Cira (living in Berlin) and Lischa (living in Milan) are the creative sister duo behind Don & Dandy, a passion project born from resilience and a love for design. What started as a personal distraction for Cira during a challenging time evolved into an exciting design journey shared with Lischa, creating colorful spaces and their own line of distinctive interior products! We join Cira (and Otis too!) in her electric Berlin flat, where color experimentation, upcycled and handcrafted items, and an eclectic approach to interiors bring the creative vision to life. Whether drawing inspiration from travel, each other or stepping outside their comfort zone with new DIY projects, this duo’s work is all about infusing colorful personality and joy into everyday life.

You started your journey with your sister Lischa, creating Don & Dandy. Can you tell us a bit about how it all began?

It all started during a difficult time when I was struggling with my mental health, particularly depression. I needed something to distract myself, so I dove into DIY projects, like making tile cubes or hand-tufted carpets. It was my way of adding color to a world that felt pretty grey back then. Lischa, my sister, has always been a close part of my journey, and over time, this passion turned into something much bigger - something we both are so excited to build together.

How do you integrate your love for design into your everyday life?

Design is such an integral part of our lives—it’s everywhere we go! Whether it’s discovering cool coffee spots, visiting vintage shops, or exploring museums and events, we’re always on the lookout for new inspiration. Everything around us holds an aesthetic vibe, and it’s amazing how much we can draw from it to get inspired.

How has your personal experience with health challenges influenced the way you approach life?

Depression and alopecia have both been incredibly tough, but they’ve shaped the way I see life. Overcoming depression has made me feel proud of who I am today, though the alopecia still presents its own set of challenges, especially since there's not much I can do to change it. But I believe life is all about balance and change - sometimes we have to go through tough times to really appreciate the good ones. I try to stay positive and find beauty in the ups and downs of life.

What’s a recent project that pushed you out of your comfort zone, and what did you learn from it?

A recent challenge for us has been doing Home Tours! Both Lischa and I are a bit shy in front of the camera, but we know that stepping out of our comfort zone will help us connect more with our community. It’s definitely been a challenge, but we’re determined to keep trying. And while we may not be total pros yet, we’re learning and growing every step of the way! :D Be patient with us!

What role does color play in your design process, and how do you choose your palette?

Color is everything for us! We love experimenting with pastels and bold primary colors, always looking for that perfect balance and contrast. For example, in our living room, we chose the vibrant electric blue of the Formel A Sofabed as the centerpiece. It’s a bold choice, so we’ve balanced it with softer tones around the room. And to add a little funky flair, we incorporate chrome elements that give it a bit of retro space-age vibes!

How do you stay motivated and inspired when faced with creative blocks?

Thankfully, we have each other. If one of us is feeling low, the other can usually pick up. It’s a great dynamic that helps us stay motivated. But we also believe that it’s okay to take a break sometimes and just let our minds reset. Creativity flows better when we don’t force it.

What’s an aspect of Berlin’s creative scene that has particularly influenced your work?

Berlin is such an inspiring place because it really encourages individuality. There’s this amazing creative community that thrives on collaboration and shared aesthetics, but at the same time, everyone has the freedom to express themselves however they want. It’s that energy and spirit of acceptance that keeps us constantly inspired.

How do you incorporate elements of your travels into your home and design work?

When we travel, we make an effort to really immerse ourselves in the local culture—whether that’s through visiting local spots, trying new foods, or chatting with the locals. One of our favorite experiences this year was a retro, space-age bar in Mallorca. Every little detail was so carefully designed, and we kept discovering new things every time we looked around—it was just perfect! If you’re ever in Mallorca, make sure to visit Trobar.

What’s the biggest risk you’ve taken in your career, and how did it turn out?

Honestly, I don’t think we’ve taken the biggest risk yet. We’ve talked about “it” a lot, but we’re still building up the courage. We hope that when the time comes, we’ll be ready share it with everyone!

How do you maintain balance between your creative ambitions and your daily routines?

It’s definitely challenging. Both of us work full-time jobs, so we usually dive into our creative projects on weekends or in the evenings. But it’s our passion, and it brings us so much joy that those extra hours and late nights feel totally worth it. We know all the hard work will pay off eventually!

What’s the most meaningful compliment you’ve received about your design work?

The most meaningful compliment is when people tell us that they can feel the passion we put into our projects. That really warms our hearts and reminds us why we do what we do.