Welcome back to Design Hunter, where we delve into the inspiring homes of creative individuals. Today, we are absolutely thrilled to open the doors to the delightful Sheffield residence of India and Magnus, the visionaries behind the celebrated platform Haarkon. India, a truly gifted photographer, possesses an extraordinary ability to transform the mundane into the magnificent. Her keen eye for detail and her unique perspective have captivated me for years, a fascination that has only deepened as my own journey into photography has evolved. I’ve long admired how she captures the subtle beauty inherent in everyday scenes, finding artistry in the seemingly ordinary. When I recently encountered these enchanting images of her home on the Haarkon blog, I knew instantly that I had to feature their space on Design Hunter. Thankfully, India graciously agreed, and it is with immense pleasure that we share this exclusive tour with you.
India and Magnus are known for their distinctive approach to living, reflected beautifully in their blog and shop, which they aptly describe as “a journal of modest travel and real-life interiors.” This philosophy extends seamlessly into their home—a charming ground-floor apartment nestled within a 1970s development in the verdant south of Sheffield. Their living space is much more than just a home; it’s a living canvas, meticulously curated to celebrate their profound passion for plants. This dedication to green living isn’t just a trend for them; it’s a fundamental aspect of their lifestyle, fostering a tranquil and vibrant atmosphere that invites both contemplation and connection with nature.
For India and Magnus, plants are far more than mere decor. “Plants play a large part in our lives – they bring life to a space and some sort of companionship too,” India shares, articulating a sentiment many plant enthusiasts can relate to. They view their botanical companions as sentient beings, each with its own unique personality and needs. This perspective transforms plant care into an engaging and deeply rewarding endeavor. “We like to learn their nuances and have to experiment to find out what they like or don’t like; keeping plants is about being responsive and solving problems, but also just exercising common sense – thinking about their natural habitat and trying to give them something as close to that as possible.” This mindful approach to plant parenting highlights their commitment to fostering a thriving urban jungle, where every leaf and stem tells a story of care and attention. Their home serves as a testament to the transformative power of biophilic design, seamlessly integrating the natural world into their daily lives.
Among their impressive collection, while they claim no absolute favorites, one plant holds a particularly special place in their hearts: the majestic tall Umbrella plant (Schefflera). “Although we have no favourites the tall Umbrella plant (Schefflera) is particularly important as it was our first purchase,” India recalls fondly. This pioneering plant has not only flourished but has become a significant marker of their journey into plant parenthood. It now stands proudly at over seven feet tall, continually sprouting new shoots, a vibrant symbol of growth and enduring companionship. Its robust presence anchors the space, providing a dramatic focal point while embodying the enduring success of their green-thumbed efforts. This magnificent Schefflera is a constant reminder of how their passion for plants began and how it has beautifully evolved over time.
The unique setting of their apartment further enhances its appeal and the connection to nature that India and Magnus cherish. “Our apartment is surrounded by trees and the river runs past us so we can hear that constantly, as well as the birds that have become our neighbours,” India describes, painting a picture of serene immersion. The gentle murmur of the river and the lively chorus of birds provide a continuous, soothing soundtrack to their daily lives, creating a tranquil retreat from the urban hustle. This natural symphony elevates the apartment from a simple living space to a peaceful sanctuary, where the boundaries between indoors and outdoors beautifully blur. They’ve now called this idyllic spot home for approximately eight months, and their affection for it remains as strong as ever. Their journey to this spacious haven began with a significant transition. They moved from a “tiny city centre flat,” a stark contrast to their current dwelling. Although still a one-bedroom property, the difference in scale is transformative. “We have almost double the space and it feels like we’re walking into a village hall instead of our living room,” India elaborates, perfectly capturing the sense of liberation and openness they now enjoy. This newfound spaciousness allows their collection of plants to truly breathe and their minimalist aesthetic to unfold naturally, contributing to an overall feeling of calm and expansive comfort.
One of the most striking and cherished features of their home is undoubtedly the magnificent windows. “One of the best aspects of living here is the huge windows that we have. They fill the wall in our living room and make us feel very connected to the view beyond the sofa,” India explains. These expansive windows are not merely architectural elements; they are dynamic portals to the natural world, flooding the living space with an abundance of natural light and offering ever-changing vistas. The external scenery—the swaying trees, the flowing river, the seasonal shifts—becomes an integral, living part of their interior design. “It’s a view that changes every day and we are incredibly lucky to have it.” This constant, natural spectacle means their home always feels alive, responsive to the rhythm of the environment. The interplay of light and shadow, the vibrant greens of summer, the fiery hues of autumn, and the stark beauty of winter all contribute to a dynamic and deeply engaging living experience, reinforcing their profound connection to the surrounding landscape.
Beyond the verdant foliage, another carefully curated collection speaks volumes about India and Magnus’s appreciation for craftsmanship and sensory experiences: their ever-expanding array of whiskies. “We like whisky so have a growing collection of different malts,” India notes, highlighting a shared passion. This isn’t merely about collecting bottles; it’s an exploration into the rich tapestry of flavors, aromas, and histories encapsulated within each spirit. “It is a sensory experience, one to savour and is unabashedly poetic.” Each dram offers a moment of reflection, an opportunity to engage the senses and appreciate the artistry involved in its creation. Their collection, much like their plants, represents a journey of discovery and a pursuit of nuanced beauty. A long-held dream encapsulates this passion: “one day we would love to do a tour of the Japanese distilleries and get really engrossed in the world of their whisky.” This aspiration underscores their deep interest in the cultural and artisanal heritage behind their chosen libation, reflecting a broader inclination towards authentic experiences and refined tastes within their home.
Their bedroom continues the theme of incorporating found objects with a rich history, imbuing their space with character and a sense of thoughtful repurposing. “Our bedside lamps are old factory lights that would have hung bulb-side down over the factory floor,” India reveals, highlighting the unique origin of these industrial-chic pieces. The discovery of these gems in a shop in Matlock for a mere £15 speaks to their talent for uncovering hidden treasures and seeing potential in discarded items. Rather than seeking out brand-new, mass-produced items, India and Magnus opt for objects with a story, transforming them to suit their modern needs. To make these powerful lights suitable for a cozy bedroom, they ingeniously adapted them: “we put IKEA LED lights behind the bulbs to reinstate them as lights. The original bulbs are 400w so they would be a little bright for the bedroom!” This clever modification perfectly balances form and function, preserving the industrial aesthetic while ensuring a comfortable and energy-efficient illumination for their private sanctuary. It’s a perfect example of their ability to blend utilitarian design with contemporary living, crafting a unique and personal environment.
The living room features another remarkable piece with an industrial past, gifted to them by Magnus’s parents. “The clock in our living room was a gift from Magnus’ parents and would have been hung on a factory wall somewhere – it’s a Master clock and so would be linked to other clocks that followed its lead.” This vintage timepiece is not just a functional object; it’s a tangible link to history, a reminder of a bygone era of industry and precision. The concept of a Master clock, dictating time for an entire factory, adds a fascinating layer of narrative to the piece, transforming it into a silent sentinel of time and purpose. Beyond its historical significance, the clock’s aesthetic appeals deeply to their refined tastes. “We love the typeface as the ‘1’s are just beautiful.” This attention to seemingly small details, like the elegance of a numeral, underscores their discerning eye for design. Their overarching design philosophy is clear and consistent: “We like clean, simple and functional design so it suits us perfectly.” This ethos is evident throughout their home, where every item, whether a flourishing plant or a salvaged industrial artifact, is chosen for its inherent beauty, purpose, and contribution to a calm, uncluttered environment. Their home is a harmonious blend of natural elements, honest materials, and functional beauty, all contributing to an interior that is both deeply personal and effortlessly stylish.
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Our heartfelt thanks go to India and Magnus for graciously inviting Design Hunter into their truly exceptional home. Their space is a beautiful testament to the power of thoughtful curation, a deep connection to nature, and an appreciation for objects with history and character. It’s an inspiring example of how to create a tranquil, meaningful environment that reflects personal passions and a simple, functional aesthetic.
For those seeking more inspiration for creating their own urban jungle or simply wishing to immerse themselves in stunning visuals and thoughtful narratives, we highly recommend exploring the Haarkon blog. You can also follow their captivating journey and daily doses of plant-filled beauty on Instagram via @haarkon_. Additionally, do not miss India’s personal Instagram account, @indiahobson. Her photographic work is a masterclass in capturing the delicate interplay of light and the quiet elegance of everyday scenes, rendered in beautifully soft, natural colour palettes. Her images consistently find and highlight the extraordinary within the ordinary, offering a fresh perspective on the world around us. We are confident you will find endless inspiration in their creative world.
All images for this feature are courtesy of Haarkon, showcasing their exceptional talent and eye for beauty.