Janneke: Soft Colors and Simple Moments
CURIOUS ABOUT HOW LITTLE OTJA FANS LIVE AND THEIR HOME DECOR TIPS? WELCOME TO OUR #MYLITTLEOTJA SERIES, WHERE WE’LL BE CHATTING WITH INSPIRING INDIVIDUALS WHO SHARE A LOVE FOR OUR BRAND. JOIN US AS WE EXPLORE HOW THEY’VE CREATED THE HOMES OF THEIR DREAMS.
Meet Janneke, a mental health care professional from the Netherlands with a creative eye and a gift for turning everyday moments into beautiful photographs. Living in a lovingly restored 1930s house with her husband, two young daughters (ages 6 and 9), and their beloved cat, Moos, Janneke originally picked up photography as a hobby—a way to capture the magic in the small things and share her unique perspective. Through her Instagram, she invites us into her world of family life, creativity, and the joy of a home built with heart.
WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION?
Inspiration comes from everywhere—the natural world, online spaces, magazines, you name it. Often, photo ideas just come to me, and I’m eager to bring them to life right away. Rearranging objects and experimenting with styling usually leads to the most beautiful, unexpected combinations.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE AND THE WAY YOU BRING COLOR INTO YOUR HOME?
Others often describe my style as minimalist with a touch of color. I gravitate toward neutral and earthy tones for their calming effect but keep it interesting by adding soft accents like pale pinks, warm oranges, or a subtle brown. In the girls' room, I let loose a bit more with color because that’s what they enjoy. I make a selection that fits their tastes, and then they decide what stays. I love how our home's neutral base creates a timeless, serene feel, and it’s easy to personalize with details like cards, posters, and unique mugs and spoons.
WHERE DO YOU LIKE TO SHOP FOR STYLISH DECOR AND FASHION?
I enjoy visiting the Mood concept store for its stunning selection of clothing and accessories. For our living room furniture, we often shop at Springstore, where everything is beautifully curated, and the service is excellent. I also love the collections from By-Bar and Sissy Boy, both of which offer stylish clothing, and Sissy Boy, in particular, has a fantastic range of home decor items as well.
HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR FREE TIME?
In my free time, I love practicing reformer Pilates. It's an activity that demands my full focus, and I truly enjoy the experience each time. I'm also a big fan of having a cappuccino, whether it's a quiet moment alone or shared with a friend. When it comes to birthdays, I usually bake my own cakes, and I make banana bread nearly every week. It’s a great way to ensure I have a healthy, nutritious, and gluten-free breakfast.
HOW DOES PHOTOGRAPHY INFLUENCE YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS AND PERSONAL STYLE?
Photography has taught me to see the world around me in new ways. I enjoy experimenting with different compositions, colors—sometimes bold contrasts, sometimes uniform tones—and playing with lines, shapes, and light. The real challenge in photography is finding your unique style without simply copying others. It's an ongoing journey, but one of the most rewarding aspects is infusing a bit of yourself into each photo. Sharing my work has also led to wonderful connections with others, allowing us to inspire each other. When people appreciate my photos, it always fills me with a sense of pride.
HAS YOUR SHOPPING APPROACH EVOLVED OVER TIME?
As I’ve gotten older and my financial situation has improved, I’ve become more intentional about my purchases, focusing on buying less and choosing more sustainable options. This applies to both home decor and clothing. With so many tempting items online, it can be a challenge, but I’ve learned to ask myself two important questions: Do I really need this? And, will it bring me long-term happiness? These reflections help guide my decisions and keep me more mindful of my choices.
HOW DID YOU DISCOVER LITTLE OTJA AND WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT OUR DESIGNS?
I first discovered Little Otja when I found a postcard in a small shop, and I immediately fell in love with your designs. I’m drawn to the simplicity of your work, yet it has such a warm, inviting feel. One of my favorites is the blue Blooming poster—it’s absolutely beautiful and pairs wonderfully with so many different colors. It’s definitely a standout piece.