Happy Home by Danielle Sijmons: dopamine decor heaven

Welcome to 'Happy Home of...', a recurring item in which we take a look inside the most special homes. In each edition we bring an inspiring interview with a homeowner who has transformed her or his interior into a true happy place. Whether it's a bohemian oasis, a sleek Scandinavian design or a cheerful, colorful dopamine house - every house has its own story. Be inspired by personal choices, smart solutions and creative ideas that turn a house into a real home.

We kick off this series with the positive and cheerful retro home of Daan & Daan. The color combinations are surprising and the retro finds styled together are heartwarming. I spotted Wes Anderson, Beastie Boys, Barbapapa, Kewpie and monatoetjes and 'I rest my case'. Everything has been thought about and everything is right. Will you read and watch along?

Who are you and what do you do?

Hi, I'm Danielle Sijmons (aka @i_heart_my_house ). I've been living in Haarlem for a year now, together with my favorite man Daniel (also Daan and Daan). I love talking to children, teenagers and young adults, to help them grow a little bit into who they are on the inside. I can't imagine a world without color and a world without all the sweet friends and family around me. I look for the pearls in life and see beauty in the little things.

I currently work in primary education, where I teach visual arts, teach group 6 one day, am a cultural coordinator and supervise interns. I also have a studio at home, where I try to give shape to my creativity in a different way. I am busy with tufting and I will soon also follow a workshop on screen printing on ceramics. I am really looking forward to it.

Can you describe your home (interior)?

People who see my house from the inside always say that it is like a museum. That they can't get enough of it. I personally find it a colorful oasis of peace, full of plants, in which I playfully combine various items and styles.

Has it always been like this and if not, do you remember when 'it' started?

I have always been busy with the interior of my house and in the past that of my room. When I still lived with my parents, I already started changing my room. When I went to high school, my parents gave me a desk. The message was that it was fixed to the wall, so that I could no longer move it. I really believed that for a while, but then I carefully started trying it. It worked! 😊 And so I could continue changing.

My interior has grown over the years. In the number of things (because I moved to a bigger place), but especially in the choices I make regarding things.

Why do you think it is important that your interior looks this way?

I want an interior that suits me, how I feel. That is actually the most important thing. It is a way to express myself creatively. I also get a lot of energy from styling. Wonderful.

What are you most proud of?

That I always come up with beautiful compositions and color combinations for my furniture and accessories. And that I know how to combine my things with precious memories with more modern items.

As for stuff: my porcelain panther, my Barbapapa , my vinyl collection, my antique cupboard from aunt Jopie, my cobalt blue kitchen and my sink with cobalt blue dragon from Esther Derkx .

Which colours should not be missing in your interior, do you have one favourite?

Blue! But secretly also various shades of pink (terra / coral / powder / candy cane).

What is your latest acquisition?

Ooh... I have a few: my 50 centimeter high Barbapapa 😍. And at Loket in Schiedam I bought a yellow cat last week and a sign with dancing majorettes on it from Social Label.

Do you have a top 3 (or 5) store/webshop where you like to shop for your interior?

Hmm... I don't really have a favorite. I like creative shops, vintage thrift shops, but also Ikea or design stuff. I also really like museum shops. I get more accessories from there. I also see a lot online, or sometimes just on the street.

The cool shops I've discovered lately are:

• Aaf Stores (seen in 's-Hertogenbosch)
• Counter (Schiedam)
• Studio Harm and Elke
• Floorvinted (via Instagram)
• Department store Strant

If you were to wake up tomorrow in a minimalist setting then…

Then I'll probably be on vacation and sleep in a nice little hotel. 😁 So I'll continue to enjoy the sun and all the beauty that can be found there. That's fine. And then after my vacation I'll go back to my own house, full of precious things.

Is there anything special we should know about you/your interior?

That I am currently in the VTWonen with my house, super cool. And furthermore… that my house continues to grow and change. Next year at this time it will undoubtedly look a little different.

👁️ Nice to know: Danielle can also style your home!

Are you happy with what you see here? Then you can always contact Danielle to have your home styled by her.

What do you think of Happlify and how long have you been following us?

I think Happlify is a really nice, happy website, full of inspiration in the field of shopping for fun things. I heard from an acquaintance that she had participated in the Valentine's Day campaign of 2023. I thought that was a super nice initiative. So I started following you, so that I could also register for that campaign. Done, not regretted it for a moment.

Thank you Danielle for taking part in this interview and for letting us admire your amazing home. The joy is palpable and the positive vibes are incredibly inspiring to add some dopamine to your interior! Have fun collecting and styling your happy place!

🔴 Call: do you also want to share your happy home with us?

Are you proud of your unique interior and would you like to share your happy place with us and our readers? We are always looking for special homes and the stories of the creative people who live in them. Whether you have a minimalist, vintage or eclectic interior, we are curious about your personal style and inspiring ideas!

Send us a message and who knows, your house might soon be in the spotlight on Happy home van... !

Photo credits: all interior photos are by Daniëlle herself @i_heart_my_house the photo of Danielle is made by Tamar Tieleman from Studio Sailor . Fun fact: Danielle's (dopamine) tattoos are done by @annedekkertattoo and @tamartielemantattoo from Studio Sailor in Amsterdam .