At mydeco, we believe everyone venturing into the precarious world of home design should start with a philosophy: a philosophy of life and of design.  Much like a mental moodboard, mydeco design boutiquer Monika Jakowicz of online homewares company Soft Philosophy believes in all things – you guessed it - soft.

‘I am fond of soft colours, soft materials and soft shapes,’ the designer says. ‘My home is simple and sensual. I think it has got the particle of “American comfort” too since I lived in the United States for some time.’

While a philosophy of ’softness’ can seem quite abstract, what’s immediately evident from Monika’s Parisian home is the sense of her soft styling: nothing is outlandish about her design choices, no piece stands out immediately from the others a la Starck. Instead, her choice of solid and timeless furniture staples (a cream sofa, a dark wood coffee table) complement one another in an easygoing and casual aesthetic harmony that American design is known for.

In this Parisian palace, we’re fond of the accessorisation and the symmetry of the sideboard: the twin tasseled lamps frame the melange of wooden frames, and the light that dances off some of Monika’s favourite colourful vases.  Immediately above, the old theatre lamp lends a playfully glamourous Old Hollywood touch to the otherwise modern geometric shapes of the console, mirror, and picture frames.  The caged hurricane lantern below reminds of the strategic economy of means of a well-placed accent upon a lower surface.

In a city that is known for its high-flying and highly trying fashion and urbane sophistication, Monika’s is an earthy haven which effortlessly transcends the trends.   ‘I really like the idea of a “barefoot home” and cosiness,’ she explains.  ’I love when the rays of light go through my favourite glass vases, and my favourite book is The Barefoot Home by Marc Vassalo.’

While many of us can easily get caught up simply in how our homes look (and who could blame us!), Monika is concerned with how she interacts with her home, and, in turn, how her home interacts with her.  There is also a subtle feeling of antiquity and anthropology here – each accessory looks as though it was plucked from travels to distant lands.  When blended within the framework of the other pieces, the accessories creating a soft culture of their own – one that speaks to Monika’s personality and personal philosophies.

The symmetry in Monika’s hallway can also be found in the one room most helped by this striking design choice – the bedroom.  Seen as an aesthetic philosophy of balance, the symmetry of the bedside table and lamps, combined with a creamy neutral palette, creates a calming room perfect for curling up with a good book in.

At mydeco, we may not all have the same design philosophies. However, Monika’s Parisian home proves that combination of pragmatic and the frivolous – the balanced geometric staples and the unexpected accessories – create a space that’s casual, harmonious, and…soft.

Love Monika’s look? We’ve found key pieces from her style for you to steal.  Click on the moodboard to view selected products.

Moodboard by Bethany Wrede Peterson

View our 3D room of Cosima’s living area by clicking on the room below.  You can even copy it, redecorate, or add new furniture!

3D room by Jenny Evans

Tell us what you think. We’d love to hear your thoughts on Monika’s soft philosophy and our new Through the Keyhole feature.  Just add your comments below.

Think your home has the panache to be spotted through the keyhole? Send us the dish on your digs along with your best home snaps to editors@mydeco.com and your pride-and-joy may be spied next!