It’s a pleasure to catch up for an interview with leading interior design innovator Delia Fischer, the Founder and Creative Director of Westwing. Delia Fischer founded Westwing in 2011, when she was 26 years old. Before she worked as an editor at ELLE and ELLE Decoration in Germany for several years. “As a journalist I was always surrounded by exciting interior brands and products – but I could hardly ever find them online.” she says. By turning hear dream into reality she has founded Europe’s first curated and “shoppable home & living magazine”. Its interactive features, weekly specials and innovative collaborations are, what make Westing successful and favored by its over 30 million members from over 14 countries.

Like many female entrepreneurs, Delia travels extensively around the world and is always on a quest for new ideas and inspiration. However far she journeys, she makes a point of carrying just a few things to remind her of the comfort and contentment of being at home. The merest hint of a favorite fragrance or the familiarity of her ideas notebook are enough to make her feel truly at home even as she opens her eyes to the world.

Delia, you are one of Europe’s leading experts, when it comes to interior design. How much time do you actually spend at home?

I am on the road a lot, but when I am in Munich, Germany, I actually spend a great deal of time in my new home and really like being there. You could almost call me a couch potato, because I just love to relax with a good book or a nice movie as I chill out on my sofa. Of course, my dog Lola is always beside me. On rainy weekends I love to enjoy quality moments in my home, simply sitting in my book corner with a cup of tea and browsing through some magazines. But I like some company too and delight in inviting family and friends to my place – having a large dining table is essential to me.

What are the key things you need to have in your home to feel comfortable?

Warm light is incredibly important for me. I have indirect light sources everywhere that blend to make the rooms cosy and homely. I am a big fan of candles. There is no room in my home without one and I especially love scented candles. Comfortable materials also add to a sense of relaxation. A large carpet in the living room or a soft cashmere throw and many cushions make every place to sit and relax an island of well-being.

What does „home“ mean to you?

Home is the place where we go (or stay) to truly escape. It is where we spend so much of our time with our loved ones and where many important things happen. My advice is not to decorate for other people. It should never be about impressing others, so always create a place and a space for yourself and your loved ones, to feel truly comfortable.

You travel a lot. What brings you the „home away from home“ feeling? 

I am never without a charged phone to find my way around, discover everything and stay connected to home at the same time. A handy travel set is key when I am out and about. I also bring along a lot of my own cosmetics and scents: I do not like hotel body lotions and shampoos. I always bring my favorite products with me, which make me feel so much more “home”.

And what are your essentials, that you need to bring along on your travels, to feel so? 

My everyday essential is the “Hyaluronic Serum by Dr. Barbara Sturm”. Hydration is key. Feeling good in my skin too. And so I use this little hydration wonder on busy days at the office and always bring it along, when I travel.

Another of my favorite travel gadgets is my pretty notebook. I actually like to write down my thoughts and notes with my Faber Castell pencil, as well as all inspiration that I find along the way. This summer I like to wear my pink Fendi sunglasses, when I travel. These ones are sure to bring on a good mood.

An exciting book is a must travel companion. Currently, I am reading a very inspiring book “We should all be Feminists” by Chimamanda Ngozi.