There are some places that make you feel like you’ve just teleported to an alternate universe, everything carrying an almost stilted, off-kilter, color-me-surprised, anything-could-happen kind of vibe. Others, all glimmer and wonder, dust over you like a feather and almost make you believe in magic again. Some, however, are less in your face, choosing instead to grow on your soul. They are a coming-to kind of haven, like slipping into a warm bath after a day trekking in the biting rain. This is the kind of space Gabi welcomes us into this morning: her own little slice of peace that she’s letting us share.
Thanks for having us! First things first, what should we be looking at when we enter?
I’d say it’s not so much about seeing something, but feeling something. I think my space mostly speaks to the senses. I’m very intentional with how things feel: smell, light, sound. I like having the windows open, letting air move through the space. My lighting is always soft, and a candle or incense is always burning. I like to live where I feel nurtured and grounded, even by a space haha!
We definitely get that vibe! And we love that little piece of décor—is that dried peonies?
Dried white roses! I really like them, especially since they were a gift, so they hold a lot of sentimental value. I find their look captivating, and I love that they don’t require any maintenance while still adding so much character. They feel very poetic to me, a minimal touch that makes a big difference.
Yeah, your space has a very distinct feel, we’re starting to see that. In your own words, what was the overall vibe you were going for?
I think I’d call it poetic minimalism, haha! Concretely, it stems from moving around a lot when I was young: I never felt like I could hold on to much, so I never developed the need to be surrounded by many things. I learned to carry a sense of home with me instead of relying on objects. It’s really all about quality over quantity for me.
So while I’m a minimalist when it comes to clothes, décor, and furniture, when I do choose something, I’ll spend a bit more to ensure it’s good quality and built to last. However, I’m a maximalist when it comes to the senses, I go all in to create a great atmosphere.
If there’s one thing I love that isn’t purely functional, it’s natural materials. I’ll always gravitate toward dark wood, ceramics, or paper lanterns.
And for the few knick-knacks we see around, are there any pieces here with a story behind them?
I’m not one to get attached to things, but if I had to choose, it would be a matcha set I brought back from when I lived in Japan for a little while. I went to a tiny, lesser-known village to visit a shrine, and I had such a lovely interaction with a woman at a ceramics shop I stumbled upon. The shop was attached to her home, and she welcomed us (my partner at the time and me) while she was cooking lunch for her family in the other room.
We browsed her collection and chatted with her, and everything felt so full of curiosity and charm. I wanted to support her and commemorate that moment by bringing something back, hence the matcha set.
The things I’m most attached to are extensions of past experiences, like this tea set. They hold memories for me, and over time, those memories only deepen as I continue to use them. Every time I do, I’m reminded of the past moments, which naturally makes me feel more present and grateful for how I’m spending my time.
Well, we love it all, we feel so at ease here. Are there any rituals for starting or closing your day that we could take with us to feel this good in our own space?
Wow, thank you, that’s exactly what I hope people feel when they come in, or even just when I’m around them.
As for rituals, I love to start my day slowly. Ideally without an alarm, but since that would make me late for work, I set one earlier than necessary so I can wake up gradually. I like having time to write, either to clear my mind or set the tone for the day. I’ll sneak in a cuddle, take my time getting ready, and walk to work at a slow pace: I just don’t like rushing.
At the end of the day, I come home, open the windows to freshen up the space, light incense or a candle, and dim the lights. I’ll chat with my partner and take a rejuvenating shower more often than not: it helps me clear my mind and start fresh. I want a blank slate so I don’t carry stress from work into my home or relationships; that’s crucial for me to recharge. Then it’s cooking and eating together, a simple routine that I truly cherish.
What to take from all of this is that, whether in the morning or evening, my rituals are a conscious effort to be present, intentional, and grounded in each moment. It’s also my way of romanticizing everyday life, which helps me feel grateful for even the smallest things.
Speaking of amazing days, what does your perfect schedule look like?
I’m so glad you asked, I was just talking about this recently. In an ideal world, there would be Saturday, Sunday… and Moonday.
Saturday and Sunday are your typical weekend days: taking care of lingering responsibilities, tending to your space, and seeing friends. But Moonday is sacred. It’s for taking care of myself and playing, with nothing else planned. No alarm: I wake up slowly, with music and cuddling my partner. I go to a yoga class in the morning, then come back and spend the rest of the day in my pajamas.
I spend time baking slowly and enjoying the result just as slowly. I’ll watch a series, play conversation games with loved ones, or brainstorm creative ideas together (I love seeing the people around me passionate about something). I also leave space for something “productive” that’s really just for fun. Lately, that’s been designing a question-based card game for my friends and me to enjoy.
We are not surprised by any of that, it’s so you. And when you work on that project, where do you prefer doing it?
In the sitting area of my bedroom. It’s cozier than the living room, with all the softness of bedroom vibes, but without feeling sleepy or unproductive. It’s the perfect nook to get into my bubble.
If you could add anything to this space, big or small, what would it be?
A big projector screen, so my movie nights feel even more immersive. More baking books, since I’m really into bread-making these days. My latest was a brown butter dark chocolate banana bread that was divine.
Maybe a library, too. I’ve been reading The Artist’s Way, and it’s inspired me so much that I want to explore more books like it. So far my collection is just piling up with nowhere to go.
Does your space reflect who you’ve always been, or has it evolved with you?
I think it’s a mix of both. It has always represented me, but it evolved as I did. The constants, though, have always been letters and love notes that mean everything to me, plants in some form (dried or alive), and my journals.
We feel like we can guess the answer, but how do you feel about inviting people into your peaceful bubble?
I think I’m a textbook ambivert. I love seeing people, but I also need my own time and space. I’m not much of a host, not because I don’t want to welcome people in, but because it feels less jarring (and less work, to be honest) to meet elsewhere.
And if you could create another peaceful bubble like this anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Mediterranean Europe: anywhere by the water would be the ultimate destination. Weather matters a lot to me; ideally, this peaceful bubble would let me hear rain or waves by the beach, with no harsh winters. Most European countries feel naturally relaxed to me, which I think would complement that kind of space perfectly.
Yeah, we can totally see that for you. And our favorite question: if you could transform yourself, what shape would you take?
I’d be a little tea set. And it would be animated, of course: after all, if I can transform into an object, I can decide objects are sentient! So its personality would be cozy but grounding, like the feeling of a really satisfying stretch and release.
Before we go, if we had a perfect day in your city, what would you have us do?
Oh, I’m not the biggest planner (I love to just walk around and stumble upon things), but I can share my latest improvised itinerary that turned out to be perfect.
First, you’d start with an amazing brunch at Butterblume. Then, head over to Henriette L + H to explore perfumes (and definitely ask to see their designer pieces in the basement).
After all that sniffing, you can wind down with tea and a book at La Croissanterie Figaro. Then, wake yourself back up with a walk to Foil to catch one of their events: they’re always so inspiring.
Finally, you could refuel with some incredible noodles at Nouilles de Lan Zhou before heading back home to relax or watch a movie.
That sounds amazing, we can’t wait! In the meantime, thank you for making an exception and inviting us in your home. We are so grateful!
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