I JUST LIKE YOU!

She is a fashion designer, design professional and runs the wonderful BRÜCKE 49 bed and breakfast in Vals. She is also, as Kathrin Schertler-Secli aptly put it, «the aesthetic eye of the Traube». She describes herself as a woman who was fascinated by beauty and glamour even as a child. In an interview, Ruth Kramer talks about the Scandinavian style, why she loves to be surprised and the one mistake that should be avoided at all costs when decorating an interior.

Dear Ruth, I have found many different job titles in various articles about you. So I’m delighted to be able to ask you directly: What are you?

Thank you for this question. Even as a child, I was interested in beautiful things, I read a lot and dreamed even more. I often dreamed of a glamorous life. It’s no wonder: when I was young, I saw pictures in newspapers of the Shah of Persia and of Aristotle Onassis sailing around with Maria Callas ... I found it all so glamorous and soaked it up. My father was a textile technician, which is where I think I got my talent for technology and mathematics. However, I’d rather do something with my hands. So I studied fashion design at the design school in Herning (Denmark) and then worked as a designer for small and large companies for 30 years. Most recently, I headed up the design team of a large company for 10 years. We presented and sold 10 fashion collections per year. To come back to your question: I like to call myself a homemaker (laughs).

How did you go from fashion to interior design?

I didn’t study interior design. I just eventually realised that it’s something I’m good at. Not only do I have a strong visual thinking, I also have a pretty wild imagination (laughs). I let my customers know from the start that I’m an amateur. I explain to them how I work, that I draw my mood boards by hand and that a lot happens through conversation. After all, I’m not designing my own world, but rather diving into the world of my customers to make their dreams come true.

«The Scandinavian style is deeply rooted in my DNA.»

Does that mean you need not only an aesthetic eye, but also a deep understanding of human nature and a good instinct?

Exactly. My most important task is listening. The second most important thing is accepting the fact that my customers’ wishes do not always correspond to my own. I’m not overly vain in that respect. I do of course try to stay true to my style, otherwise it doesn’t work.

Could you describe the typical Ruth Kramer style?

I invented a phrase for myself while working in Scotland, where I had the privilege of setting up various hotels: Scandi Scott! In Switzerland, I just call my style Scandi Swiss (laughs). Of course, I lived in Denmark for 50 years. I love all Danish furniture classics. The Scandinavian style is deeply rooted in my DNA. In other words, I love timeless, natural and authentic things. I love creating new things out of old things. I love things with history. I love anything that is durable and, most importantly, I never want to create a museum. I want to be able to touch and use everything at any time.

Let’s tackle the crucial question: What is good design?

Good design is when you don’t want to add anything anymore, but you don’t want to take anything away either. I strive for this balance. Sure, when you’re done setting up, you may need a vase here or a chair there. But I hope that when the Traube is fully set up, we will have almost everything.

There’s one thing I have always wanted to ask an interior designer: How do you approach a large project such as Gasthaus Traube? I mean, where do you even start?

With the Traube it was like this: When Kathrin Schertler-Secli and I met for the first time, the spontaneous reaction on both sides was: «I just like you!» We just liked each other right away. She expressed things that mattered to her and I knew for sure: this is going to work! She has so much expertise, and knows so much about art, culture and design. So we spoke the same language from day one. Specifically, this means that I listened first. Then I created a mood board with the furniture and the outlines of the different rooms, sorted pictures, combined colours and continuously had lots of conversations. I was very fortunate that Kathrin liked my ideas right from the start. So it never really felt like work (laughs).

«The worst thing is dictating creativity to someone.»

At some point, decisions were made and then it was a matter of buying or ordering things. Do you personally go to the suppliers? Or do you place orders online? How does it work?

Both. Although I have to say that references like the Traube are helpful for opening doors. We also had some custom-made products made that will only exist at the Traube …

Can you give me an example?

We commissioned a bar cabinet for the lounge, into which we put so much love and detail. However, I did not design it myself. I much prefer to take my ideas to the cabinet maker, leave the actual implementation to them and let the result be a surprise. The worst thing is dictating creativity to someone. It’s best if you let the professionals get on with it. Then you always get more than you expect. I love that.

What is the biggest challenge in your job?

The interplay between architecture and interior design can be challenging at times. As a creative mind for the interior of a room, I am of course also interested in the exterior and function of a house. I find it extremely important for people to listen and respect each other. However, sometimes it takes a while before you learn to speak the same language.

For us non-designers: What mistakes should you avoid wherever possible when it comes to interior design?

I think, when it comes to your own private home, you should set it up just the way you like. However, one thing I consider a mistake is buying a cheap bed. I also think the right bed linen is important for a good night’s sleep. Oh, yes, I also think a good chair is important. Once these aspects are sorted, you can let your imagination run wild. I mean, if someone wants a plush, purple climbing tree for their cat then by all means.

So, when and why does it make sense to hire an interior design professional?

It makes sense when you want to create a certain mood in a house or other project and you’re not sure how to achieve it. At that point, it’s good to have a conversation and exchange ideas with people who have experience in this field. It also makes sense to let go of the responsibility a bit and allow yourself to be surprised by things you could fall in love with despite not having known they even existed. In addition, two pairs of eyes simply see more than one. When it comes to interior design, it’s the same as with everything else in life: discussions and communication always lead to better ideas.

«I hope the Traube gets a little wild.»

At the beginning of our conversation I asked you «what» you are. Now I would like to ask you «who» you are. Let’s assume we met at the Traube bar and are getting to know each other over a gin and tonic ... what can you tell me about yourself?

I love gin and tonic and I love chatting to new people in bars (laughs). So the question is wonderful. I’m the daughter of a German mother and a Swiss father, lived in Denmark for 50 years and now live in Vals, where I built our B & B in line with our wishes and ideas together with my husband Thomas, who unfortunately died of cancer this year. Now I am reorienting myself, as I no longer have a partner. I’m alone now. I love spending time in nature, baking, knitting, reading and dancing to loud music. I love people, am very open and curious, and enjoy going out. A healthy lifestyle is certainly one of my core values. For me, health also includes beauty. This means that I have high standards when it comes to my own well-being and I attach great importance to feeling good in my own skin in every sense.

In Vals, you and Thomas fulfilled a dream. How close did the reality come to this dream?

With BRÜCKE 49, we created exactly the world we wanted. Every morning when I walk in the door, I think to myself: gosh, that’s lovely! Our B & B enables me to do everything: I get to know the greatest people with whom I can have crazy conversations. I can spoil them every day with a fantastic breakfast. I share a house with them. I can say that dream and reality have truly merged there.

How wonderful! And what are your dreams for the Traube?

My sincere wish for the Traube is that it becomes a warm meeting place for the residents of Buchs and all other guests. I hope they feel at home and inspired there and that they take a little bit of beauty home with them, perhaps by remembering a lovely detail they may have discovered. And, of course, I hope it becomes lively and vibrant – a place where people laugh and flirt and chat and get to know each other. I hope the Traube gets a little wild (laughs).

That’s a nice closing remark. Thank you Ruth for the inspiring conversation.

Interview: Doris Büchel
Photos: Roland Lichtensteiger

Tabula Rasa

What’s the first thing you do in the morning? Ventilate and make tea. What is the most important trait a crew must have? The ability to rise above in a crisis situation. What is a management matter? Creating trust and transparency. When did you know: «that’s my style»? I’ve always preferred casual comfort over skintight sexiness and have bought well-tailored clothes, often even men’s clothes. I think I discovered my individual style very early on. You have to get rid of all your furniture except one piece. Which one do you keep? My Papa Bear chair.

Why? Because you can sit so nicely and comfortably in it. The Papa Bear just makes you feel good. Which building has a style you admire? I love the Beyeler Museum in Basel. The biggest inspiration for me was being able to live in a Peter Zumthor house. Who would you like to have a gin and tonic with at the Traube? Jackie Kennedy Onassis. What would you ask her? How to master a life as a woman between such prominent men.