Houzz Interview: Sweet as a Candy

Today we have a very special guest in the houzz: Federica, from beautiful Bologna, Italy.
Federica studied law and works in a lawyer's office but her true passion is design. "I'm a wannabe decorator as well as a fashion shopaholic." says Federica.
In her blog, Sweet as a Candy, you can read all about her loves: shopping, fashion, photography, baking, interiors and decor.
"I have many dreams, I'd like to transform my blog into a real job and I'd like to have a store completely mine filled with all the beautiful stuff I love. Who knows, maybe someday my dreams will come true."
Recently, Federica got engaged with her boyfriend GG and they will be getting married next year.
I'm very happy to introduce you to Federica, her beautiful house and her charming blog Sweet as a Candy.

Please tell us about your "first meeting" with your house
It was a rainy Saturday morning when we first met our home. We immediately found what we were looking for. A little nest located in the historical centre of our hometown, with everything we need. I never thought that we could be so lucky. It was love at first sight.

What was the biggest renovation/decoration challenge you faced?
It's difficult to say, the house was totally new and recently renovated by the owner when we found it. Previously it was an office, so the biggest renovation challenge was to transform it into a welcoming and cozy home, and I think we did.

What are your favorite styles and colors?
Anyone who reads my blog knows that I am a lover of whites and dreamy interiors. I don't think there is an unique term to describe my decorating style, it is a mix of provencal farmhouse, with touches of coastal cottage and scandinavian style. My favorite colours are white, grey, and pastel colours.

A spot in your house that makes you very happy/proud
I really like how our living room and kitchen turned out, they look welcoming and fresh. I love reading one of my favorite magazines sitting on my sofa or baking some sweet treat in my kitchen.

What is your most precious accessory/furniture/art?
Absolutely my grandmother's vintage linens. They are very dear and precious to me.

What is your next house project?
I have so many projects on my list. We are constantly working to improve the entire home, but I think that the most important next project will be to find a bigger home. We are going to get married next year and we probably will need more space and rooms in the near future.

Things that houzz readers need to know about you and your blog
My blog perfectly reflects my style and my essence. I love to share with all my lovely readers some of my biggest passions ever like interior design, photography, decor ideas, fashion, baking, and many other things. The name Sweet as a Candy perfectly fits with my romantic style.

What is your best tip for the remodeling beginner?
You don't have to follow the mood of the moment, trust your style and taste. Pay attention to the details, colours and fabrics. Try to keep your eyes open, looking for decorating ideas and inspirations. You can do it!

Last but not least: as a houzz friend, Federica has chosen a Pottery Barn giveaway gift card to one of the lucky readers that will share their thoughts about her house and interview..

Thank you for sharing your beautiful home Federica!.

For your chance to win a $50 Pottery Barn gift card, comment on this interview by Sunday, May 23, at 5pm EST..


Comments

kathleen_f You have such a lovely home Federica. Thanks for sharing it with us.
3 years ago ·
bridgetsobs I love the black and white photos hanging from a clothes line!
3 years ago ·
kandy smith Love LOVE your living room, the color of the wood floors, the rug, and the slip covered seating.
3 years ago ·
snavelorac Your home is a freshly baked sugar cookie.
3 years ago ·
Traci Love her style! The bedroom is so peaceful looking. She has added so many personal decorative touches.
3 years ago ·
Vosgesparis Besite the pastels I can say I use the same whites and greys . Hai una casa bellissima Ferderica!
3 years ago ·
sharyn Beautiful!! I have the same pretty canisters in my kitchen. Yes - I got them in Italy!
3 years ago ·
cpetrie I love this house! I'm looking forward to exploring Federica's blog.
3 years ago ·
forthesakeoftime Fantastic! I love every inch your home! Thank you for sharing.
3 years ago ·
credomk I love all the romantic touches in her home. Gorgeous!
3 years ago ·
alliebean I could sooooo see myself curling up with a good book in that living room, waking from a restful sleep in that bedroom, and fixing an excellent cup of tea in that kitchen. Beautiful!
3 years ago ·
svan Gorgeous for sure! I can't wait to go explore more on her blog : )
3 years ago ·
jenncobb Seals the deal for me-I am going to get some white slipcovers! Really enjoyed your blog as well. Beautiful.
3 years ago ·
vicky I enjoyed all the pictures and creative ideas for each room. You can see throughout the house your passion for decorating. I really loved how you made your house look inviting and cozy. I like the kitchen and it gave me some ideas for my newly renovated kitchen, which at the moment looks very bare and unappealing. Thanking for sharing.
3 years ago ·
kleinsch Do you use your grandmother's linens, or store them away? I'm always afraid to use my beautiful old linens, but then, no one gets to enjoy them!
3 years ago ·
tambradunn love it. If only I can get my house to look this way.
Tambra
3 years ago ·
kbumgar Your home is gorgeous! You have a wonderful eye and a beautiful sense of style. Thank you for sharing!
3 years ago ·
Michelle Thanks for sharing! I adore how the rooms look so cozy & inviting yet are calmly sophisticated! Well done!
3 years ago ·
Stone Martin Builders Thanks for sharing your beautiful home!
3 years ago ·
inthewoods i love all the white! It is such fun to peek into beautiful homes like yours.
3 years ago ·
catzson Love your style! I will definitely be checking out your blog!
3 years ago ·
From House to Home Your home is beautiful! So peaceful and relaxing, you've done such a wonderful job with it! Best wishes on your upcoming marriage.
~Michelle
3 years ago ·
kharndt Gorgeous, restful home!
3 years ago ·
millierrn The unique display of the black and white photos are great!
3 years ago ·
gopg8r What a beautiful home! I really love what she did with her bed. Totally doable but so elegant! Thanks for the intro ... another great blog to follow!
3 years ago ·
carrieannrich So refreshing, relaxing and inviting! Love the heart stands!
3 years ago ·
Dreamy Whites I love Federica's home. Her house is beautiful. I love all of the photos.
Federica has a fantastic blog too.
Take Care,
Maria
3 years ago ·
scribbler May all your dreams come true -- you certainly have the talent!

Scribbler
3 years ago ·
muchwisor Just gorgeous!
3 years ago ·
luckyducky I see the mostly white rooms so often and they don't appeal to me because they are too white of too shabby chic. Federica's is not like that. She has such a great balance of whites along with texture and hints of color that also makes all of the rooms seem so livable too. I had not come across her blog before, but will be back.
3 years ago ·
connieshouse I could move right into this house and be very happy! I aspire to this same look. Looking forward to following your blog.
3 years ago ·
Melinda Haverland You will go far Frederica !!
Great passion and sense of style !!
Melinda
3 years ago ·
Roberta Philbrick Beautiful home and can't wait to check out Federica's blog now. Really love the "bones" the soft warm wood floors and the white wood and simple tiles in the kitchen. The textures of the linens and the pottery are like icing on a very simple, elegant cake :D
3 years ago ·
jaymienolte I love the dark floors with all the white!
3 years ago ·
Anita Beautiful home! It is so soft and relaxing but not stark. I love how the bed is tuck into a little nook. Very cozy. It just seems very warm and livable!
3 years ago ·
christineshannon I love all the white. It seems very warm and inviting. You are a very talented gal.
3 years ago ·
audrarae Thanks for the introduction! Can't wait to check out the blog!
3 years ago ·
Rough Linen Federica says the house is all new, but that wonderful bed alcove looks to me as though it used to be a wall bed. It gives such a feeling of intimacy!
Wonderful how clean the whole look is, plenty of life and character but not fussy or overwrought. Humming with sweet content.
3 years ago ·
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia Federica really is just like her title says, sweet as candy! Her house is amazing, thanks for the interview!
3 years ago ·
Vivian Ruble I absolutely LOVE everything! Your home is gorgeous and I thank you so much for sharing it with us. I have been wanting to hang some big white coffee mugs in my kitchen and this has inspired me to get in there and do it! :) Your living room is my favorite room!
3 years ago ·
a_sweet_life I really love your home! I can't wait to check out your blog. Thanks for sharing with us.
3 years ago ·
Sally Sergeant pretty pretty!
3 years ago ·
mwelch so dreamy...love it
3 years ago ·
midwifekim the white on white and letters keep it snappy!
3 years ago ·
corinneg I love your home. Thanks for sharing
3 years ago ·
salsamama Dreamy is a great word to describe your home. It is so refreshing and relaxing! Great job.
3 years ago ·
bbsms fabulous! Love the blue striped rugs in the kitchen.
3 years ago ·
centinela4 Love the console table and the way it's decorated...beautiful!
3 years ago ·
decorationbuff Love this all whites and pastells but not only to harsh whites. It's so well balanced alltogether and it feels stylish and cosy all at once. Well done also the pictures on the clothes line!!!
3 years ago ·
decorationbuff Love this all whites and pastells but not only too harsh whites. It's so well balanced alltogether and it feels stylish and cosy all at once. Well done also the pictures on the clothes line!!!
3 years ago ·
dlguess I adore your cottage style. I renovated and moved into a 1930 farmhouse last year. Your pictures of your beautiful home have given me so much inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing
3 years ago ·
Tricia Boutelle What a perfectly wonderful home. Frederica, are you taking reservations?! ;)
3 years ago ·
brisena Just like a candy, love it. I hope you realise soon your dream, 'coz oyu really got talent!!!
3 years ago ·
Rose I love the whites with the dark wood floor in the bedroom. So pretty!
3 years ago ·
katez Ethereal, cozy elegance with dollops of eye-catching surprise ~
your home is a charming celebration of your heart and your love!
I am inspired by the beauty you have created and shared.
Thank you, Federica!
3 years ago ·
katw Federica - I adore your design and decorating sense. Your house is lovely and I've bookmarked your blog, which I also love. Unless I was told, I would have guessed you lived in the U.S. and were a gifted designer. I guess terrific design transcends borders.
3 years ago ·
Anny This home is so peaceful and lovely! Plus any kitchen with cookies in a jar is a home ;)
3 years ago ·
Beth I would never have considered myself a "white" person, but your home is beautiful!! I like the white with a little taupe, black, green. It really works with a few punches of color. I love it!
3 years ago ·
Whimages I've been following Frederica's blog since we were both featured on dreamy whites. She's so effortlessly STYLISH! I Love all of her design especially that little wooden side table with the lovely accessories!
3 years ago ·
madisondavis What a dreamy home!! I loved each and every room - super stylish and so welcoming! I can't wait to check out Frederica's blog! Thank you so much for sharing!!
3 years ago ·
roostercoop Thanks for sharing your home. I love your neutral decor with pops of fun colors.
3 years ago ·
tbliss I just found Frederica's blog a few weeks ago and love her style, so glad to see her on Houzz. Thanks for sharing!
3 years ago ·
dazeofgrace Frederica, your house is lovely. The white urns contrasted with the green topiaries, serene. When we first moved into our home I loved to sit in the family room and soak up the coziness of it. Thank you for sharing.
3 years ago ·
leah_kay I love how calm your home seems to be. Quite a retreat. Thank you for sharing with us.
3 years ago ·
megan1 This is so pretty and charming. I love seeing new talent and new blogs. I can't wait to go and check out her blog.
3 years ago ·
aangle This is beautiful! Her style is very similar to what I'm going for in our home, and I loved seeing how she did things! I'm excited to look through the blog!
3 years ago ·
bethanyachristian what beautiful photos! Thanks for sharing.
3 years ago ·
bullhunt You have a beautiful home. I love that your home feels as though you can really live in it. I also love that it is a style that is very obtainable in a small space. I can't wait to explore you blog. Thank you so much for sharing.
3 years ago ·
thewhole9yards WOW Just love so many things !!! Love all the whites! Beautiful!!!
3 years ago ·
vintagejunktiques Crisp, clean & divine! I am loving the black and white photography with the wire and clothespin! What is it? Where do I get one?
3 years ago ·
ferncottage Love the clean fresh whites! You definitely have a way of keeping the world of whites warm and inviting! Thanks for allowing us a glimpse into your world...
3 years ago ·
8675309 Having been born in Napoli....anything that has a coastal, lived in, natural feel is where I enjoy spending time. The beauty of the Meditteranean, in it's culture, foods, lifestyle, colors, are an inspiration for the house to feel like home. Thank you and Brava!!
3 years ago ·
Beth Barrett I love Federica and her awesome blog Sweet As Candy...it's a daily read, her house is gorgeous! Thanks so much for sharing! xoxo Beth
3 years ago ·
Brenda Bowen Absolutely beautiful.
3 years ago ·
Sassy Sunshine love the photo (of you?) in the heart holder. Although, your scale (bright red) doesn't really seem to fit with the rest of your house pics (white, creamy, & little pastel colors here & there). Thanks for sharing. :)
3 years ago ·
mbt110 Love your house - the use of whites, creams and pastels makes it feel like a soothing, relaxing place. So glad to hear you use your family's old linens; I even have some from my great-grandmother. They only get softer with use.
3 years ago ·
amore I would love to visit your home as there would be so much to discover and appreciate. The colour scheme is realaxing and fresh. Thanks for sharing your home!
3 years ago ·
mmorgan14 i love your home. i like your style. we have the same taste, all stuff natural. thanks for sharing
3 years ago ·
prose You have a beautiful home! I love how clean, yet inviting it feels!
3 years ago ·
traceyg You are an inspiration!! Thanks for inviting us into your beautiful home. XOXO Tracey
3 years ago ·
traceyg me again ... I can't wait to see what you do with a wedding!!!! :-) Congratulations on your exciting news!
3 years ago ·
leslie5088 I love your attention to detail. Your home looks like it has been put together over time. Not an easy thing to achieve!
3 years ago ·
chaulzie massie I absolutely love the wooden countertops in the kitchen and the wholesome look in all of the rooms. It is a beautiful home! Thanks for sharing!
3 years ago ·
esblondie Beautiful home!!
3 years ago ·
tredding1224 I love all of these fantastic touches - especially the black and white photos with the clothespins. What are they attached to?
Thanks for sharing your fantastic style!
Tracy
3 years ago ·
tess Very cozy home - I imagine it will be difficult to move when the time comes!
3 years ago ·
crafty_in_paradise Oh dear. I need another blog to follow, like I need another hole in my head, but who could resist?? Besides, I'm completely infatuated with Italy!
3 years ago ·
asand83 I absolutely love the paper-clipped photo design. Brilliant! I think I will recreate that by creating the grid within a giant picture frame and hang it on the wall that way. Thank you for a very sweet little blog!
3 years ago ·
aclegg I love your home and I can't wait to view your blog! Seeing these pictures makes me want to redo my house.
3 years ago ·
Lacy Love the house and love the blog name!
3 years ago ·
Sweet as a Candy Oh wow, I am speechless. Thank you soo much everyone, you made my week!
You are all soo kind to me and all your nice comments warm my heart.
Many of you liked my heart photo holder, I have found them in a beautiful italian store, situated in the centre of my city. But I think that they're not difficult to make by yourself.
Thanks again everyone!
3 years ago ·
licha20 Loving the color combinations! Thank you for sharing your lovely home with us!
3 years ago ·
bskrobuton Just beautiful I am off to your blog now.......everthing is just beautiful thank you
3 years ago ·
lhartz I too am a lover of the white farmhouse style. Your home looks very inviting.
3 years ago ·
cupid2410 The home is so calm and welcoming! It's a place I would love to spend the weekend to relax!
3 years ago ·
islandgirl awesome home.. it has a warm feeling.. thanks for sharing
3 years ago ·
nevans Your home is beautiful! I love the hearts -- I see one in just about every room. Frederica, I think it's time to give up that law office job and focus on interior design!
3 years ago ·
darcybrynn Wow, I have always loved white interiors, but not sure I could live with them myself. I think I need a little color in my life!
3 years ago ·
Lori McKenna I love, love, love, the white sofas. I just ordered two for my new remodel. I have 5 kids and 6 grandkids. Did I do the wrong thing?
3 years ago ·
colleenwatson love your choice of decorating, a warm and comfortable home with your unique design!
going to your blog next!
3 years ago ·
hayley I love all the white and grey and the bedroom is beautiful!!
3 years ago ·
ribenny Federica you have such a lovely home! I love the colors and the living room is perfect!
I keep following you on your blog.

Love
Ri BENNY
3 years ago ·
debmama24 So gorgeous! I love, love, love the clothespins and pictures. The vintage feel of your home seems so cozy! Breathtakingly beautiful I should say :)
3 years ago ·
ctervort What an absolutely beautiful home. I'd love to sit on your couch, and read, and bake a sweet treat also.
3 years ago ·
amypfredland Lovely, lovely, lovely. I especially like how you have displayed your b&w photos. Thanks for the inspiration.
3 years ago ·
simplymeandmaggie Beautiful multifunctional room! The use of white makes it feel spacious!
3 years ago ·
dmarcol Absolutely beautiful! I want to move in!
3 years ago ·
katiemack I love how you said you don't have to follow the mood of the moment...so true! You're house is dreamy. :)
3 years ago ·
jacqueline I love how your home looks real and lived in, yet so beautiful.
3 years ago ·
Mandi Smith T You need to come to Birmingham, AL and visit a store called White Flowers. It reminds me of your home and it would be such an inspiration to you for starting your own!
3 years ago ·
thebrownsfield I am a big fan of yours Fredrica, a follower of your blog and enjoy it so much. Your home is splendid!
3 years ago ·
Cindy Jones I love your style. The little touches of green plants bring everything to life.
3 years ago ·
kharris Wow! All that white really adds to the sense of light in the space; does it feel larger that way, I wonder? The living room's subtle accents of pale pink and linen brown really help break up the overall feeling of whiteness (too much, I think, and it would almost be blinding, or clinical).

I notice that there aren't very many patterns on things (i.e., linens, dishes, etc.); is this a personal preference, or something that was edited from the space for these photos?
3 years ago ·
reggie Love that first photo. What a great space. Thanks for sharing.
3 years ago ·
giorgiana Federica complimenti hai arredato la tua casa con molto gusto! Mi piace tutto e` calda ed elegante!
2 years ago ·
ngum Love the black and white photos on clothes pins!
12 months ago · ·
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Ideabook updated on May 15, 2010.

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