From Place To Space: CitizenM Hotel, London

Hello my friends! I am back from a week of holidays and soon I will share with you my inspirations and findings from my latest vacations here in the series 'From Place To Space'. Today however, I want to take you to London. You know that I was part of this year's BlogTour London organised by Modenus (more to come over the coming days) and we were very lucky to be accommodated in one of London's latest design hotels - the CitizenM Hotel in Southwark. CitizenM Hotel was also one of our fab BlogTour sponsors and hosted us during the London Design Festival.

Design-savvy folks will enjoy every bit of the hotel. The CitizenM hotel is entirely equipped by Vitra so your eye will spot design classics in every single corner. The lobby is an inviting an open space and represents a great melange of a library and book store, lounge, bar and restaurant area. The restaurant itself is a combination of a deli store, bakery and local farmer market and boasts some yummy treats for the guests. 

And what about the rooms? Well, they are compact in size but perfectly designed to guarantee a comfy stay. A huge king size bed with a big window front feels like a homey nook whereas the glass covered shower is a highlight itself - the rain shower can be thoroughly enjoyed with a changing mood light atmosphere. And everything in the room is controlled by a tablet PC - one that welcomes every guest by his name after entering the room. Like!

One last word regarding the hotels location: It is located on London's south bank and just a stone's throw from the famous Borough Market. Well, if you happen to plan a trip to London and love design, this is the place to stay! Have a great week, folks!

Photography by Igor Josifovic

Read More

No comments

Ideas For A Happy Weekend

Hey my dear readers - you might say now: he's traveling again?! And well, yes I am. You know after all I have to source new inspiration for my blog series 'From Place To Space', right? This time I am off to enjoy sun, sea and beaches - with a few good books, some inspiring magazines and a lot of off-time to refuel my energy. I will be back in a week but in the meantime I have prepared five amazing surprises for you. 

Five of my favorite fellow bloggers and friends will be entertaining you over the coming week with colour, interiors, decoration, inspiration, oh there is so much bliss up for you. Please show them all your love and enjoy a happy feast while I will happily jump from beach to beach! Big hugs to all of you - I will miss you big time!

P.S. The pic above was taken where I am going to...

Photography by Adán Ramírez

Read More

No comments

From Place to Space: A Little Greek Island

Here we are, a new week, a new Monday. I've spent a weekend with my family in Austria, helped my mother sorting out the basement, found some old, hidden treasures and there it was, my idea for today's blog post. An old, hidden treasure. A little voyage I did a few years ago. And it was then that I discovered a little, hidden Greek island. It is not so known among foreign tourists but rather popular with Athenians as it is not far away from the Greek capital yet so serene and divine that you feel like in the middle of the Aegean. I'm referring to the little island of Angistri. Welcome aboard!

I've dug out a few old snapshots to share with you. The great thing about these kind of islands is that you travel sort of blindfolded. We've entered the ship in Athens and arrived on this little island without any ideas or expectations. Nor any accommodation. But that is not too complicated. The main town is rather tiny and locals offer their rooms to any arriving guest in the little port. A few hotels, taverns and cafés line the main street along the coast and a beautiful and serene beach with clear blue waters is more than inviting. There are a few pathways to climb the hill behind the beach and a great tavern with amazing views of the bay awaits the diligent hiker. A simple Greek salad, some fresh seafood, a glass of chilled wine and a view of the Aegean - can I please order all that on this Monday morning? Happy week, friends!

Photography by Igor Josifovic

Read More

No comments

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

Read More

No comments

From Place To Space: Blogger Fun In Munich

First of all: I am sorry for not taking you to a new destination today but staying local. Yep, this time I am Munich bound. But I had a very good reason to stay in Munich: I was expecting one of my favorite fellow bloggers and good friend Will aka Mr. Bazaar from London for a visit. Moreover, we had a little but totally international blogger meet-up by welcoming our Canadian fellow blogger Tim from Designmaze on Sunday, too. 

You might remember Will's and my adventures through xmassy Munich last year. This time, we explored a more summery version of the city and discovered a few exciting places. Friday was the best time for an after work drink and chat at the stylish Aroma Kaffeebar in Munich's hip Glockenbach quarter, whereas Saturday was reserved for a more extensive shopping & shooting endeavour throughout the city. 

We started the day with a good brunch at the lovely Café Fräulein with its charming vintage décor and shabby chic feel. I love the fact that styles that do not necessarily reflect your personal taste (like in this case) can nonetheless enchant you when they're well executed. After the refreshment we headed to a few inspiring stores and snapped along the way. We foraged through the vintage furniture store Delikatessen and encountered some amazing retro light pendants and rustic industrial stools. 

To counteract the somewhat industrial and rustic feel of the first store, we headed over to Ladoug - a tiny boutique with a well chosen selection of beautiful furniture, textiles and decoration accessories, many of them with an artisan origin. The overall feel is more natural, ethnic and full of textures. A great place to satisfy all senses!

Walking through Munich downtown dragged us involuntarily to some of the high street stores, too. We hopped into Butlers to examine their colourful table settings and once again I fell in love with the Hamam inspired table cloths and picnic blankets. Saturday night was rounded up by a fantastic dinner in one of Munich's 'places to be' Theresa restaurant. I blogged about that restaurant here and believe me - if you ever come to Munich, you will want to go there and satisfy your palate and your design craving eye. 

Sunday was reserved for a meet-up with our blogger friend Tim and we took him for a drink and walk through Munich's several parks to enjoy the war sunrays and a leisurely Sunday. And in between all these undertakings, Will and I managed to style up my little abode, buy some extra props and shoot my apartment for an upcoming little home story. So stay tuned! Enough for now, happy Monday friends!

Photography by Igor Josifovic

Read More

No comments

From Place To Space: Serbia

After my ten days family getaway to Serbia, it was more than clear that I need to share a few snapshots of the country of my family's origins. Well, here we are. Join me on a little walk through the Serbian countryside.

To me, holidays in Serbia are all about family, nature, time off. It is the place where I unwind completely. No internet, no duties, no rush. It's all about catching up with my family, strolling over the farmers market with my auntie, wandering lush gardens full of grapes, plums, figs, medlars, gardens rich with tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers. It is about visiting century old monasteries and churches, reminiscing about past times, thinking about future plans, and living for the very moment.

Serbia is not a typical country for holidays. To swim in the Mediterranean you have to sit in a car and take a few hours of driving to get to Montenegro or Greece. But it is a great place to discover the past and forgotten treasures. In Serbia, a farmers market is not a hotspot for a sustainability conscious crowd of hipsters. It is the daily 'supermarket' for the normal folks. Old, weathered facades speak of past times and the urge to renovate and upcycle seems to have come to an eternal halt. 

Much of it might be a side effect of decades of war and uncertainty. But some of it is the result of the Serbian mentality. Like every other mentality too, it has its drawbacks. But I cherish its good sides: the endless hospitality, the ability to smile and joke in all circumstances, the high appreciation of family bonds. 

Holidays in Serbia are not about lifestyle, chic hotels and lush beaches. They are about unwinding, evaluating what counts in life, and cherishing the simple things. And you will leave with the ability to smile at any obstacle in your life. That's what I bring back as a souvenir from Serbia! 

Photography by Igor Josifovic

Read More

No comments

From Place To Space: Niagara Falls

I am no Monday person. So when I set up my blog last year in October, I've decided to fight the 'Monday Blues' with little memories and inspirations from my past trips. I am a restless voyager and while traveling I feel truly alive: I gather inspiration along the way (yes, inspiration for my home, too), I refuel my energy, I let the voyage breezes clear up my mind and remind me of the things that really matter. And discovery always goes hand in hand with great fun. So let me take you to a little exploration of the famous Niagara Falls - with the keen eye of a discoverer and a healthy portion of humour.

Admittedly, Niagara Falls can be counted into the most cliché destinations of North America. Nevertheless it is worth a trip to see the spectacular nature and the beautiful surroundings. The town itself is a weird concoction of some sort of Disneyland and sightseeing spot, but hey, once you're there, play along with the fun and enjoy a bit of frenzy. And yes, do the full cliché program, hop on the 'Maid of the Mist' and scream as loud as you can once you're literally under the Horseshoe Falls. And take the fashionable souvenir with you. Yes, the blue prêt-à-porter coat...

For a more relaxed and a way more cuter retreat, head off north to the charming little town of Niagara-on-the-Lake set on the shores of Lake Ontario at the borderline between the US and Canada. The town's streets are lined with picturesque historical buildings and hosts the annual Shaw Festival. So if you ever get there, enjoy an afternoon sitting in the lovely Shaw Café & Wine Bar enjoying the delicious sweet treats and a glass of the fine local red wine. And if you feel carried away, don't blame yourself for being weak: the town's official nickname is 'The Loveliest Town in Canada'. Well then, happy Monday!

Photography by Igor Josifovic

Read More

No comments

From Place To Space: Ireland

I won't start over again about the advantages of living in the middle of Europe. Weekend getaways are one easy thing to do and to enjoy. Some time ago I spent a prolonged weekend in Ireland. I combined a city trip to Dublin with the exploration of the beautiful Irish countryside. I blogged about my Dublin experience here, now it's time to show you a little bit of the divine Irish countryside.

From Dublin I took a train and after a 30 minutes ride I arrived in what I would refer to my cliché imagination of Ireland - in real terms Dalkey and Killiney Hill Park. A rough and wild sea, a steady breeze, lush green hills, picturesque little seaside villages with century old houses and churches and an ever changing weather. Sunny, cloudy, showers, sunny again - and all this within one hour. 

Killiney Hill Park is a superb way to enjoy Ireland by foot. If you ever happen to travel to Dublin and long for a bit of the wild, green Ireland, go to Killiney Hill Park. You can wander the pathways through the leafy park, climb uphill and enjoy a spectacular view overlooking the coastline and the Irish Sea. The area is dotted with beautiful Georgian mansions and nowadays home to many internationally known celebrities. After you've walked off your feet, stop by in downtown Dalkey for a piece of yummy cake and a coffee in the adorable Country Bake bakery. Blissful memories! And now back to Monday! 

Photography by Igor Josifovic

Read More

No comments

From Place To Space: Chalkidiki

That I am a huge Greece lover is no secret here. I used to live and study in Greece and my love for the country and its people has grown even bigger during that period. And I was lucky enough to travel almost the entire country. One destination I would like to highlight today, is the northern Greek peninsula of Chalkidiki. 

The three fingers of Chalkidiki - Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos - are a popular holiday destination for the Greeks and many foreigners. However, sometimes this region is a tad neglected due to the high popularity of the Greek Aegean islands. So, apart from Santorini and Mykonos, there is more to see in this beautiful country. And Chalkidiki will most certainly not disappoint.

Especially when it comes to nature, the peninsula has a lot to offer. It has vast green spaces, untouched forests and dream-like bays and beaches. The shades of blue are immense - some beaches on the Sithonia finger resemble their Caribbean kinfolk. Even though the region is popular for camping tourism, you will find a good number of simple yet cosy hotels and apartments to enjoy the full Greek experience - just as I like to put it here: from place to space. Happy new week, folks!

Photography: Old man via Pinterest; Interiors via Marie Claire Maison; all others by Igor Josifovic

Read More

No comments