Studio Loes Gives Classical Berlin Apartment a Subtle Makeover

Berlin-based Studio Loes has completed the interior renovation of this small apartment, combining the original Altbau style features with contemporary details.

The studio, founded by Gonzalo Lizama, Onur Özdemir, and Lukas Specks, came on board with the intention of minimal intervention. Their self-proclaimed ethos relies on working with the space they have – the “leftovers” as they refer to it – and as such, they were keen to retain as much charm as possible.

Typical of the historic Altbau style found in Berlin, the apartment boasts high ceilings and huge windows, meaning that the natural light is plenty. Stucco details featured across the space, and now work in dialogue with the modern fixtures and fittings.

The designers noted that ahead of their remodel, the old apartment had “quirky” niches in certain areas of its floorplan, that had led to space being underutilized.

As such, they made clever design decisions to maximize the space – such as in the bathroom, where a custom-made basin in a buttery tone slopes down to conceal a washing machine, while also creating the sink, toilet, and cabinet.

The real gem, though, comes in the form of a music room – which sits adjacent to the general living area and functions as a listening space for the owners’ huge vinyl collection and DJ equipment. For this, they designed custom shelving, which also encoproats the speakers.

Custom furniture was also created for the bedroom, with a bed seemingly built into the space – creating storage and also featuring integrated red-colored wall lamps designed by Andre Ricard and produced by Santa & Cole. “They create a color highlight in the room and provide indirect, pleasant lighting,” the architects said.

In the kitchen, a cobalt blue linoleum floor brings a modern touch to the space and complements the stainless steel kitchen units. In the window sits the dining table and stools, which are constructed of unprocessed aluminum.

Take a look around via the gallery above.