clients and they not only purchased 4 chairs for their home, but left with excitement written all over their faces because they scored original Eames chairs at a good price.
These darling school chairs were each under 100,- Euro.As a team, both Rainer and Claudia have a unique and creative vision, they're able to repurpose items transforming them into new objects, another bonus of this showroom. Many things are either original or entirely repurposed pieces crafted into lighting, art, sculpture, coat racks, etc., from old exercise equipment to work benches, orchard ladders, and beyond. They also had a delightful selection of vintage globes, ceramics, and clocks.
This is another piece I wanted to purchase so badly. It's an old workbench to now be used in the kitchen as a chef's island. Love! Imagine this in a loft space with an open floor plan?As these pictures speak a thousand words, I guess I need not elaborate. But I do want to mention that because they carry such a diversified offering of products that rotate in and out quickly, if you see something you want it's important to secure it right away!
If you visit Hannover or if you're a magazine looking for a hip couple to feature, seriously consider ComingHome Interior because not only is their showroom to die for, but I've heard their home is even better. Hear that, Elle Decoration, Elle Decor, and Living Etc.?
Isn't this a clever idea for a business card? A business coaster! Claudia takes a photo and Rainer draws it to transform the image into business card coasters.Located: Nieschlagstr. 10/11 in Hannover Linden (take the #9 to Empelde and jump off at Nieschlagstr.) Open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday only. All other days by appointment only. For more information visit their website, in German. Rainer speaks English, so you can also call or email him with any questions.
(top three photos taken by thorsten becker, all others by holly becker for decor8)