From Place To Space: Design Fun In Berlin

Two weeks ago I set off for an early bird flight from Munich to Berlin to attend a four days design blogger tour in the German capital. This was the second design blogger tour after Copenhagen. I was looking forward to meeting my fellow bloggers and friends and exploring design in the popular city of Berlin. Even though I had a slight cold (which turned into a nasty cold leaving me without voice in the midst of Berlin snowstorms), I was determined to enjoy to the max. And so I did.

We were based in the hip Michelberger Hotel in Eastern Berlin and had a fun-filled agenda. One highlight was a styling challenge for 'Fashion for Home', but I will tell you more about it in a later post. Another great part was a 'Green Design Tour' guided by GoArt! Berlin, customized for us by our hosts from 'Visit Berlin'. First they took us out for dinner to a über-cool Berlin-style vegetarian restaurant and club called 'Cookies Cream' (hidden in a gloomy backyard). And the next day they guided us to some amazing stores, studios, museums and ateliers with a focus on sustainable, local design. Let me take you along.

We started off in an old brewery that turned into a cultural center and strolled down the street to the art and architecture center AEDES where we enjoyed a special opening of their current exhibition on new architectural project around the globe. This was followed by a fabulous atelier/shop called 'Heer', where the founder's grandchild Daniel Heer continues a family tradition of manufacturing leather mattresses filled with horsehair, leather furniture and bags - the place was a real gem and the story and work of Daniel Heer beyond fascinating. I enjoyed so much the fact that a young man strives for a career in manufacturing high-quality goods and perpetuating a long lasting family tradition.

Absolutely inspired we set off to discover a great shop with a fun name: 'Noodles, Noodles & Noodles'. The owner introduced us to the philosophy of the sustainably produced furniture pieces and made us regret we came by plane cause we couldn't buy anything of the great design pieces. The official tour was rounded up by a visit to a fantastic photo studio called 'Imago' where you can take 1:1 sized black and white photos of yourself with a retro vibe. Happy and tired we enjoyed lunch with our nice hosts before we decided to check out more stores by ourselves.

We visited the huge Modulor store with all kind of stationery and DIY equipment, the fabulous concept store Voo in Kreuzberg, the Berlin office of the Stockholm-based real estate agency 'Fantastic Franck' and the design concept store 'Supergrau Apartment' where we were invited to dine with the staff. It's pretty logic that even a design tour needs to be fed well, so we gladly accepted another lunch invitation by the folks over at the German headquarters of Etsy. 

After lot of walking, fighting the snowstorm and fierce winds, after gallons of ginger tea with honey and layers and layers of warm clothing, I was happy and tired back in Munich. And I still have more to tell you. But that I will keep for another post. Happy new week, friends!

Photography by Igor Josifovic, photo no. 4 by Riikka Kantinkoski

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From Place To Space: Quaint Regensburg

Every Monday I try to take you with me on a little inspiring voyage to discover new places and spaces. It is my way of fighting the Monday blues of returning to offices, duties and chores. So today, let us discover the quaint town of Regensburg in Bavaria, Germany. I spent a weekend there recently and brought back a few lovely shots from this charming, medieval town in southern Germany. I was staying in the city center, that is the old town of Regensburg in the fine Hotel Goliath. Soon after my arrival I realized that my stay in Regensburg will be a colourful one - full with soft sherbet shades.

Regensburg can easily be discovered by foot. The old town is compact and not too big, it lies on the northernmost point of the Danube river and is the capital of the Bavarian region called Upper Palatinate. The gothic cathedral and the medieval stone bridge are the town's main sights and definitely worth a visit. 

The weekend in Regensburg was a wintery and cold one. While strolling the narrow, cobbled streets of old Regensburg on a misty Saturday morning, I couldn't help but think of the Brothers Grimm fairytales that I read as a kid in Austria. The town itself seemed like a sleeping beauty waiting for prince charming to wake her up. I did the best I could by snapping around pictures and gasping a few oh's and ah's. 

Walking around has a good side effect. You get thirsty and hungry after a while and thus you embark on the adventure of finding inspiring places to meet your culinary and visual design desires. I was lucky enough to pass by a fabulous 'bakery meets café' place called 'Anna'. Like most of the gastronomical places in the old town, this one was in a historical building with thick stone walls and great arches. Their bread is very famous and they serve yummy slices of German dark bread with various toppings as well as delicious cakes - the apple and cream cake was divine.

Invigorated after the break, I went on devouring the beautiful facades and building of old Regensburg. A short sunny break was the perfect moment to realize how much impact sunlight has on the perception of colours. It was even brighter and more colourful than before. Some other places I've discovered and loved: What I call 'the Starbucks of Regensburg but with a cuter logo' is the local café 'Kaffeelotte' - so cute and comfy. And for dinner, I went to the fabulous French restaurant 'L'Orphée' and enjoyed a delicious lapin provençal and French cheeses accompanied by French wine (the Francophile in me couldn't resist). By the way, next to the restaurant is the equally named hotel with stunning rooms in a medieval building. Definitely worth a stay if you ever decide to visit this little corner of Germany.

And for now, let's get back to Monday and its pros and cons. Happy week, friends!

P.S.: Have you noticed the new font I am using for my blog posts? I hope you like it. I think it is more legible than the previous one.

Photography by Igor Josifovic

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Happily Ever After: Tiny Transforming Apartment

Today's blog post will look a bit different from my usual posts, I know. But I think this is so share-worthy, I just had to reconsider my Friday post and present this incredibly smart and tiny New York City apartment, that transforms itself into eight rooms thanks to smart architecture and interior design. It is obviously a bachelor pad (you can see the cool guy who lives in there), so don't expect too much of decoration or colourful knickknacks (but expect a lot of tech gadgets). The owner designed the apartment with two architecture students from Romania and explains his inspirations for this cool home. Expect one surprise after the other while you will be guided through this small apartment that has numerous hidden treasures.

GIZMODO - The Tiny Transforming Apartment That Packs Eight Rooms into 350 Square Feet from Gizmodo on Vimeo.

I am very curious to hear your opinions! What do you think of this smart apartment? Is this a cool solution for the rising number of single households in cities? Would you move into such an apartment if you lived alone? Tell me!

Video via Gizmodo/Vimeo

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From Place To Space: Toronto

One week ago I had the pleasure to meet one of my Canadian fellow bloggers here in Munich. Tim lives and works in Toronto and speaking to him I was reminiscing about my visit to Toronto two years ago. Now I've decided to take you on a little retrospective trip to this fabulous Canadian metropolis.

Even though I'd spent just a few days in Toronto, I truly fell in love with the city. Its beautiful location on the shores of Lake Ontario, its laid-back inhabitants, the vibrant life on the street and the mix of cultures and nations made for an immediate connection between the city and myself. I could see myself living there. That was the feeling I gained after just a few days.

I was amazed by the bustling downtown area - walking around Yonge Street, Dundas Street, Church Street left me with the feeling that this is probably the most 'American' part of Canada. Just a few steps further I found myself in the middle of Toronto's Chinatown with its lively shops and restaurants. I was amazed by the richness of architectural styles in the city and enjoyed every new sight. The afternoon sun was perfectly savoured on the lawn in front of the Trinity College and I had an amazing dinner in a restaurant's super cute little backyard. Alas, I forgot the place's name! 

Anyway, the gist of today's little blogpost: If you happen to head to Canada any time soon, don't miss Toronto. It is such a welcoming city full of life and creativity. I am pretty sure you will feel as quickly at home as I did. Happy Monday!

Photography by Igor Josifovic

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From Place To Space: Bregenz, Austria

Are you ready for a new Monday adventure? Buckle up, I am taking you somewhere special - to the city where I was born: the small west Austrian city of Bregenz. Bregenz is located at the shores of Lake Constance in the bordering area of Austria, Germany and Switzerland. I was born here and spent my whole childhood and school time here before moving away for studies. My family, however, still lives here and due to the proximity to Munich I keep on coming back to see them and enjoy some family time.

That's exactly what I did this weekend and I couldn't help but share these Instagram snapshots with you. The weather was fabulous, almost like summer, and it was the opening weekend of my beloved 'Beach Bar'. Moreover, I was stunned over again by the spectacular stage design of the world's biggest floating stage on a lake! Bregenz is very famous for its grand summer festival 'Bregenzer Festspiele' with a biannual schedule. This summer, Umberto Giordano's 'André Chénier' will be played. And from next year, Mozart's 'The Magic Flute' will be reinterpreted on this spectacular stage. The little bonus: shows start around sunset hour so the audience enjoys two spectacular scenes. 

I admit, this week's 'From Place To Space' post neglects the 'Space' aspect a bit. But the weather was just too good to spend it indoors. Nevertheless, the western part of Austria is known for very modern and edgy architecture and interior design. A great focus is put on sustainable architecture, the use of local materials (lots of wood combined with concrete and glass) and a salient embedding in the vast nature. Thus, quite often you can spot very modern, cubic houses in a 'Sound of Music' kind of ambiance. In Bregenz itself I love the contrast between old and modern architecture. The 19th century main post office is adjacent to the glass cube of the modern art museum KUB, the medieval upper town bursts with historical houses and its landmark, the Martin's Tower, whereas the town's port has recently been renovated and combines modern and traditional aspects. 

So, today I've taken you on a little trip to my 'home' - a city that might not be on anyone's agenda at all, but hey, isn't it cool to discover new places with me here? Have a great week!

Photography: Top pic via Railtour; all other photography by Igor Josifovic

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From Place To Space: Barcelona

Here on Happy Interior Blog, Mondays equal to inspirational trips entitled 'From Place To Space'. And this Monday is no exception. Ready? Here we go, destination: Barcelona!

The Catalonian capital and Spanish metropolis Barcelona is one of the most lively and bustling cities in Europe. A rich history, multi-faceted architecture, a vivid art and design scene combined with a Mediterranean lifestyle and pleasant surrounding make Barcelona the place of choice for many people. Names such as Gaudí or Güell come to our minds and the quirky and unconventional facades of many historical buildings in Barcelona, the famous Parc Güell and the renowned Sagrada Familia. These two personalities marked the city's modernism period and defined a unique Art Déco style. But Barcelona has more to offer: the medieval Barri Gotic with the monumental cathedral, the romantic Plaça Reial, the busy Ramblas, the inspiring Mercat de la Boqueria (food market) and the lush beaches in Barceloneta. 

This huge variety of styles is also transferred into the city's interiors. Famous homes that are featured in Spanish and international interiors magazines showcase modern, minimalistic homes, mansions with historical details, but also quirky and colourful apartments. In Barcelona, everything seems to work and nothing seems to be wrong. 

For a perfect panoramic view head to the Parc Güell or to the top of nearby Montjuïc mountain. And don't forget to enjoy the culinary highlights with dozens of yummy tapas plates, a rich Paella, fresh fish, and the delicious Crema Catalana or Churros con chocolate. Hasta mañana, amigos!

Photography: Light flooded apartment via Nuevo Estilo; colourful apartment via Mi Casa Revista; other photography by Kathrin Braumann and Igor Josifovic.

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