Piece by piece, interior designer Pascale Lauber and co-owner Ulrike Bauschke have carefully renovated and modernized this historic palazzo. A particularly striking contrast to the ancient walls is found in the steel-framed windows and doors, reminiscent of diamonds. Unique antique pieces and custom-made furnishings from various countries and eras come together in a truly magical way. The sofas and bed headboards come from South Africa, a fire bowl from the South African bush has been transformed into a bathtub. An old olive press serves as a communal table, and an impressive chandelier, designed by Pascale Lauber herself, hangs from the bar’s ceiling.

Located in a tranquil riverside neighborhood at the heart of Kyoto, GENJI Kyoto is a contemporary interpretation of Machiya townhouses, marrying traditional concepts with modern amenities. Inspired by the Japanese masterpiece Tale of Genji, the story of which took place in the vicinity, the hotel’s designers took motifs from the novel to create a wabi sabi world of beauty and harmony.

It may well be that you have to look more closely for the X in the products of the interior brand SACKit. And yet it appears everywhere as a design element. But the X is not the only thing that connects SACKit products. They all follow the Danish design philosophy: functional, aesthetic and durable. Here are five products that epitomise the X and that little bit extra that makes SACKit what it is.