Living well is as much about how we see the world as it is about the spaces we create around us.
It lies in the details we notice, the things that inspire us and the everyday rituals that bring a sense of meaning to our lives.
Through conversations about home, creativity and personal perspectives, we explore what it means to live thoughtfully and find beauty in the everyday.
07 - The Art of Natural Living
A thoughtful eye and an appreciation for the beauty of the everyday, Melanie is a creative whose world is shaped by photography, design, interiors and the quiet details that make life feel meaningful.
From the spaces we inhabit to the rituals we return to, she reminds us that living well can be found in the simplest things.
A conversation about living well and finding beauty in simplicity - from a morning cup of tea to a long walk with her dog, and all the little moments in between that shape her days.
The Conversation
Where do you find inspiration in everyday life?
If you go through life with your eyes open and have a feel for the little things, inspiration can find you anywhere.
On a walk through the city, in museums, in nature, or in old magazines. I think it is often the things you come across along the way, rather than the things you actively search for.
What does living well mean to you?
Staying mindful, appreciating what you have already achieved, and spending plenty of time with your loved ones.
For me, living well is also about being present and recognising what is already there.
I also appreciate good food. I love cooking and eating, and that is always part of a good day or a good life. Sharing a meal and taking the time to enjoy it are simple pleasures that I value a lot.
How did your path lead you to Vienna, and what inspires you about living there?
I grew up in a small town near Vienna. Behind the house where I grew up, there was a forest where my sister and I spent a lot of time. We built treehouses and had very active imaginations. That closeness to nature — and the creativity — have stayed with me to this day.
I have been living in Vienna for ten years now and work as a freelancer. My profession allows me to pursue my passions for photography, design, and interior design.
Vienna — a very green city with easy access to nature — allows me to perfectly combine my interests in art, culture, and the outdoors.
Although I have lived in a big city for some time, I spend most of my free time outdoors in nature.
What does home mean to you?
For me, home is more of a feeling than a place. My partner is my home — as are my dog, my family, and my friends.
Of course, our apartment is a home, too — but that is because we have created a home there where we feel at ease, and because it is a place for us as a couple, as well as for friends and family.
How would you describe the aesthetic of your home?
I'd describe it as warm, minimal and a little eclectic. I love a calm, neutral base, but I always want there to be a sense of personality - through vintage pieces, natural materials, art and unexpected details.
What is your favorite part about coming home?
Home is always a safe place where you can find peace and recharge your energy. When I come home after a long day, I put on fresh, cozy clothes and get really comfortable.
Those little moments of settling in are part of what makes coming home so special to me.
What materials do you naturally gravitate towards?
I naturally gravitate towards warm, honest materials like wood, stone, linen and ceramics. I love the way they add texture and a sense of warmth to a space while still feeling timeless and understated.
I am drawn to materials that feel natural and authentic and that develop character over time. They bring a certain softness and depth to a room without needing to be overly decorative, which fits well with the calm, warm and minimal atmosphere I like to create at home.
What does beauty mean to you?
To me, beauty means the unexpected and the imperfect — small flaws, authenticity, and surprise.
How would you describe your interior style in three words?
Warm, timeless, natural.
How often do you rearrange your home?
Not so often anymore. There were times when I repainted the walls every six months in different colors, but by now I’d say I’ve found a style that gives me a sense of calm and makes me feel comfortable — one I’m happy to stick with for the long haul.
I think finding that sense of calm has changed the way I approach my home. Rather than constantly wanting to change things, I now appreciate having a space that feels right and that I can continue to enjoy over time.
What does your morning routine look like?
The first thing I do when I get up in the morning is make tea. I love green and white tea; I have many different varieties at home and look forward to drinking it every morning.
While doing so, I check my emails and plan my day or the week ahead. Afterward, I go for a long walk with my dog. That is the best way for me to start the day.
"To me, beauty means the unexpected and the imperfect — small flaws, authenticity, and surprise."
How do you balance beauty and functionality in your home?
For me, beauty and functionality go hand in hand. I love spaces that feel calm and considered, but they also have to work for everyday life.
I tend to choose pieces that are both aesthetically pleasing and practical, and I like to keep things rather minimal while still adding character through textures, materials and a few special objects.
It is about finding a balance where everything feels intentional, without losing the ease and comfort of everyday living.
What drew you to the brand in the first place?
With MOCHA you can feel and see the quality and the craftsmanship that goes into it. The clothing feels light and comfortable, making it suitable for so many situations in life.
"It is about finding a balance where everything feels intentional, without losing the ease and comfort of everyday living."
What are you looking forward to?
I am excited and curious to see what else life has in store for me. At some point, I would like to live in the countryside again and experience nature in my own garden. I am looking forward to that.
THE LOOK
