Tear it down.

From renovation
to new construction.

In 2024, Jessie Weiß (@journelles) and her family moved into their dream home in Berlin. But the road there was anything but straightforward: what began as a renovation project quickly turned into a complete 'tear-it-all-down' new build – with all the challenges and hurdles such projects inevitably bring. Jessie and Johan are documenting this process openly and authentically on Instagram @maison.journelles and in their podcast “Traumhaus mit Tücken”.

Now that the dream home is complete, Jessie shares with us how it feels to finally live there, why the bathroom plays such an important role, and how her fine sense for aesthetics and detail shaped the design. Welcome to the VALLONE interview: “10 Questions for …”

Maison Journelles x Vallone Außenansicht 2

vallone IN DIALOGUE: JESSIE WEIß

How did you approach the planning process?

A new build is like a blank sheet of paper – both a blessing and a curse. We spent ages refining the layout and floor plan. The master bathroom is a large, very bright space where we spend a lot of time, so I allowed myself to really dream big here.

How do you decide what you want – especially with a long-term perspective in mind?

If my mood boards still convince me a year after I’ve created them, that’s the best sign. I’ve always been on the lookout for something unique and unseen before, and I’m happy my boldness paid off. Of course, there are also practical factors to consider – like the fact that we have three children and their future needs.

On what basis do you create your mood boards? What inspires you?
Travel, hotels, the Salone in Milan – and, quite simply, Instagram.

What role does the bathroom play in your daily life?

I often film my beauty routines for work in the bathroom, so it had to be as beautiful and inviting as possible while still accommodating my three kids. Sundays are always big bath party days!

If your bathroom had a personality, how would you describe it?

Extraordinary, cool, and a little sexy – but always cozy and inviting.

What story does the bathroom tell about you and your family?

That design and family-friendliness don’t exclude each other – they coexist beautifully.

What was the inspiration behind your choice of colors and materials?

I wanted a marble that isn’t seen too often, yet still has that wow factor. Arabescato marble is very rare – especially in bathrooms – but it’s dramatic and unique. I designed everything else around it.

TREMEZZO by VALLONE in the Perla version / combined with Arabescato marble.

Are there architectural details that keep catching your eye?

Our freestanding bathtub is simply beautiful and harmonizes perfectly with the arched entrance and the unusually shaped half-moon mirror.

APUA MONOLITH in Calacatta Viola in the guest bathroom.

Extraordinary types of marble combined in harmony: Jessie’s fascination with these high-quality stones has been part of her signature for years. It defines the entire interior, creating a look that is both contrasting and cohesive.

One year in: Is there anything you would change now?

Yes – undoing the water damage! One connection wasn’t installed properly, and water leaked into the floor. We still don’t know if the entire bathroom will need to be redone because of the drying process…

How has your everyday life changed since moving in?

Our lives have changed a lot – above all, they’ve slowed down. The garden and pool add so much to our quality of life. It’s a huge privilege to call this house our home.

Five years ago, we visited Jessie in her charming old apartment in Prenzlauer Berg. Much has changed since then – but her courage and fine instinct for interior design remain the same.

Take a look.

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