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Get a whiff of this! Here’s what the latest home bar furniture looks (and smells) like
by Pia Seidel
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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