A SOULFUL STAY

Somewhere between soul and Art Noveau, the stunning Hotel Wiesler enjoys a privileged location in the dynamic center of the charming city Graz, Austria. The hotel consists of five former guesthouses converted into what the Wiesler is today. But between 1945 and 1954 the building was used a accommodation for British Army officers until it got renovated again into its original splendor in 1986. The successful combination of beautiful vintage fixtures and modern design symbolises the philosophy behind the new Wiesler—a surprising and exquisite choice of detail which makes this hotel so special. All 21 refurbished room offer plenty of space for new thoughts and an unforgettable stay.

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BECOME A PLUS ONE

If you like to feel and live like a local when traveling, this funky new style of accommodations might be your ticket. Plus One Berlin is a stylish, ecological hotel space in an exciting yet still non-touristy neighborhood of Berlin. Besides enjoying its cool and innovatively designed rooms, the recently opened hotel gives you the opportunity to be the 'plus one' of a well-connected and knowledgeable local of your choice. That's right. You get to pick from a group of 28 locals of different nationalities, professions and interests, who have been chosen for their knowledge and passion for the city. They will give you one-of-a-kind insight into Berlin's life and help you discover a side to the city that only a local would know.

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SMART LUXURY

The modern traveler is always in search of stylish places to stay that offer a flexible and comfortable lifestyle without spending much. This is exactly what Vienna's Hotel Daniel is all about. They've come up with a concept they call "Smart Luxury", or contemporary hospitality with stylish minimalism. The heart and soul of the hotel is in the building it's situated in: the first building in Austria to be constructed using the revolutionary Curtain Wall technique (centrally located within walking distance to the city centre). Their interior design concept is the polar opposite of heavy and sedate. It's a seductive and effortless mix of styles with a dash of warmth that makes it quite homey. All 115 rooms look super comfy, especially the ones with a delish hammock in the middle of the room to relax in after a long day in town. I'll definitely keep The Daniel in mind when I go back to Vienna.

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IT'S AN ILLUSION

This incredibly fun lamp combines the functional elements of a sconce and a table giving the illusion of floating. Illusion Half, the wall version of the original Illusion lamp, is created by the Nordic company Northern Lighting in collaboration with Hareide Design. It's their way of merging two common pieces of furniture in one with an unexpected magical twist. The lamp is a perfect mood maker that works great in an entryway as well as in the bedroom as a night stand. Clever, right?

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Warm Winter Sanctuaries

• Written by guest blogger Jessica. 

As the days have gotten colder and shorter, I've been craving the warmth of a cozy bed, made up to ward off the winter chill. If you're looking for ways to make your bedroom more winter-friendly, here are some ideas that will help you get there. Take for instance the rustic bedroom above, with the deep blue wall color that acts as the perfect background to make the crisp white bedding pop. The thick woven blanket and heavy comforter on this modern bed offer just the right place to curl up, warm and cozy. I especially love the sconce above the night stand.

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Dreaming in Fashion

There is a fine line between fashion and interior design. They're both about proportions, textures, colors and great imagination. Such is the case in Amsterdam's new Hotel The Exchange, where both disciplines meet in the most unexpected and inspiring ways. All of the 61 rooms have been designed and dressed by graduates and alumni of the Amsterdam Fashion Institute, turning ordinary hotel rooms into diverse and inspiring spaces—like the neighborhood the hotel is located in. If you're a romantic at heart, you can stay in a Marie Antoinette-inspired room where a huge dress drapes over the walls and unto the bed. Or if you're more of a minimalist, then opt for a room that is based on the old fairy tale of the Emperor’s New Clothes. Either way, you're guaranteed to have an exceptional stay at The Exchange. Having worked on both fields of the design industry, I would definitely love to experience this place next time I visit the Dutch capital.

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Bravo! Bravo!

There's nothing better than enjoying a lazy Saturday morning with breakfast in bed, especially with an Italian beauty by your side. This slick tray table designed by Italian company Idoppia can also be used to read the paper on your laptop, study or write. With just four folds, Bravo is made of a single sheet of aluminum measuring just three millimeters thick. It was brilliantly designed with plenty of surface space and very cute details, like a trickle by the cup holder that falls along the leg of the table as if the material was melting. Enjoy your Saturday.

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A Touch of Hollywood

Sometimes when we think of great design we instantly assume it comes with a pretentious price tag. But thanks for the demand of beautifully-crafted home decor, there has been an outpour of well-known designers and celebrities creating more accessible home collections. The latest to join this list is Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton, whose passion for design motivated her to launch her tabletop and bedding collections K by Keaton. Both are quite beautiful, homey and reflect her distinctive, whimsical personality. The bedding is all about clean graphic patterns and a neutral palette of black, white and greys, whereas the tableware is simple and sturdy with a palette inspired by the heartland. In a way, they have that Scandinavian sensibility I'm crazy about.

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