Books hold a special place in Mia’s heart. Growing up in a household filled with books, she was inspired by her parents’ love for reading. “I loved watching them read, listening to their voices when they read to me,” she shares. For Mia, collecting books is a way of maintaining a dialogue with her parents, who are no longer with her.
On your Instagram profile you often share beautiful images of your well styled home, but how did you get into styling and photography?
My dad was a good photographer and pursued it as a hobby. My early childhood was captured in very cinematic photographs. At that time, there were no iPhones. He would set up a temporary lab and develop film in our bathroom. I spent hours looking at his photographs, but it took me years to realize that this was what I wanted to do. Thirteen years ago, I bought my first camera, planning a solo trip to Étretat to photograph its famous cliffs. Since that trip, I’ve been photographing more and more. I think my journey into photography was more natural than planned, but its origins stem from my childhood.
Your interior style is admirable, from where do you seek inspiration?
When it comes to inspiration and a love for styling and arranging things, I think the biggest influence came from my move to my dream country—Italy. As you know, inspiration is everywhere in Italy. Once you step out of your home, you enter the incredible buzz of Italian life. It’s a mix of phenomenal architecture, nature, sounds, and smells. It’s impossible not to stay inspired.
When we moved into my apartment, I felt like I had a blank canvas. I had to style it! Every single corner of this apartment inspired me to create. I started taking pictures of my home and posting them on my page. Week after week, I added new images, and slowly I began to meet people who shared the same interests and vision. This is how @mimiennes.home was born.
We already know you love coffee table books and use them throughout your home styling. Why do you find books so interesting?
I think coffee table books are the best final touch you can add to any interior. They make a space feel deeper and more layered, and they can tell so much about the owner of the home.
When I need inspiration, I open a coffee table book.
Whether it’s a fancy cookbook that makes you rush to the kitchen to find the ingredients for that divine pasta you just saw, or a book about interior design that inspires you to add new touches to your own space.
In your selection of well curated books, do you have a favourite? And which are on your current wish list?
Yes, I really love Agnes Martin: Paintings, Writings, Remembrances. It’s very touching and sentimental because this book was written by Arne Glimcher after 30 years of friendship with Agnes. I think it’s the best book for those who want to take a deep dive into Agnes Martin’s work and life.
I definitely can’t miss Osteria 16 No. 2; I love a good cookbook. I’m also curious about Chidy Wayne—this is definitely on my current list, along with Mies, published by Phaidon.
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