A coffee with Tess Doorenbos
Hi Tess, welcome to the Lepelclub Journal! We’re so happy to have you here. Let’s start stirring, who is Tess?
Hi, I’m Tess, 28. I’ve always been drawn to interiors, vintage treasures and pieces with a story. I love creating spaces that feel warm, personal and a little unexpected, a reflection of the people who live in them.
Where did you grow up, and where do you call home now?
I was born and raised in Rotterdam, where I live again today. I spent a few years in Amsterdam during my studies, but eventually found my way back to the familiar feeling of home.
You’ve always had a love for interiors and vintage treasures. Was there a piece that first made you fall in love with the world of interiors?
There wasn’t one particular piece that started it all. I think my love for interiors grew naturally from being surrounded by it. My mum and my bomma (grandmother) both passed on their appreciation for creating a home that feels warm and personal.
Growing up with that, I learned that it’s often the little details, the objects you collect over time and the things that mean something to you, that make a house feel like home.
What sparked Studio Nonna?
Studio Nonna grew out of my lifelong love for interiors and my eye for pieces that feel a little different. I’ve always loved discovering objects with character, whether vintage finds or something new that feels timeless.
For me, it’s about more than just interiors. It’s about romanticising the everyday, making ordinary moments feel a little more special, whether that’s setting the table, lighting a candle or finding the perfect little detail for your home.
I wanted to create a place where I could bring that feeling to life and share it with others. Studio Nonna is my way of celebrating the little things that make a house feel like home.
We love the idea that the pieces around us can tell a story. When you’re searching for a new vintage find, what makes you stop and think: “this needs to come home with me”?
I’m drawn to pieces that have a certain character to them. It might be an unusual shape, a beautiful colour, a playful detail or simply the feeling that you haven’t seen anything quite like it before.
I don’t necessarily look for something perfect. I love it when a piece adds something unexpected to a space, or when you can imagine the stories it might already have. If it feels special and I can picture it in my home straight away, that’s usually a good sign!
If you could dream big for Studio Nonna, what would the future look like?
I’d love to see Studio Nonna continue to grow into a world of its own, always staying true to its love for warmth, character and thoughtful details.
I started with cordless table lamps, and I’m excited to keep building on that foundation, exploring new designs and bringing more ideas to life. Beyond the products themselves, I hope Studio Nonna can keep inspiring people to create homes that feel personal and full of character.
And of course, I’d love to see where this little dream can take me. There’s still so much I’d like to explore!
If we joined you for a day in Rotterdam, where would you take us?
I’d start with a morning walk through Het Park, followed by breakfast at Parqiet, the perfect way to ease into the day. Then I’d take you to Casa di Vicini in Kralingen, a lovely shop to wander around and discover beautiful things.
In the afternoon, we’d head to Wijnbar Juni for a glass of wine, before ending the day with dinner at Broei. A little bit of greenery, lovely interiors, good food and plenty of time to enjoy it all. That’s my kind of day in Rotterdam.
And, of course, we can’t let you leave without our favourite question: how would you take your coffee?
A cappuccino, always! With regular milk, please, no fuss, no fancy alternatives for me. Preferably enjoyed slowly, in a cosy spot.
