Have you ever stood somewhere and felt good? Have you looked around? Did everything about the room make you feel comfortable?

I would like to take this opportunity to share an experience with you. It has happened to me a few times, even hundreds of miles away from home, to think: "Wow, this place is great!" Or: "This is how a room should be!" And I would be inspired to create something similar one day.

 It happened to me in a restaurant. I had just arrived in Berlin with my husband (then fiancé) and we were looking for a place to warm up and have a bite to eat before we set off to explore the city. As soon as we walked in, no doubt helped by the polar-cold temperature change, I felt at ease.

Years have passed, but I still remember the effect that place had on me: wood, lots of plants, warm lights. Outside the large windows, under a grey sky at the end of December, the city seemed to be bursting with life. Inside, however, life was at a slower pace, it was an atmosphere in which you could take a break and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the week. The dark ceiling accentuated the vines that separated the sections of the restaurant like curtains. Walls of wooden slats, just under a person's height (about 150 cm), created intimacy between the tables but did not block the view.

The furniture had essential lines, was comfortable and complemented with cushions in neutral tones. Whether it was seats, tables or walls, the wood of the furniture was all in the same shade. A very warm light, similar to that of the old light bulbs, was diffused by strings of light bulbs and large black chandeliers.

And trees. Inside the restaurant, there were giant vases containing trees.

Perhaps this description has the flavour of 'seen it all before', but let us not forget that every environment speaks differently to those who experience it. At that moment, it gave me total relaxation, the feeling that I was finally on a break and the chance to enjoy lunch in a peaceful place.

This is how much power the space we live in holds over us, and why it is so important to think about it intentionally.

Sometimes we may not notice it, but home is where we feel good.

Even if it is just for a few hours, even if we are far from our home of memories and roots. Just as we feel at home watching our favorite film for the thousandth time. Or when we read that great book again.

Try it yourself: what is the last place where you felt comfortable, welcome and serene? Create your own moodboard of a special place. Can you bring some of that magic into your everyday life?

PLAYLIST

A Rovolon, by Giorgio Gobbo, Nettare dell’Estate
Lonely Night In Georgia (ft.Vince Gill), by Johnnyswim, Georgica Pond