a Bergs Potter Journal post

Laura & Nora

Discover how Laura Muthesius and Nora Eisermann, the creative minds behind DesignTales and St. Oak, turned a once-neglected backyard into a lush, inviting retreat. Their thoughtful design choices, passion for timeless aesthetics, and a keen eye for detail, particularly their use of plants and Bergs Potter pots, offer endless inspiration for anyone looking to elevate their indoor and outdoor spaces. Read on to explore their journey, uncover their vision, and see why guests have fallen in love with this charming, plant-filled oasis.

Laura and Nora's garden retreat. Filled with Bergs Potter

Photo: St. Oak.

Interview

What are your names and Instagram profiles?
We are Laura Muthesius & Nora Eisermann. Our Instagram profiles are: @designtales, @st.oak_apartments, @foodstories, and @analogue_stories.

Where are you based?
We commute between Berlin and the countryside—a small, charming town called Kyritz, north of Berlin.

DesignTales is such an intriguing concept. Could you share how your journey started and what inspired you to create St. Oak?
Our journey began with our @designtales account and corresponding blog series during our very first renovation project back in 2016—a charming countryside apartment belonging to friends. We found immense joy in renovation and interior design, and although our @foodstories audience primarily preferred recipes, we realised there was a need for a dedicated platform. Hence, @designtales was created. Many renovation projects later, our passion for interior design continues to flourish.

For years, we had dreamt of creating our own holiday rental. Having frequently travelled for work and stayed in beautiful Airbnb homes, we always felt something was missing—especially in the kitchens. Our goal became clear: to offer a holiday rental with a kitchen so thoughtfully equipped that it genuinely feels like home, especially to those who share our passion for cooking and baking. St. Oak is a family venture, created in collaboration with Laura’s father. We opened our doors in May this year and have already received wonderful feedback from our guests. Next year, two additional apartments will open, enabling us to host larger groups and our own workshops.

Photo: St. Oak.

Photo: St. Oak

We adore incorporating plants outdoors, especially bee-friendly varieties.

St. Oak

Photo: St. Oak.

When styling spaces like St. Oak, what drives your design vision, particularly when transforming outdoor areas?
Our vision is always to create spaces that feel warm, welcoming, and calming—whether indoors or outdoors.

How do plants enhance outdoor spaces, and what’s your approach to decorating with them?
We adore incorporating plants outdoors, especially bee-friendly varieties. Plants bring atmosphere, beauty, and a vibrant sense of life to any space.

Bergs Potter pots feature beautifully in St. Oak’s courtyard. Why did you choose these pots, and how do they complement your design?
We genuinely love the quality and timeless elegance of Bergs Potter pots. As St. Oak is situated in an older building, we sought pots that could seamlessly blend with its historic character. The classic design and frost-resistant quality of Bergs Potter pots, especially the Lucca pots, complement the atmosphere perfectly, making them both practical and visually appealing.

Guests frequently mention how the plants significantly elevate the atmosphere, highlighting the welcoming and relaxing vibe created by our green spaces.

St. Oak

Laura and Nora's garden retreat. Bergs Potter Willow vase

Photo: St. Oak

Can you share the creative process behind St. Oak’s courtyard? What elements did you prioritise to achieve a calm, inviting atmosphere?
The courtyard already featured charming stone walls and mature plants like a wild plum and a linden tree. Our vision was to create a relaxed, Mediterranean-inspired atmosphere, transforming what was previously a space used merely for storing bins into a serene hidden oasis. We introduced comfortable bamboo furniture and cosy cushions to create a lounge area, alongside a dining area and a small outdoor kitchen. Olive trees and bee-friendly plants further enriched the space, beautifully showcased in the Lucca pots.

What sets St. Oak apart from your previous projects? Was there something unique about designing this space?
Creating a holiday rental was a fresh, exciting adventure for us, and we’re eagerly looking forward to developing it further in the coming year.

What feedback have guests provided about the outdoor space, especially regarding how plants and pots enhance the overall experience?
Guests frequently mention how the plants significantly elevate the atmosphere, highlighting the welcoming and relaxing vibe created by our green spaces.

What advice would you give for designing outdoor spaces, whether a large garden or a small patio? We always recommend selecting timeless, high-quality items that age gracefully with you, contributing to a lasting and elegant atmosphere.

What are your future plans and ambitions for DesignTales? Are there any upcoming projects you’re particularly excited about?
As mentioned, we are continuing to expand St. Oak with two additional apartments next year, which will allow us to accommodate larger groups and host workshops. We’re very excited about this next chapter, as well as exploring further creative projects, including hosting more workshops and events.

Video: St. Oak

What are your future plans and ambitions for DesignTales? Are there any upcoming projects you’re particularly excited about?
As mentioned, we are continuing to expand St. Oak with two additional apartments next year, which will allow us to accommodate larger groups and host workshops. We’re very excited about this next chapter, as well as exploring further creative projects, including hosting more workshops and events.