When this 1,830-square-foot property was purchased in 2012, it was a raw, empty shell. The homeowner started to renovate the interior, but after a year he was in need of new perspective—so he approached Gisbert Pöppler to transform the 1910 space.

Pöppler teamed up with architect Rüdiger Sander to create a functional floor plan with a separate-yet-integrated office area that could be both open and private. The result is an eclectic home that unfolds over two floors. The bright interior balances boldness with simplicity while blending open living spaces with rooms for work and retreat.

On the main level, the new layout includes an open kitchen and dining space, paired with a cozy sitting area. The office space lies just off the main living area, and large panes of glass provide physical separation from the rest of the plan while still allowing natural light to filter in. As Pöppler says, “the study is a place of concentration, a kind of cockpit. Here, the author can sit in seclusion and take in the view of the apartment.”

Shop the Look

A dramatic stair wrapped in a warm orange hue leads to a second office space and living room above. A bonus is an open-air terrace with an expansive view of one of Berlin’s icons: the television tower at Alexanderplatz.

While the main floor is neutral and white, the upper floor is decorated with rich colors that contrast nicely with the subdued palette below. The client had a strong vision from the beginning, and a desire to use color selectively. He selected brightly colored vases, picture frames, cushion covers, and throws in addition to the cheerful, colored floor tiles in the bathroom.

Although each room has a unique feel, the overall color concept unites all the spaces into a rich, vibrant design. The building’s architectural heritage is still present, but it’s elegantly decorated with contemporary details. Pöppler’s studio seeks to provide “functional solutions paired with sophisticated artistry”—and this Berlin apartment is a stunning example of exactly that.

Related Reading:

A Berlin Apartment Breathes Easier With a Light and Bright Revamp

Inside Peter Fehrentz's Renovated Flat in Berlin

Project Credits:

Interior Design: Gisbert Pöppler / gisbertpoeppler

Cabinety Design / Installation: Tischlerei Konrad Fenzl

Appears In

A Historic Berlin Apartment Is Transformed Into a Colorful Live/Work Home