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Gems amongst the once discarded, with Marie & Anja from Basis Rho

Old to new | Finding gems amongst the once discarded, with Marie & Anja from Basis Rho

Like colourful suns, fragments of glass float within a galaxy of stones, the flames from their molten creation now trapped within their solid bodies. They seem to glow, like a soft murmur, or memory of their making. Stark and striking they are frozen within their solid frames. Each piece–a once discarded remnant of cathedral windows or famous work of art–is once again celebrated, elevated through a sensitive process of three-dimensional painting.

When I first stumbled across artist duo Anja Langer and Marie Jeschke, their latest collaboration, Basis Rho instantly spoke to me. Fierce in its beauty and feminist in its defiance–their work is a strikingly bold celebration of glass and I knew at once that I wanted to meet them. One week later, as luck would have it, their publicist invited me to their exhibition opening at Direktorenhaus. It seemed like just a matter of time for our paths to cross, and I fell in love with them both as much as I did with their work.  

Their pieces are really a story of materiality; artworks that boldly blur the line between art and functionality. Objects that, beyond their function, tell stories of time, of raw material, processes, and childhood play and exploration. They are at the same time a celebration of- and a commentary on their own materiality, as well as a refreshing provocation of a narrow-minded and antiquated art-world.  

In celebration of Basis Rho’s latest pieces, Anja, Marie and myself, ventured out to Rädel, to capture the work against the backdrop of a beautifully restored farm house that inspired and informed their current stylistic approach. I loved the concept and wonderful juxtaposition of this vintage time-capsule and the post-modern pieces of Basis Rho.  

Telling a story of its own history, the home is like a museum of itself–a slice of time, artfully restored with respect and sensitivity to its former days. The huge open plan second story, with its time-worn timber frames, now serves as part office, part gallery, with beautiful antique and contemporary pieces on display throughout the space. 

As we moved throughout the house, Marie and Anja shared with me details of the restoration of the historic dwelling and how the interior details inspired their own work, before we delved into their creative process and obsession with glass.

Few materials are quite as complex and dualistic as glass. A translucent solid, it is extremely strong, yet utterly fragile. A broken, jagged edge of an invitingly smooth pane can be life-threatening. The medium itself seems to blur the boundaries of its own material qualities. How did you come to work with glass? What lead you to explore the possibilities of this material and how has it influenced your approach, process and outcomes?

“We are thrilled that you immediately mention the beguiling ambivalences of the material glass. We came across the material in 2016, through an instinctive choice. At that time we had created hybrid glass works of art for an exhibition, which were office furniture, object and painting at the same time.  After working on the first series, we could not get away from this material, because of its versatility, its presence and above all, its omnipresence. From its creation in the old glassworks to the constantly touched glass displays of our smartphones, this material connects so many different realities with each other. For us, it really is the material of the present.”

“When we realized that glass also possesses maximum symbolic power for the topic of transparency, we were once again convinced that we should deal with glass. There are so many blind-spots in our society, so many machinations that have not yet been exposed. In material development alone, many facts about production processes, ingredients, techniques, employees, etc. remain hidden. It is time to show ourselves; it’s the only way we as a society can once again act in solidarity with- and learn from each other.”

Similar to your medium, you both you are now also blurring the boundaries between art and functional design. What has been your biggest challenge and your greatest achievement throughout this process and Basis Rho journey?

“For us, it was incredibly exciting as visual artists to develop a fully functional artistic material from the remnants of other artists and architects. When we first introduced Basis Rho to the public earlier this year, it was a really exciting moment for us. The launch took place at the Surface Design Show in London–a trade fair for high quality architectural surface materials.” 

“How do we remain visible as artists now that we are also material suppliers? These were very important questions back then. These existential questions have sharpened our view of an inclusive future society even more. Why should we choose when we can have all these identities at the same time. Back then, that was already a really important insight for us. A few days ago, we received the news that Basis Rho has been awarded the Material Prize 2020–something we did not at all expect.”

I would imagine that as an artists, building up a name and an identity around one’s work is quite a complex process. How does that change when your work becomes collaborative, as in your duality, as well as the collaboration between the producers of your Basis Rho products? Can you tell me a little more about your concept of ‘shared authorship aesthetics’

“The experiences we had as a duo in 2016 and 2017 were very special. Our individual working practices (Anja painter / Marie mixed media artist) dissolved in the common work. We could no longer understand who had made which decision. Everything merged and took on its own identity. At first, we were so astonished by what we had developed together that it almost seemed strange to us. This thought: ‘this work of art is not by us at all!, fascinated us very much. We learned how wonderfully liberating and sustainable this way of working is. We quickly involved other people in the process. These were other artists, dancers, performers, scientists, filmmakers, chefs, etc. The important thing was that the two of us didn’t give any clear vision of the final result, it was more a kind of guiding the co-working. Everyone got involved in their own way and all the individual parts blurred into a big whole.”

“We call this big whole; the sum of all parts involved in the creation of a thought/object/action, new models of shared authorship aesthetics.”

“Shared authorships are nothing new, but how to make them visible, how to depict them; we see this as an important field of research. Basis Rho involves so many other authors, too. That fascinates us.”

As a child I used to be captivated by marbles. I could stare at it for hours, turning it over and over, transfixed, it transported me into worlds of make belief and magic. I look at your surfaces and it stirs up that same enchantment. Does it have a similar effect on you? Where does the allure of your pieces take you?

“We haven’t thought about these glass marbles for ages. The comparison is really apt–especially because they connect the played reality and the seemingly adult, rational reality. When we discovered the tons of glass in the first glassworks, we felt the same way. We were so fascinated by them that we took them with us and experimented with them in the studio. They were like gemstones–pieces from another world. We thought of mythical creatures and future organisms that produce or break down these magical glass stones. For us, the view into the Basis Rho surface is similar to the Rabbit Hole in Alice in Wonderland. This immersion blurs the line between reality and fiction.”

Old renovated farm house

What inspired you to make AKNTA, the beautiful timepieces available as your collectibles?

“In no other year has the man-made calculation of time been so relative as in this one. Suddenly, millions of clock hands worldwide are somehow rotating more slowly or distorted. It is–as if out of the blue–a very own time calculation had begun. The demand for the empowerment to regain one’s own time or sense of time, led us to make a clock.”

“The AKNTA is more than just a timepiece, it is a symbol for the omnipresent fragility of people and the world. Each AKNTA is a unique specimen.”

“For the shape of our clock, we have been researching for a long time. Originally, we wanted to give this 2020-symbol a much smoother contour line. But somehow this form did not reflect what we felt about the present situation. Basis Rho is made using the old hand-casting method, and we have always cast rectangular floor and wall slabs and tiles. At some point we made the decision to smash some of our slabs; to deconstruct them. We studied the shards for a long time and chose a shard-form that could stand on its own or be hung on the wall.” 

Since its fairly recent inception, Basis Rho has already received numerous accolades and commendations. What are your future goals? Where can we expect to see you go next?

“Until now, we have realized single requests such as the production of tables or objects from Basis Rho and have made many collectors happy in their private homes. The next step, and thus our goal for 2021, would be to be able to design a complete interior, i.e. walls, floor, and the interior design from Basis Rho in a public place. That could be a museum, a foyer, a bar etc. and we would love to have it in our home town Berlin.”

“In January will be contributing to a seminar at an art academy in Shanghai on the topic of self-marketing as an artist and have already started planning a research project with the Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung (BAM) where we will conduct interdisciplinary research on new, sustainably produced additives as an alternative to cement. In addition, we are currently working with a London curator on an exhibition to be displayed in a gallery for contemporary art in Munich in spring 2021. The exhibition will focus on the theme of rest and memory. “

Follow their work on Instagram or purchase their pieces on basisrho.com

Text & Photography ©  Barbara Cilliers

The minimal jungle of horticure founder Deborah Choi

The minimal jungle of horticure founder, Deborah Choi

The home of horticure founder Deborah Choi, is a tranquil space bathed in sunlight, with plants reaching all the way to the ceiling. Earlier this year I had the absolute pleasure to pay a visit to the home she calls her minimal jungle. It was a joyous morning filled with stories of plants and travels, of finding a home in foreign places and of creating value for others. Here’s a peak into all that transpired on that beautiful morning in August.

Tell us about horticure and the idea behind it.

“horticure is a consumer platform for plant care, connecting you with the knowledge, services and products that keep your houseplants happy and your indoor spaces green.”

 
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Where did the idea for horticure originate and how did you go about shaping it into a business?

“I got the idea for horticure after years of bad luck with my own houseplants, and having gone through the hassle numerous times, to find the plants I want locally and get them into my flat. I wanted convenience, I wanted access to expertise, and I realized there was an opportunity to create that for myself and others.”

 

Tell us a little about Deborah.

“I was born in Nigeria, though grew up in America as my parents immigrated to the US for better education and economic opportunities when I was three years old. Although I didn’t grow up there, I consider New York City to be home; I moved there a few years after university and it was this city that really formed me as an adult and also as a professional. I now have lived in Europe for a little over 4 years, and in Berlin for 3. But that’s just the geographic stuff! 🙂 Professionally, I’ve been an entrepreneur and business owner for the majority of my career: in this way, I’ve learned a lot of what I know about recruiting, branding, marketing, partnerships, tech and sales by doing (as I studied political theory at uni). Horticure is my 4th business, after first launching a fashion e-commerce brand, a media company and an innovation agency for venture-backed startups.”

 

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What are the values you bring to your business and professional practice?

“I’ve had the privilege to work as a consultant to improve the ideas and strategies of others, within corporate environments as a marketer, within media as a strategist, and also as a founder going from “0 to 1” a few times. These diverse experiences help me understand and know how to work with the influences, stakeholders and ecosystem around my newest venture much better than I could have, even 5 years ago. I view experiences as cumulative, and seek the ways to weave in what I’ve learned in the past, into today.”

 

What are your ultimate long term goals for horticure?

“We envision and aspire to a world filled with healthier, greener indoor spaces. For us this means thinking flexibly about the channels in which we deliver knowledge, services and products. For now, it’s via in-home services, video consultations and messaging. In the future, it could be via AI integrations, voice assistants, etc.”

 

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What are some of the biggest setbacks or challenges you face?

“We’re a marketplace business, which means we have to manage the growth of the supply (i.e. our horticulturists and plant suppliers) vs. the growth of demand (i.e. plant owners and plant shoppers). Generally speaking, managing “liquidity”, or having just the right amount of supply and demand is hard, and it’s hardest at the beginning, which is where we are!”

 

Are there any other brands, or companies who inspire you or where you draw inspiration from?

“I am really inspired by the service platforms that have nailed the user experience, and deliver a feeling of ‘ultra convenience’ for their users. I love using apps like Uber and Deliveroo for this reason: the experiences provide very little friction for me, simplify my decision-making and save my valuable time.”

 
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What does sustainability mean to you as a business founder and what would you say are the biggest challenges business owners are facing with regard to the topic?

“For our users, we focus on keeping their houseplants happy and alive, so they can feel good at home and draw more of the well-being effects from having greenery indoors. The alternative–buying plants, killing them, repeating that–is wasteful. Nearly a billion euros is wasted each year in the UK in this exact process by people and companies.”

 

If you could  give yourself advice in your twenties – what would it be?

“Take the risk: failure often isn’t failure, but regret is real.”

 

What brought you to Berlin, and what keeps you here?

“In a way, family brought me here. I first moved to Zurich, Switzerland four years ago from NYC, and I gave birth to my daughter there (her father is Swiss). But I knew I couldn’t be a happy me there, and also that staying in Europe would be important for my daughter to grow up with both her mother and father. My daughter keeps me here, but now three years in… there are exciting, other roots that root me here too: friends who are family, a nice quality of life, and now also this business venture.”

 

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How would you describe your home, what influences your style and where do you draw inspiration from?

“I like to call my home style “minimal jungle”. Form and function, only having what I need, these ideas go into the furniture choices I’ve made. But I’ve also been very inspired to bring a lot of greenery indoors, as well as unique pieces from my travels to Marrakech, one of my favorite cities in the world. You’ll find a lot of natural materials in my home: bamboo, rattan, jute, cotton.”

 

Do you have a favourite piece of furniture or artefact? Tell us the story behind it. 

“It’s always something with a story. Maybe the first that comes to mind is the new Berber rug in my flat, which I got the last time I was in Marrakech over the summer. I and the shop owner spent several hours bargaining; jotting down a number and pushing it back and forth across the table, over several cups of tea. At the end we shook hands, even snapped a photo together. Some find that process of buying in a market like the souqs as stressful. For me, it’s incredibly fun!”

 

Soonafternoon Interior Design Details

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There seems to be a rising trend of indoor plants and people filling their homes with plants. What do you think motivates people to bring greenery into their homes?

“We spend such a small amount of our time outdoors and in nature, less than 10%. Plants reconnect us, and can create a sense of well-being in any room with even one.”

 

Your number one tip plant-care tip for someone whose thumbs aren’t particularly green.

“Get watering right, and you can kind of ignore everything else… Over- and under-watering your plants is what leads into the bigger problems that then require more of your time, like pest control.”

 

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Text & Photography ©  Barbara Cilliers

The round house

The round house

When I was little, my mom used to drive us to Rietondale for icy early morning hockey tournaments. Often, I’d ask her to take the steep drive up Eastwood, so we could pass by the round house on top of the hill. Every time, I marvelled at the unique architecture, and busied my mind with thoughts of the interesting people whom I was certain must live there. For one must surely be curious to live in such an unusual home.

The round house living roomThe round house in Pretoria
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Many years later I drove with a friend up that very hill, on our way to visit her mum. And to my surprise and utmost delight, we stopped at the round house. My friend had grown up there. This was their house. Going inside, I felt like I’d received a gift. For not only was I able to explore a place of childhood fantasy, but my reveries of a marvellous interior, had been largely correct. This house was indeed extraordinary.

The Le Corbusier inspired “Round House”, was designed by German architect May von Langenau, for my friend’s late father and her artist mother, Margaret Nel. An exemplar of the so-called International Style of architecture, the house is noted for its spherical shape (quite a novelty at the time of construction in 1961) as well as the structure. Hoisted off the ground by supporting pilotis, the terrain extends under the house in true Le Corbusier fashion. With a radial layout instead of load bearing walls, the space provides spectacular views of the surrounding Magalies mountains.

But if the view or the structure does not amaze you, the interior will. Nel has done an incredible job at curating the space. Every detail has been carefully thought out, every piece telling its story. Old iron hospital beds, -trollies and -lockers add to an industrial theme that feels surprisingly warm and modern thanks to accompanying second-hand, mid-century pieces sourced at great length by Margaret.

An interesting dialogue between the decor and artwork is evident throughout the interior. Among the works of esteemed artists like Claudette Schreuder and Diane Victor, peculiar artefacts like plastic dolls and dinasours, wooden sculptures and vintage mannequins, transform the house into an artwork itself.

The round house in Arcadia
The round house in ArcadiaThe round house in Arcadia

The clever displays feel like a running commentary of artistic expression. It’s at the same time sensitive and quirky; a dualism of sorts, between a bright and colourful South African vernacular, and a muted European design sensibility. Nel’s own work is on display as well. Pieces from her “Best Before” series (oversized life-like renderings of meat and confectionary wrapped in plastic and styrofoam) continues the dualistic notions, in this instance, of preservation and decay. 

The round house in Arcadia

The house itself feels, as it were, like a juxtaposition. It’s at once classic and modern, off-beat and stylish. And so in answer to my childhood daydreams, the round house is undoubtedly eccentric. An elegant expression of Margaret Nel’s keen design sensibility, her prowess as an artist and her fine sense of humour. Check out the piece on minimalism to see the Anex to the house.

Text & Photography ©  Barbara Cilliers

Feng Shui designer’s apartment in Berlin

Berlin based interior designer Line Casselman on design, sustainability and a little bit of Qi.

I found designer Line’s work on Instagram, and it was a little like love at first sight. When I knocked on her door a few days later for an interview, I thought it curious (and awesome!) how easily people welcomed me into their homes. But then Line opened the door, and at meeting her for the first time in person, I felt like we could just as well have been friends forever. Stepping into her beautiful apartment, I simply felt so comfortable and at home. Whether it is Line’s welcoming demeanour and warm energy, her lovely collection of plants or her clever use of Qi, I cannot say. All I know is I did not want to leave and I can’t wait to visit her again. Here is her story:

Tell us a little about Studio Mosbech.

“I started studying psychology and did a bachelor in economics. After that I worked in marketing for a short time but I wasn’t really happy. Finally I realized I wanted to do something more creative. I then did my Master’s degree in Interior Design in Italy. I couldn’t be more happy that I chose this career. It was a path of learning and growing. Now looking back, everything makes totally sense to me. It just took me a couple of different steps to get where I am at the moment. Finally, it all comes together. Now I use all my skills combined in Feng Shui, which is all about the individual human being and it’s environment. This is just perfect for me.”

“With Studio Mosbech I aim to create individual spaces that harmonize with its habitants needs and wishes. On top of that I match it up with the specific rules of Feng Shui. I love bringing joy to people by creating these spaces and turning apartments or houses into individual homes that express the owners’ personality. The same applies to restaurants or shops and their owners.”

Beautiful apartment of Berlin based interior designer
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I love the calming energy in your house. How would you describe your style and how do you create such a tranquil mood?

“I’m definitely influenced by my environment and my Danish roots, but I don’t consciously follow trends. I love imperfection and mixing different styles. One style or direction can get very boring in my opinion. Everything I own has a story and some pieces I’ve had for many years from travelling, or handmade by my grandpa in Denmark.”

“I think each home grows with time. Mine for sure did. For me it’s definitely the individual touch that makes a house a home. I love earthy tones, natural materials and greenery which I also mostly use in my projects. This creates my very own personal retreat.”

What does sustainability mean to you and how do you bring it into your design practice?

“We have to realize how our decisions influence our environment. It is important to understand the context between choices and impact. For my work it means to use alternative sustainable products. My goal is to create designs that will last for years rather than following quick trends that will be gone in a minute. There are different levels to sustainability. One is the obvious like using decomposable, recycled or second hand products. The other level has to do with my workflow. I try to keep printing to a minimum by using digital concepts, invoices and contracts for example. But of course there is always room to improve.”

Studio Mosbech
Berlin Photography Interior Designer Line Casselmann

Are there any other brands, companies or designers with a sustainable approach who inspire you or where you draw inspiration from?

“There are so many incredible people out there that want to make our world better. I love to follow dariadaria from Austria. She really knows what she’s talking about when it comes to sustainability. I also really love the design and company values of skagerak.dk – like responsible production and long-lasting designs. Regionally I like johanenlies and their way of reusing old wood and metals. Kiezbett is also really nice. I like the design and that they only use regional wood for their products. I appreciate everyone out there who try to take responsibility and care for our world. This inspires and motivates me to do the same.”

Where do you think the industry could still improve?

“I feel like the furniture industry is adapting to the fashion industry. It is fast-paced in terms of trends. As a result, the quality is not as high as it used to be. I think we should all decrease our consumption of poorly produced products. But there is a lot of development. Recycled materials and totally new sustainable materials are playing a much bigger roll now. Nikolaj Thrane for example, introduced furniture that were made out of sea grass at this years Stockholm Furniture and Light Fair. Other brands built chairs out of recycled plastic from broken fisher nets. There are many alternatives coming up. So I hope the big players will take responsibility and jump on the environmental bandwagon.”

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Your house is filled with beautiful plants. Do you make use of plants in your work for clients as well? What role would you say they play in creating atmospheric spaces?

“Thank you! I love plants! Ha ha ha. Again it depends on their individual desires. Every human being is individual and for my job it is important to take that into account. I know that not everyone likes to take care of plants. For me, plants bring life to a place and make it cosy. Not to mention that some plants improve the air you are breathing. Other plants use your air, so in Feng Shui you wouldn’t really place plants in your bedroom. That is where I make an exception. I just have too many! Ha ha ha. (But I definitely chose the ones with positive impact for the bedroom.)” 

Do you have a favourite species?

“I love the different varieties of calatheas because of their pattern and colours. The leaves are alive and are closing for sleeping at night. You can really see them breathe! How cute is that? I especially have a heart for special plants and nicely coloured leaves.”

Living room of Berlin based interior designer Livingroom details
Apartment of Berlin based interior designer Line Casselman

Tell us about all the wonderful old things in your home – what’s the story behind them all?

“Our families pre loved most of the things we own. Our kitchen table and cupboard are from my grandparents. It was the first kitchen furniture they had together. And now it’s the first of my boyfriend and mine. I hope it is a good omen for our relationship since they were married for 65 years, ha ha ha. I also own some nice wooden furniture my grandpa in Denmark made himself in his little studio back in the day. I’ve loved the smell of wood ever since I was a little girl watching him work. In general, I love to give old things a new life and home. But beside the fun factor, I think it is necessary to work with what we already have around instead of producing and consuming new stuff.”

Do you use vintage and second hand objects in your work as well? Where do you go to find the best items?

“It depends on my clients’ needs and wishes, but I would always recommend second hand and vintage before buying new. Especially when I work with smaller budgets it’s compelling to have to explore the secondary market to get similar appealing results. It’s so much fun to get the best out of the budget and hunt down forgotten treasures and bring them to new shine. I really like eBay Kleinanzeigen, fleamarkets and some antique retailers. But Berlin can be a bit tricky sometimes. Prices are quite high so you have to be quick and always have to keep an eye out. But if you go outside Berlin you can still be lucky to get nice stuff. Sometimes it’s even worth it to look on the streets. You can find real treasures”. 

Beautiful tranquil bedroom
Home of interior designer Line Casselman

What inspired you to study Feng Shui? Tell us a little more about the practice.

“Many people consult Feng Shui consultants because they have a problem to solve like a bad night sleep, illness or problems in a relationship. For me it was pure interest. I finished my Master in Interior Design and after some projects I realized it just didn’t feel complete. It felt right to pair my Interior Designs skills with the holistic approach of Feng Shui.”

“Feng Shui can bring harmony to your environment and positively turn the energy around. In a Feng Shui consultation I’ll visit your home and measure the cardinal points. After getting some information such as the birthdates of all the residents and the year of moving in, I can start with my calculation. As Qi (a kind of energy) changes over time, the date you moved in is important to calculate and define the changes of Qi. Afterwards I’ll recommend an interior concept that fits your personal needs. Of course there are many other solutions for individual problems (as I mentioned before) but this would go to deeper into the topic.”

How long did it take and how has it changed your design approach?

“The first course takes around 4-5 months. But it is a lifetime of learning and a process after all. Like Yoga and Qi Gong are working with the energy inside yourself, Feng Shui is working with the energy of your surrounding. Every yogi out there will agree, that there is always more to learn. Taking that into consideration it definitely changed my point of view how to build up design. Where to place furniture is not only an aesthetic question. It also has impact on the human being living there. With Feng Shui I can take actions to bundle energy and lead it in to a positive direction.”

Interior Details Interior design photos Home office of interior designer based in Berlin
Home office of interior designer Line Casselman
Interior details Interior details

Entrepreneurial life can be a tough at times. What would you say is the hardest thing about being your own boss and how do you beat those blues?

“Actually I even love to do my taxes! Ha ha ha. I really appreciate that I can work for myself, and I am very thankful, so I am happy for all the things that come with it. But getting in touch with like-minded people and proactively looking for clients is sometimes hard for me. I am not really the networking person. But I try to overcome myself. It actually is not that hard once you dared.”

Any words of wisdom or mantras you live by? 

“Don’t be afraid of what might happen. Everything that happens will make you grow. Something like that… One of my life lessons is that sooner or later every experience makes sense somehow. Even negative phases in your life will turn out as the most positive growing after time.”

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Do you think individuals can live more sustainably? Where would you advise we begin?

“I think most of us can do more than we already are. We have to. It is important to always reflect and stay informed. But I also think that we shouldn’t be too perfectionist. If every human being does a little, in total it is a lot. We cannot change from one day to the other. It is a process for which awareness is essential.”

“In short term I would advise to avoid producing too much waste. To begin with always having your own carry bag when shopping. Checking out your weekly market instead of buying plastic wrapped cucumbers. Make your own sparkling water instead of buying it in plastic bottles. If you take coffee to-go, take your own cup.”

“In the long term there are different steps you can take: try sharing vehicles. Use green power providers. In terms of Interiors I would always recommend to check out second hand first before buying new. There are also many sustainable/decomposable household items you can use like sponges made out of agave, wooden toothbrushes, reusable paper-towels made out of bamboo, etc. There are a lot of nice and well-designed stuff out there especially in such a varied city as Berlin.”

“Try to reflect and consume what you really need. It is always a balancing act between self-fulfilment and ecological responsibility. Always keep in mind what makes you really happy. This sounds way to know-it-all but a couple of years ago I didn’t apply these standards myself. As I said, it’s a process and it begins with awareness. There are a lot of easy steps to begin with. I hope we (mankind) will do better in the future.”

What is your favourite thing about Berlin and how does it inspire or influence your creativity?

“There are so many creative and cool people living here. We all grow and inspire each other and there are so many super nice places to discover. But it’s also overwhelming sometimes. Berlin is growing and changing all the time and it’s hard to keep track of. It is always full of humans and it can be very hectic. I am very sensitive which makes it necessary to have a place to calm down in the end of a day. My home helps me retreat. There is room to breathe and dream and to restore my creativity.”  

Whats your favourite spots in Berlin for:

Breakfast or coffee: Two And Two in Pannierstraße, delicious cake and a nice selection of coffee.

Spending a hot summers day: At one of the beautiful lakes Berlin and Brandenburg have to offer.

Spending a cold winters day: At home with candles, tea and self-made cookies.

Finding inspiration: Everywhere.

A night out with friends: Drinking cocktails at Herr Lindemann. They use healing herbs as ingredients. They really have the best.

Interview with interior designer Line Casselman
Interior design photography Kitchen details

For more information about Line and Studio Mosbech, have a look at her website and don’t forget to follow her on Instagram @studiomosbech.

Text & Photography ©  Barbara Cilliers

Captivating architecture and interior details of Monserrate Palace

Exploring a beautifully restored palace & garden in Sintra

Sintra, the beautiful town on the west coast of Portugal, is well known for its majestic residences and Moorish palaces. I went there with the aim of seeing the Quinta da Regaleira–with its dubious wells and almost sinister Gothic Revival architecture. But then somehow my tour started at the beautifully renovated palace and garden of Monserrate. Surprisingly less hyped then the other sights, the tour offers a wealth of inspiration–both in the immaculate restoration of the palace interior, as well as the jaw dropping design of the garden.

Slow travel to Lisboa | Monserrate Palace © Soonafternoon Travel to Lisboa | Monserrate Palace © Soonafternoon

It’s hard to decide whether it’s the impeccably designed garden, with its lush vegetation of exotic species, or the intricate interior details of the summer house, but the park and palace is nothing short of breathtaking. 

The stately home that we can enjoy today, was built during the 1960’s on the ruins of a neo-gothic structure by Sir Francis Cook. For decades, the building lay in ruins, before repairs began in 2000. Since its restoration, the estate has since been classified as a Unesco World Heritage site. 

Slow travel to Lisbon | Monserrate Palace gardens © Soonafternoon
Slow travel to Lisbon | Monserrate Palace and gardens © Soonafternoon Slow travel to Lisboa | Monserrate Palace Gardens © Soonafternoon

At first glance the place looks like a mash-up of architecture styles from the Middle-East, India and Europe; reminiscent of a fantasy inspired set built for Game of Thrones or Lord of the Rings. This is in fact the very characteristic of the Romanticism architecture so popular of the time. Often referred to as “Gothic-Revival” architecture, it was characterised by imitations of older Gothic and Moorish styles. 

Inside, the rooms are adorned with intricate plasterwork with complex designs and fine detailing exemplary of the Moorish influences (Moorish refers to the islamic styles characteristic of decorative tile work, patterned ornament and intricate arches).

Slow travel to Sintra - Lisbon | Monserrate Palace © Soonafternoon Slow travel to Lisbon | Monserrate Palace stair details© Soonafternoon Slow travel to Lisbon | Monserrate Palace staircase © Soonafternoon
© Soonafternoon Monserrate Park and Palace | Slow travel to Portugal Slow travel to Lisbon | Details at Monserrate Palace © Soonafternoon

Gothic style Ogee arches (an arch with two ogee curves meeting at the apex) frame the windows and doorways, leading into sizeable chambers, painstakingly decorated from nook to ceiling. 


The textural details are delightfully pleasing–begging to be touched and traced–albeit in the mind, for I know better than to disturb such painstakingly restored handiwork. The entire structure is impressively ornate and would border on grotesque if it wasn’t for the high level of craftsmanship and tasteful choice of materials throughout the interior.

Slow travel to Lisbon | Monserrate Palace details© Soonafternoon
Slow travel to Portugal | Monserrate Park and Palace © Soonafternoon © Soonafternoon - Monserrate Park Travel to Portugal

Even though the house no longer has any furniture, it’s not hard to imagine Cook’s impressive art collection on display at one point in time. The charming views call to mind scenes of how the residents must have lived there once. With balmy evening summer parties and sunny picnics on the huge open lawn.

Even more breathtaking, is the spectacular garden that surrounds the house. Peering through the dense canopy, you can catch a glimpse of the dark blue Atlantic Ocean sending its soft and salty breeze up the hillside and through the treetops.

Slow travel to Portugal | Monserrate Park & Palace © Soonafternoon Slow travel to Portugal | Monserrate Palace © Soonafternoon Slow travel to Sintra Portugal | Monserrate Palace © Soonafternoon

Although the climate in the surrounding area is semi-arid, the Sintra Mountains are considered moderately humid with higher precipitation in the mountain areas. The micro-climate caused by the natural landscape has given rise to dense foliage with a rich botanical variation.

For this reason the gardens here can sustain a huge array of foreign species. Cook collected a massive amount of exotic specimens, originating from as far as North and South America, from Mexico all the way to Southern Africa. A short walk past the giant Sterlizia and Japanese garden you’ll find a massive redwood towering proudly above its branchy peers.

Details of the architecture and restoration work are on display on the second story. Here visitors can get a sense of the utter state of disrepair the estate was in before the award-winning repair work took place.

What I love most about the park and the palace is the testament it gives to the boundlessness of the imagination. It’s a perfect example of one visionary bringing thoughts and ideas into reality. From the seemingly magical palace interior to the extraordinary garden, brought to life by one person’s vision and the expert hands he put to use to achieve it.

Slow travel - Sintra | Monserrate Palace © Soonafternoon Slow travel to Lisbon | Monserrate Palace © Soonafternoon Slow travel | Sintra | Monserrate Palace © Soonafternoon

A few tips before you go

Tickets: Can be bought in advance on the Parks of Sintra website.

Getting there: There are hourly trains that run from Rossio station in Lisbon directly into Sintra and takes about an hour.

Good to know: It’s a good idea to buy the train tickets a day in advance to avoid long cues at the station and to go early in the day as the whole of Sintra gets very very busy.

Do it differently: If you are into sports we can highly reccomend renting bicycles and cycling around the area. For the less advanced, there are several companies renting electric bikes (it is extremely hilly) but for those who like the grind it’s a great way to train those legs.

Monserrate Park and Palace | Slow travel to Portugal © Soonafternoon Monserrate Park and Palace | Slow travel to Lisbon © Soonafternoon
Text & Photography ©  Barbara Cilliers

Minimalism

Minimalism

Last year I wrote a story on the beautiful round house of Pretoria artist Margaret Nel. The annex featured here, was a later addition to the Le Corbusier inspired circular building. It is a calm, minimalist space, but with the same dose of character one finds in the main house.

 


 

The design of the space is undoubtedly minimalistic; an aesthetic I particularly enjoy. The look is very hard to achieve however and I always find it fascinating how something so simple, can be so difficult to create. The words by graphic designer Paul Rand: “Design is so simple, that’s why it is so complicated” rings particularly true here.

 


 

I find the annex to be a great exponent to the minimalist sentiments put forward by seminal designers like Mies van der Rohe and Dieter Rams. As strong advocates against visual pollution and excess, their efforts towards simplicity requires an appreciation for possessions based on their aesthetic quality and integrity.

 

 

Throughout the annex, every item is well considered and beautiful. Even the books are attractively displayed – colour coded and visually appealing. By having only a few items in the space, each piece makes a greater statement because it does not have to compete for the viewer’s attention.

 


 

There is a dialogue between the items within the space. The nature and character of the pieces make this visual conversation feel lighthearted and humorous, but in a clever, tongue-in-cheek kind of way. I love for instance, how Nel juxtaposes geometric elements like the large black and white checkered pillows and woven rug.

 


 

The home is timeless and contemporary at the same time. The blue tiled kitchen, mid century furniture, and notty pine ceilings, are all reminiscent of the 1960’s design. But, paired with the sharp geometry and grey and white walls, the space has a fresh and modern appearance that transcends specific time periods.

 


 

If you enjoyed the Annex, be sure to have a look around the main house. The design has a similarly curated aesthetic but with a dash of quirky humour that I am sure you’ll find just as enjoyable.

Text & Photography ©  Barbara Cilliers

Elegant apartment in Berlin

Elegant apartment in Berlin

Possibly one of the best things about working as a photographer is that I get to see and experience so many different apartments in Berlin. Sometimes I come across a few homes that are particularly pretty and elegant.

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of photographing a wonderfully bright and spacious apartment near Boxhagener Platz in the vibrant neighbourhood of Friedrichshain in Berlin. The 137 m² square flat is available for rent on Spotahome – an online booking platform that offers thousands of furnished apartments around Berlin and 18 other cities across Europe.


The 2 bedroom, south-facing apartment is sunny and spacious, with an open plan living area and bright white kitchen. The decor is a mix of natural colours, with lots of wood and texture combined with reflective surfaces that open up the space, making it feel even brighter.


While the high ceilings add to the lofty feeling of the apartment, huge artworks on the walls create impact and drama – a nice pairing to the otherwise muted, monochrome colour pallet. The painted face-brick walls and jute rug also adds a rustic quality to the overall modern aesthetic.


I love the use of mirrors in the kitchen, which cleverly draws in the rest of the room, making the space feel even larger. Both bathrooms are also tiled with a slightly reflective mother of pearl mosaics from floor to ceiling. It has a slight pink to green hue, that goes very well with the crisp white and ultra sleek bathtub and basin.


For more information about the property and how to rent it, you can check out the detailed listing on Spotahome’s website. I also really liked this one, in the same vibrant area of Berlin. The bright open space and face-brick adds the same loft-like quality. If you’re looking to move to Berlin, you just may find your next apartment here.

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Story + Photos by Barbara Cilliers