Article: Visiting Sonja Leigh

Share

Visiting Sonja Leigh

IN HER PRIVATE HOME, DEN HAAG
VISUAL MERCHANDISER AND CONTENT CREATOR
@SONJALEIGH_

PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEW BEAUTIFUL HOME: WHAT CONSIDERATIONS DID YOU AND YOUR BOYFRIEND HAVE WHEN YOU BOUGHT A HOUSE TOGETHER, AND WHY THIS ONE?

Sonja: We’ve loved living in Amsterdam for the past 13 years, but it’s such a busy city, and we were looking for more space and a quieter way of living. It took us two years to find the house we now call home. We wanted to renovate an older property while preserving its beautiful details. After 15 months of renovations, we can finally say it’s our dream home.

HAVE YOU ALWAYS DREAMED OF MOVING TO DEN HAAG?

Sonja: I never specifically dreamed of moving to Den Haag, but I’ve always wanted to live near the beach while enjoying city life. Den Haag offers the best of both worlds—it feels like the perfect fit. We’re just a 10-minute bike ride from the beach and the city center.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU IN YOUR CLOTHING STYLE AND DÉCOR STYLE?

Sonja: I love experimenting with color in both my clothing and interior style. Being bold and mixing different colors can make a big difference to any outfit or space.

WHAT DO YOU DO TO GET INSPIRED?

Sonja: I enjoy scrolling through Pinterest and Instagram for ideas and visiting different cities and countries to gather inspiration.

DO YOU SEE YOURSELF AS A CREATIVE PERSON, AND IN WHAT WAYS?

Sonja: I like to think of myself as a creative person. When I was younger, I was always busy creating, whether it was paintings or making mini robots. My parents have seen it all! Currently, I work in fashion as a Visual Merchandiser for an international company, and my role allows me to express my creativity.

HAS INTERIOR DESIGN ALWAYS MEANT SOMETHING TO YOU?

Sonja: I’ve always loved interior design. I even followed an interior design course after high school.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS GOOD TASTE AND BAD TASTE IN TERMS OF INTERIOR DESIGN?

Sonja: Taste is so personal that I don’t think there’s a definitive right or wrong. For us, it’s about choosing items we both love. Somehow, it all comes together in the end.

DID YOU HAVE A VISION BEFORE YOU STARTED DECORATING YOUR NEW HOME, OR DID IT JUST HAPPEN ALONG THE WAY?

Sonja: Since this was such a big project with many different rooms, I created mood boards for each space. This really helped streamline the process, as we knew exactly what we wanted and had a clear vision.

WHICH PIECE OF FURNITURE IS AT THE TOP OF YOUR WISH LIST RIGHT NOW?

Sonja: Our home is almost complete, but I’m still missing a wardrobe. I’d love to have a space to keep all my bits and pieces organized.

WHAT IS A MUST-HAVE IN YOUR HOME?

Sonja: A spacious kitchen area.

DO YOU BUY NEW OR OLD WHEN YOU BUY FURNITURE FOR YOUR HOME?

Sonja: We have a mix of both. I love combining old and new pieces, which works beautifully in our house because it was built in 1915 and still has its original architectural details.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE HAVING A DEMANDING FULL-TIME JOB WHILE BEING A CONTENT CREATOR?

Sonja: My days are busy, working Monday to Friday and managing content creation on the side. I usually create most of my content during the weekends. I can’t sit still for long, so I’m always busy with something and use those moments to shoot. This works well for me.

ARE YOU AMBITIOUS?

Sonja: Yes, I’d like to think I am. I’m always trying new things to challenge myself, and I believe personal development is very important.

WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?

Sonja: Being on holiday and exploring new places.

DO YOU LIKE TO COOK, OR DO YOU MOSTLY EAT OUT?

Sonja: I love cooking and baking and trying out different recipes. During the week, when things get busy, we occasionally order takeout, but I enjoy making meals at home.

DO YOU HAVE A HOBBY?

Sonja: I love long-distance running.

DO YOU HOST DINNER PARTIES FOR YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS, OR DO YOU PREFER GOING OUT?

Sonja: Hosting dinner parties is so much fun. I’d love to do it more often! Spoiling family and friends with good food and drinks is such a joy.

WHICH BIG CITY WOULD YOU LIKE TO VISIT THAT YOU HAVEN'T VISITED YET?

Sonja: Tokyo is at the top of my list.

COULD YOU IMAGINE LIVING SOMEWHERE OTHER THAN THE NETHERLANDS ONE DAY?

Sonja: My mom is Australian, and I lived in Brisbane, Australia, for a few years when I was growing up. I could see myself moving back there.