Clever take aways from the illustrated book «Best of Interiors»
22.11.2022
Translation: Veronica Bielawski
Pictures: Pia Seidel
The «Best of Interiors» book showcases seemingly unattainable apartments and houses. But it also contains creative ideas for simple, small redesigns that’ll bring you a little closer to your dream home.
It’s rare to reinvent the wheel. And yet, according to Ute Laatz, creative minds always find ways to redesign our spaces. Laatz is an expert on interior design and freelance editor on the topics of living, design and lifestyle. Alongside interior architect and furniture designer Gesa Hansen, she published the book titled «Best of Interiors». It features 50 award-winning projects by leading interior designers from around the world that, according to a six-member jury, are particularly well made.
I ordered the book, hoping to see what these interior designers are capable of and who won. Spoiler alert: most of the projects included major remodelling. But I did also find ideas on certain pages out of the 336 that you can implement with little effort.
Freestanding shelves
Most people place shelves against the wall. Not Hannes Peer. The architect attaches his design piece to the ceiling directly behind the sofa to keep the walls free. This elegantly frames the seating area of the Milan apartment – the first-place winner.
Source: Pia Seidel
Source: Pia Seidel
Other architects in the book had the same idea. The «Stellwerk Architekten» bureau positions the room divider in a single-family house by the sitting area, too. If we positioned shelves differently, we’d free up space on the wall for other things – like flowers.
Wall-mounted vases
In a Berlin penthouse, interior designer Charlotte Wiessner staged flowers on the wall instead of on the table. In the kitchen, three vases hang next to each other; in the bathroom, two. This change of placement saves table and shelf space and it better accentuates the stylish floral arrangements.
Source: Pia Seidel
Source: Pia Seidel
This decorative element is repeated in several rooms, which creates a natural flow between the individual areas.
Floating
To make room for the vases on the wall, you can say goodbye to telescopic make-up mirrors. In best-of-interior bathrooms, such as the one designed by architect Miriam Engelkamp, mirrors float freely in the room. They don’t just play second fiddle to a dressing table or shelf, but are the star.
Source: Pia Seidel
Source: Pia Seidel
Free-fluttering plants also look much more impressive, as «Studio Kristin Engel» proves in their bathroom. It features a flower pot swinging back and forth like a mobile in a gentle breeze – without looking tacky. It brings zest to indoor and outdoor spaces.
Dare to wear colours
When it comes to large furniture, people typically go for reserved colours. Playing it safe, however, won’t exactly move your home closer to the «Best of Interiors». In the living area by «Büro Thatenhorst Interior», a light blue sofa comes up trumps.
Source: Pia Seidel
Source: Pia Seidel
And in architect Jochen Reetz’s Cologne kitchen, the standard neutral wooden dining table has been replaced by a blue one. But because everything else around the table is so neutral, the rich colour doesn’t look too Villa Kunterbunt from Pippi Longstocking.
More is more
It’s not only statement colours that’ll allow you to stand out, but also rethinking decor. The best interiors don’t stop at just one decor object. «Britta Becker Studio» has redesigned the winter garden, featuring several vases lined up next to each other on the window sill.
Source: Pia Seidel
Source: Pia Seidel
There’s not just one picture hung up in the hallway; baskets, prints and signs all come together. The main thing is to maximise the use of space. But don’t worry – you’re far from being in danger of crossing into cluttercore.
Frames aren’t only for art
Framing a picture is no radical notion. Framing a bed, on the other hand, is. In one of architect Marianne Melchers’ best bedrooms, the bedchamber is set against an upholstered, quilted wall panel. It serves as a headboard replacement and surrounds the piece of furniture.
Source: Pia Seidel
Source: Pia Seidel
In a Düsseldorf apartment, architect Susanna Maslankowski opted to frame the TV instead with a wall covered in wooden beams. It acts both as decoration for the TV while also camouflaging it – the black is less noticeable against the dark brown.
Verdict: the inspiration is in the detail
Interior design books like «Best of Interiors» are great for gathering ideas. But at the same time, they do serve as a reminder for how unattainable certain things are. Many of the design ideas in this book require a lot of know-how, time and money – or even an entirely new house. Even so, there are one or two tips that can be easily implemented. So, I recommend the book to anyone looking for creative design inspiration or as a gift. Worst-case scenario, the person you gift it to will end up using it as a coffee table book; the cover is quite aesthetically pleasing. And hey, most people enjoy sussing out strangers’ houses.
Pia Seidel
Senior Editor
Pia.Seidel@digitecgalaxus.chLike a cheerleader, I love celebrating good design and bringing you closer to everything furniture- and interior design- related. I regularly curate simple yet sophisticated interior ideas, report on trends and interview creative minds about their work.
Interior
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
