Berlin Light & Legacy – A Victorian Interior Revival

This project in Berlin presented both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. The apartment, housed in a 100+ year-old building, was dark and overcrowded, with mismatched furnishings that didn’t complement one another. The space had limited storage and suffered from issues like mold and aging windows, particularly given its north-facing orientation. Additionally, the home lacked a designated office space, a necessity that became increasingly apparent due to the demands of remote work during the pandemic.

The client’s vision was to transform the apartment into a bright, colorful, and functional living space that still respected the building's Victorian charm. We started by creating a seamless flow between the living room, kitchen, and office—areas that had previously felt disconnected and cramped. We embraced a modern yet respectful approach to the Victorian aesthetic, blending contemporary elements with the building’s traditional bones.

One of the key challenges was the kitchen, which was located at the entrance and lacked any form of separation from the entryway. To address this, we designed an elegant anthracite-colored bar with a striking golden countertop. This feature not only solved the functional issue but also added a touch of sophistication, creating a new social hub where guests now gather to enjoy cocktails, particularly martinis.

The apartment’s original architecture was beautiful, but it lacked the typical crown moldings and detailing common in buildings of its era. To give the space an authentic Parisian flair, we had custom moldings crafted for each room, ensuring that the traditional charm was fully restored.

Another significant hurdle was the tight project timeline. With only two weeks between the start of renovation and the move-in date, we worked efficiently to ensure everything was completed on time—a feat that stands as one of the project's proudest achievements.

Overall, this project was incredibly rewarding. The client entrusted us with the freedom to bring her vision to life, and the result is a bright, welcoming home that combines the charm of a historic building with the functionality and energy of a modern living space. The transformation of this once-dark, fragmented apartment into a cohesive, vibrant home was truly a labor of love.