Tell us what you’d like us to know about yourself:
I am Sandra Keja Planken. I am a Scorpio, a bonus mum, Job’s wife, a daughter, sister, friend, teacher, interior designer, artist, product designer, and a dreamer. I live with my fellow dreamer and husband Job, and 2 bonus kids, Siep (girl 18) and Mellis (boy 15), in the center of Amsterdam in an old house.
What’s Your Career Now?
I am an intense life and experience BLOOMER, I guess…. My career path has led me to explore many different studies and jobs, from communication and facilities jobs, marketing, events, environmental and social charities, teaching, interior designer, creative concept making, print, wool, color, and pattern artist. They are all combined and evolved into my own studio Noun, these last ten years.
An interior design or artwork I create is always about combining all these layers into something unique and new. A sense of playfulness lies at the heart of my work. My creative atelier is a hotbed of ideas that tests the boundaries of traditional craft. And with all that I do, I like to add depth and boldness.
My interior design products and prints with bold colors are created to co-habit with found items; I usually blend these with design classics and my own multi-media pieces, including rugs and wall hangings, sitting side-by-side with commissioned one-offs from small makers. Much of this reflects my mind and life, and I always try to create something unique that fits the client and the thing they love in life.
My work encompasses residential and commercial interiors and art pieces, including hotels, clubs, offices, and pop-ups, which offer plenty of scopes to push the envelope. As a result, my home is frequently switched up with prototypes and off-cuts, such as the vivid orange velvet fabric remnants from a recent restaurant project that have been reworked into statement-making curtains in the sitting room.
Can you tell us the story of your house and the interior?
Our home is a warm and colorful place frequently switched up with prototypes and off-cuts from me or the children, vintage finds, or new designs from friends. The challenge was to create cohesion around them and a safe haven for all of us. With this cohesion, the eye drifts quickly from one vignette to another.
Sustainability is something that chimes with the whole family. Many of the pieces in our home are vintage or made with recycled or evergreen materials, such as lighting that incorporates vintage frosted glass or rugs woven from eucalyptus yarn. Having previously worked for Greenpeace, the Red Cross, architects, and fashion brands, I contemplated the issue from every angle. I’ve come to the point where it’s simply a way of life. Re-using pieces feel right – the trick is to come up with surprising combinations.
From earthy green and sunshine yellow to burnt orange, vivid primary colors play a vital part in this home. We simply kept on testing what colors made us happy. People often see neutrals as serene, but sometimes the bolder colors of nature can offer great peace of mind. You only need to look at the treetops against a bright blue sky to see the palette provided by the natural world.
That ethos is represented by the botanical green-painted walls of the sitting room and the deep blue finish of the dining room. In the hallway, bright orange walls are picked up by the graphic lines of my own vibrant wallpaper designs. The orange velvet curtains in the sitting room bring instant warmth too. Tactile finishes, unexpected materials, and playful juxtapositions add the finishing touches to our home.
My graphic designs translate from wallpaper to rugs and cushions. Several of them use the exact repeat across multiple soft furnishings. In the sitting room, my colors and design are repeated in a sofa cushion. At the same time, the wallpapers have found a home covering the hallway cupboards. In the kitchen, the mint green splashback, which resembles tiling at first glance, is actually a hand-blocked piece of woodwork prized for its tactility. These tactile motifs contrast with a poured concrete floor in the upstairs living areas and terrazzo in the bathroom for retro appeal.
I always look for contrast! Multiple finishes are a great way to achieve that because they add instant soul. I also enjoy the occasional clash, such as the orange-toned watercolor-effect wallpaper finish in the main bedroom contrasted with a plain green wall. It’s a way to ensure that every corner of your home offers a different perspective.
Any interior design tips? Shops we must know off?
Some design aspects, such as creating a mood board or learning how to draw architecturally, can be taught. Still, I think following your instinct is the most essential ingredient when combining colors. And having one anchoring color helps pull a look together.
Try to think of a scheme as a painting rather than a room. There are actually very few clashing colors within paintings, despite their tonal diversity, whether you look at a Modernist work or a Van Gogh. I find that oranges, reds, and greens work brilliantly together. But the key is to link them through the fabric, trims, and softening touches.
A primary color alone can feel too aggressive, but it can really add interest as part of a layered approach. Aim to layer lighting with a mixture of table lights and dimmable pendants. I would recommend discovering small local vintage dealers and shops.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Finding my own voice, flow, and feelings has been a challenge. I implement this daily in my work, family, and social life. Being born when the mainstream was a trending topic, I was told I was weird. Nowadays, I know my own strengths thank god. ☺
Any regrets?
Everything I have done or experienced so far has brought me where I am today.
How do you stay healthy? Both physically and mentally?
Balance has not been first priority in my life until these last couple of years. Before Corona, I was at home for already four months with what looked like a concussion. Still, I turned out to be a misbalance in my neurological system, body, and brain. My challenge was to slow down and focus on resetting everything in my life and body.
It gave me time and perspective to look at things and re-invent myself. Slowing down, taking life as it comes, and creating new things make me – and hopefully others happy. Resetting my brain, body, and future plans is a constant thing for me, and I love the results of this positive vibe.
At home, we enjoy a healthy meal and the occasional “comfort food.” We like to drink a glass of wine and balance this habit with drinking lots and lots of water. Since Corona, we have walked 10 km daily and enjoy working in our green garden to get the daily nature sparks (while living in the city). For one month, I was allowed to start other sports again. Bootcamp and yoga are back ON. ☺
What is the first thing you do in the morning to start your day in a positive way?
My day starts with hugging my husband, telling him I love him. Then I make myself a fresh cup of tea, put a warm heated jug on my belly, and do my breathing technique training for mind and body for about 15 minutes. After this, there is a 5-minute newspaper moment before we start our first walk of the day. When we come home, the children are awake, and depending on the new Corona schedules, we take our breakfast together.
What’s your fantasy version of your 80-year-old self?
Hand in hand together, enjoying our home in the sun. Being surprised by everything we still are allowed to experience.
What’s your age, and how old do you feel?
I am 42. Sometimes I feel like a 12-year-old again when discovering new things, sometimes 30 or 60 years, with a balance of slowing down and using what I’ve learned so far. But mostly, I feel 42, for I am embracing who I am right now and loving myself for it in all its shapes and forms.
Many thanks to:
Sandra www.noun-amsterdam.nl
Dayenne Bekker for styling
Meesters in bloemen for the beautiful flowers
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Sandra Keja Planken is a talented artist and the founder of Studio Noun. She has a passion for creativity and design and brings her unique artistic vision to life through her work.
The inspiration behind Studio Noun is to provide a space and platform for women in the same phase of life. Sandra believes that the second half of life is different but equally exciting, fun, and captivating. Studio Noun aims to celebrate and inspire women over 40 by offering products that reflect their unique experiences and perspectives.
Sandra creates various products through Studio Noun, from artwork and illustrations to home decor and lifestyle items. Each piece is carefully crafted with attention to detail and reflects Sandra’s artistic style and vision.
You can purchase products from Studio Noun through their official website or selected retailers. The website provides a convenient and secure platform for browsing and purchasing unique creations by Sandra Keja Planken.
Sandra Keja Planken’s creative process is deeply rooted in her artistic exploration and experimentation. She combines various techniques, materials, and inspirations to bring her ideas to life. Her artistic vision is driven by a desire to create meaningful and inspiring pieces that resonate with women over 40, capturing the essence of their experiences and journey.
