Bold expression, color therapy and the art of living out loud
Somewhere between Berlin’s raw creative pulse and Milan’ sun-drenched vibrancy, Don and Dandy have created a world that feels like a living collage of color, emotion and unapologetic self-expression. The sister duo, known for their eclectic, bold and hyper contemporary interiors, don’t simply decorate rooms – they construct atmospheres that challenge the conventional idea of what a “beautiful home” should look like. Their aesthetic is fearless, playful and deeply personal, pushing boundaries with an intuitive confidence that feels both refreshing and necessary.
What began as a gentle act of self-care during a difficult chapter in life soon transformed into a shared creative language. A world where color became therapy, and small DIY projects became moments of healing, connection and rediscovery. From hand-painted objects that brought joy back into daily routines, to immersive interior concepts that practically radiate personality, Don & Dandy’s journey was never about a grand master plan. Instead, it unfolded organically — guided by instinct, curiosity and a beautifully chaotic harmony that now defines their signature style.
Their creative process mirrors their philosophy: feelings first, perfection last. Inspiration comes from everything — a beautiful stairwell, a chance color pairing spotted in a café, or the nostalgic echoes of the 60s, 70s and 80s reimagined through a modern lens. Balancing between digital mood boards and hands-on craftsmanship, they build spaces that feel layered, expressive and alive. A mix of soft and hard, matte and shine, old and new — all coexisting in unapologetic color stories that feel as bold as they are inviting.
At the heart of their work lies a genuine connection to their community. Through Instagram, they don’t just showcase results – they share process, vulnerability and spontaneity. Inviting their audience into moments of uncertainty, laughter, experimentation and growth, Don & Dandy embody a new kind of creative presence: honest, evolving and human.
To meet Don and Dandy is to step into a universe where color is not just an aesthetic choice – it is a statement, a mood, a rebellion and a celebration all at once. A place where living differently isn’t just encouraged – it’s the whole point.
Interview with Don & Dandy
allspraypainted: How did it all start for you? When did you go: Let’s just do this?
Don and Dandy: We didn’t have one of those classic ‘And then we had THE idea!’ moments. It all developed rather slowly and quite organically – with a lot of gut feeling, improvisation and a fair amount of coffee.
It was a pretty special time, especially for Cira. She was struggling with depression at the time and spent a lot of time alone at home. Everything felt grey – and at some point she realised: ‘I have to do something that’s good for me.’ During this phase, we talked a lot – sometimes for hours – about colors, shapes and creative ideas. This led to the first small DIY projects: colorful decorative objects, little things for her flat that simply brought a bit of color and joy back into everyday life. Nothing big, but just the right thing.
What started as a little distraction gradually took up more and more space in our everyday lives. And at some point, the question arose: why don’t we just turn it into something of our own? Something that not only nourishes us, but perhaps also gives others the same joy and inspiration?
And so Don and Dandy came into being piece by piece – intuitively, with a lot of heart, humor and, yes… always a little bit of chaos. But that’s just part of who we are. We still don’t have a fixed master plan today. We follow our curiosity and let ourselves be surprised by where the journey will take us. In any case, there is no shortage of ideas – that’s for sure. We are open to new ideas and suggestions.
allspraypainted: Where do you get your ideas from?
Don and Dandy: Quite often, simply from everyday life. When we’re out and about, we see a cool tile, a colour combination, a piece of furniture somewhere – and suddenly we have something new in mind. It could be in a café, in a hotel, sometimes even just in a stairwell. It doesn’t even have to be fancy, the main thing is that it does something to us.
And we also look back a lot at the past – the 60s, 70s, 80s… There are so many details, colours and materials that are totally back in fashion. And we love reinterpreting these vibes, making them modern. Combining, experimenting, playing around a bit – that’s just part of what we do.
allspraypainted: What do materials mean to you?
Don and Dandy: Materials are definitely a big part of what we do. We work a lot with wood, fabric, tiles, colors – basically anything that can be processed in some way. It’s important to us that it feels good, that it fits the space, but also that it’s flexible.
For us, it’s not about turning a piece of wood into a work of art – it’s more about how small changes and combinations of materials can turn something ordinary into something special. And we enjoy mixing different things – soft with firm, shiny with matt, old with new.
allspraypainted: How did the interior design come about?
Don and Dandy: At some point, we simply realized: we don’t want to just live – we want to live differently. In a way that reflects us. The flats we had before were nice, minimalist and clean, but somehow they weren’t really us. So we wanted rooms that told a bit more of a story. Rooms that you walk into and immediately feel: this place has personality.
allspraypainted: How does a project like this work for you – and what do you enjoy most?
Don and Dandy: It usually starts with an idea – sometimes clear, sometimes more of a feeling. We collect impressions, colors, materials and see which direction it takes us in. Mood boards help us to form an initial picture, which we then refine step by step.
Then it’s time to experiment. We move things around, test colours, discard ideas that seemed brilliant yesterday, and often start from scratch. Not because we’re indecisive (although sometimes we are) – but because we know that good things take time. Our creativity rarely runs in a linear fashion.
Then comes the technical part, where we implement everything. Sometimes it goes super smoothly… and sometimes it just goes completely wrong. That’s when you get frustrated for a moment and need a day or two off to gain some distance. It’s like in a relationship, when you’re too close and eventually get on each other’s nerves – a little distance can sometimes work wonders.
But that’s exactly when the best moment comes: the satisfaction when everything is finished, you look at the room or the object and you’re just happy. The styling part is the most exciting – and definitely the most rewarding. The only part we really don’t like? Tidying everything up again after the craft chaos. Haha.
allspraypainted: And Instagram? How important is it for you?
Don and Dandy: Without Instagram, many people would not even notice our projects – and we would have far fewer opportunities to connect with people. It’s simply the platform where we can show what we do, get feedback, find inspiration and also be honest when something doesn’t go as planned. What we still struggle with is speaking in front of the camera. Neither of us is the most relaxed in that situation. But we know it’s part of the job – and we’re working on it. This interview and the collaboration with allspraypainted is already a good step in that direction.
allspraypainted: Do you have a favorite color in the Montana Cans range?
What we really love is the Gold Line. And in general, what we love about Montana Cans is that there are so many different shades of each color. You can always find exactly the right shade for the object. Of course, the Tech sprays are an absolute staple to make the paint stick well on almost any surface and make the finish look super professional. And every now and then, we’re also open to trying out a few cool effects, for example the Glitter Effect for Christmas this year.
allspraypainted: How much do you do digitally, how much of the work analog?
Don and Dandy: Pretty evenly balanced. We usually start digitally – Pinterest, mood boards, colour inspirations, concepts. We can totally lose ourselves in that. But when it comes to implementation, it becomes analog. That’s when we build, paint, drill, decorate. Craftsmanship is an integral part of our process. We need both – one gives us direction, the other brings it to life.
allspraypainted: What’s in store for you in 2026?
Don and Dandy: 2026 is definitely going to be even more colorful. We have a few new projects in the pipeline – which we can’t reveal yet, of course – classics. But there are a few things we’re already looking forward to. Cira is starting an apprenticeship in a trade, which would be a whole new chapter. And otherwise? We’ll just take the year as it comes. We have lots of ideas, lots of motivation, and we’re excited to see where the journey takes us.
allspraypainted: How important is color to you?
Don and Dandy: Is ‘very’ enough?
allspraypainted: Has your community changed your work?
Don and Dandy: Yes, definitely. We get so many messages, questions and little tips – and that gives us a lot in return. Often, a comment suddenly gives rise to a new idea, or others introduce us to materials and techniques that we hadn’t even considered before. It’s great to see how much input comes from the community. It doesn’t feel like we’re just showing something and that’s it. It’s a real exchange that works both ways. And that’s exactly what makes it so valuable to us.
A future painted in bold strokes and fearless color
With 2026 already shimmering on the horizon, Don and Dandy show no signs of slowing down — only evolving. New projects, undisclosed collaborations and fresh creative chapters await, all guided by the same intuitive spirit that brought them here in the first place. Whether it’s experimenting with Montana Cans Gold Line and Effect sprays, diving deeper into craftsmanship, or possibly entering an entirely new field through Cira’s aspiration to learn a trade, their path remains thrillingly unpredictable.
What makes Don and Dandy truly stand out is their emotional honesty and their unwavering commitment to creating spaces that feel real, expressive and alive. They don’t aim for perfection – they aim for feeling. And through their vivid color palettes, layered textures and daring compositions, they remind us that interior design can be bold, fun and profoundly personal.
In a world that so often gravitates towards minimalism and restraint, Don and Dandy stand as vibrant proof that maximalism, individuality and joy deserve their place in the spotlight. Their spaces tell stories. Their colors speak. And their creative chaos feels like freedom.
We can’t wait to see how their journey unfolds next — but one thing is certain: whatever comes, it will be anything but beige.
