bedMATE of the month #34: Naiara Sabander
Every month we visit a creative and inspiring person. They are the "bedMATE of the month."
The bedMATE is the most iconic item in our collection. This extra-long pillow serves as a headboard, but also as a cuddle buddy, a supportive friend.
We're climbing into bed with the "bedMATE of the month." We'll take a look inside their homes and their colorful (bed)rooms. We'll talk about how they experience the SUITE life. What's on their minds? Where do they find their inspiration? And what color do they dream in?
This month's bedMATE is Naiara Sabandar. Chef, tea lover, and co-owner of the canteen and design studio Oficina and Fonda Café & Bar at the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam.
After starting out in the fashion world, Naiara discovered her true passion during her travels: cooking. From LA to Berlin and South Korea, where she immersed herself in temple food, each experience left a lasting impression. Back in Amsterdam, that love of food found its expression at Oficina.
Upon arriving at Naiara's, we're immediately overwhelmed by the view. Her home in Amsterdam-Oost exudes tranquility; a place that perfectly reflects her calm energy. She's just back from Fonda, she tells us. It wasn't open during the shoot, but now it's a real hotspot on Museumplein. Fonda Café is located on the first floor, next to the building's iconic staircase.
Right now, I'm mainly at Fonda, our new restaurant in the Stedelijk Museum. I'm working with the team daily and developing the menu. We're also busy with wonderful catering and special projects. This week, I'm off to Barcelona for a pop-up at wine bar Canvis Nous, and we're preparing for a special project in Japan this summer.
Naiara began her career in fashion. “After graduating from AMFI, I worked in fashion for a while, primarily abroad. I quickly discovered that my passion lay in cooking. I traveled to various places, from LA to Berlin, and learned about Korean temple food in South Korea. Meanwhile, I started my own small kitchen in Amsterdam. That adventure eventually grew into Oficina, together with my business partner Zana, whom I met during my studies.”
What's on your interior design wish list? The Stone Garden tatami rug from Time & Style.
What snack do you always have on hand? Potato chips and gim, Korean roasted seaweed.
Do you have a favorite architect? Luis Barragán remains a huge inspiration for me.
How do you relax? By making tea. Not from a large teapot, but Gongfu Cha style. A small teapot, small cups, and lots of tea that I re-brew at least ten times. It's my morning ritual.
How do you use the bedMATE? On the bed, as a headrest.
Do you sleep together or separately? Together, under one large duvet.
What's a must-have on your nightstand? My white noise machine, an eye mask, and the "Awareness" room spray from Ryoko in Berlin—she makes truly unique and all-natural scents.
What's the craziest place you've ever slept? Maybe not crazy, but certainly magical: in a temple in South Korea, high on a mountain, next to a river. On a thin mat, surrounded by the sounds of nature.
Where would you love to sleep someday? On a tea plantation.
What's one thing you absolutely can't sleep without? A blanket—even when it's scorching hot.
Your favorite spot in the house? The living room couch, overlooking the water. At dusk, the paper Noguchi lamp comes on and casts a beautiful, warm glow.
What item says a lot about you? My teapot collection, and the colorful handmade cloth from Japan.
What did you want to be when you were younger? Anything from a dolphin instructor to a lawyer, haha. I also dreamed of having my own little shop. I kind of achieved that last one.
Your favorite color combination? Dark brown with orange, yellow, or blue. Brown feels earthy and simple, blue is calming, and orange and yellow give me energy.
How would you describe your interior style? Simple, warm, and functional.
