Creator Series: Marleen (Studio_dix) Interview
Creator Series: Inside Studio_Dix with Marleen
Welcome back to another installment of our Creator Series, where we step inside the homes of creatives who remind us that interior design is not about perfection, but about patience, intuition, and living with intention. In this entry, we’re excited to introduce Marleen, the creative force behind Studio_Dix, whose Hamburg apartment reflects a thoughtful blend of secondhand finds, self-made art, and evolving personal style.
Before We Begin: Meet Marleen
Marleen’s life is deeply rooted in creativity. Outside of designing and styling her home, she spends her time painting, crocheting, and enjoying moments with family and friends. Designing interiors isn’t just a pastime—it’s something she continuously returns to, rethinking and reshaping her surroundings as her life evolves.
Professionally, Marleen is self-employed and co-founded 4 Walls in Hamburg together with a close friend. Creativity is woven into both her personal and professional worlds, making her home a natural extension of how she lives and works.
A Home Imagined Over Time
Long before the space became what it is today, Marleen and her boyfriend shared the space with four others. Due to the shared space and seemingly different design aesthetics, she was unable to solely decorate the home as she envisioned. In the meantime, she collected inspiration, wrote down ideas, and created collages—quietly designing a future version of the apartment in her mind. When the moment finally arrived for her and her boyfriend to make the space their own, the process unfolded slowly and intentionally.
“We first painted everything and then furnished the apartment step by step.” Many of the pieces already existed—stored away in the attic or carried over from her old room—giving the home an immediate sense of familiarity and history.
Like most real homes, the process wasn’t without challenges. One major setback came when plaster began coming off the walls in several places. Thankfully, help came close to home. “My father-in-law is a painter and helped us a lot with that.”
Looking ahead, the kitchen is next. “I’ve been saving up for it for quite some time now and plan to tackle it this year.” The anticipation of this project reflects Marleen’s approach to design: thoughtful, patient, and grounded in long-term vision.
Becoming Studio_Dix
“I started Studio Dix in March. The reason was actually a strike at Hamburg airport.”
What began as an unexpected change of plans turned into a creative turning point. When a canceled vacation left Marleen at home for a week, she spontaneously began photographing her apartment and sharing the images online. That moment of stillness sparked something new.
In the early days, she studied other creators’ approaches to understand composition and storytelling. Over time, that exploration naturally evolved into her own visual language—unforced and intuitive.
Marleen doesn’t chase rigid goals when it comes to collaboration, but she does allow herself to dream. “I would absolutely love to work with a bedding company one day,” she shares, adding that upcoming kitchen plans could open doors to collaborations with kitchen or flooring brands.
Content creation, she admits, is unpredictable. “There are days when creating content feels very easy, and other days when nothing seems to work.” Interestingly, it’s often the posts she least expects to succeed that resonate the most—a reminder that authenticity often outperforms intention.
Inside the Home
Marleen’s apartment is a layered reflection of creativity and connection. Walls are filled with artwork she’s created herself, alongside pieces by friends and secondhand finds. Most of the furniture has been sourced pre-loved as well—often discovered during long browsing sessions on eBay.
Rather than adhering to one defined interior design style, Marleen follows instinct. “We choose things that we genuinely like, and somehow they always end up working together.” The result is a home that feels collected rather than curated—where old and new coexist naturally, and personality is never forced.
This mix is what gives the space its energy. Each piece contributes to a narrative that feels alive, personal, and ever-changing.
Marleen sees her home as an ongoing project, not a finished product. Its evolution mirrors her own growth, shaped by time, patience, and lived experience. With the kitchen renovation on the horizon, the next chapter is already taking shape—one thoughtful decision at a time.
Advice to You
“My biggest piece of advice for anyone starting their home décor journey is to take your time and trust your gut.”
Marleen encourages readers to resist urgency. A meaningful home doesn’t happen overnight—it unfolds gradually. She suggests starting with how you want a space to feel rather than chasing trends, and embracing secondhand furniture as a way to add depth, character, and individuality.
For aspiring content creators, her advice is equally grounding. “Stay authentic and try not to compare yourself too much to others.” Experiment, be patient, and allow imperfection to exist. “Often, it’s the unplanned moments that resonate the most.”
Marleen’s story is a reminder that the most compelling spaces—and creative journeys—are built slowly, honestly, and with heart. And that sometimes, the best ideas begin exactly where you are.
