Barefoot Living – Natural living on Mallorca

I rarely meet designers who talk about style as calmly as Carde. Originally from Kiel, she has lived on Mallorca for almost two decades and works in a small studio in Genova with a sea view. Her approach is simple: natural fabrics, reduced color palettes and rooms that are allowed to breathe. The new home collection she developed together with a well-known German actor shows exactly that — solid pieces that don't need to be loud to make an impact. What I like about her: she doesn't recommend trends, but personal choices. Her best projects, she says, come about when clients are ready to keep things they truly love, instead of refurnishing every room completely. For Mallorca's light and salty air, linen, oiled wood and handwoven rugs are practical companions. In the cooler months she likes to bring in warm textures and candles; in summer, light throws and lots of plants. An honest, local style, without frills.

The woman behind Barefoot Living

Carde comes from northern Germany, but on Mallorca she has found a very distinct voice. Visitors quickly notice: her style is less showroom, more a home with history. She often works with regional craftsmen, selects fabrics in person and lets the daylight in Genova guide her. Her clients are usually open to natural materials and want spaces that combine everyday life and holiday feeling. The project she is currently working on — a home collection that combines functional furniture with soft textiles — arose from practical needs: durable, easy to combine yet full of character. Conversations with her tend to run long because she asks about people's habits: do you love reading in bed, do you cook a lot, do you entertain guests? Those exact questions lead to furniture and accessories that people actually use.