Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: An Open-plan Flat with a Sociable Kitchen-diner
Subtle colours, warm textures and a light, open layout make this flat the ideal mix of entertaining space and cosy home
Communication is a priority for PR specialists Michael Hetzinger and Nils Hardtke, both at work and in their personal lives. And this central Berlin apartment, which they moved into in May 2015, fits the theme perfectly: the open-plan layout creates plenty of connections between rooms and zones, offering the two occupants, their dog, Hertha, and their guests a lot of space and opportunities for spending time together.
The hallway, living room, dining room and kitchen flow into one another in a U-shaped layout, complemented by balconies on two sides. Two corridors lead, respectively, to a storage area and a tucked-away private area with a master bedroom suite and a guest bedroom.
The hallway, living room, dining room and kitchen flow into one another in a U-shaped layout, complemented by balconies on two sides. Two corridors lead, respectively, to a storage area and a tucked-away private area with a master bedroom suite and a guest bedroom.
The couple had been living in another building in the same courtyard for three years. “Some friends of ours had lived in this apartment, but then moved away,” Hardtke says.
When the chance to rent this place came up, the pair jumped at it. It was a welcome opportunity to move into a quieter property on the inside of the courtyard, and on the top floor no less.
When the chance to rent this place came up, the pair jumped at it. It was a welcome opportunity to move into a quieter property on the inside of the courtyard, and on the top floor no less.
The space wows most of all with its brightness, which is thanks to its huge windows. Sliding doors lead to two balconies.
The move and the process of furnishing the apartment went smoothly. The kitchen, ceiling spotlights, wood floor and built-in cupboards were already there. The only difficulty was in filling out the existing furniture with new pieces.
“Everything seemed smaller and lost somehow in this large space,” Hetzinger says. “Otherwise, this was the easiest move we’ve ever had.”
Ceiling light, Tom Dixon. Table, Gubi. Chairs, Vitra at Muuto, Ligne Roset and Hay.
Find statement pendant lights – lots with free shipping – in the Houzz Shop
The move and the process of furnishing the apartment went smoothly. The kitchen, ceiling spotlights, wood floor and built-in cupboards were already there. The only difficulty was in filling out the existing furniture with new pieces.
“Everything seemed smaller and lost somehow in this large space,” Hetzinger says. “Otherwise, this was the easiest move we’ve ever had.”
Ceiling light, Tom Dixon. Table, Gubi. Chairs, Vitra at Muuto, Ligne Roset and Hay.
Find statement pendant lights – lots with free shipping – in the Houzz Shop
“Because there’s so much light up here, we’ve had virtually a free hand in the design,” Hetzinger says. The interior of the apartment therefore also changes as the couple pursue new décor ideas. “At first we were really into a bright, Scandinavian look. Now everything is slowly getting somewhat darker and more opulent.”
Initially, all the walls were white, but now the kitchen and dining area are a mid grey, the living area is a mellow green and the hallway and corridors a shade of blue.
The apartment is constantly evolving, as old accessories are moved around and new ones added. “We want to replace the light green in the living room with a moss green soon,” Hardtke says.
Initially, all the walls were white, but now the kitchen and dining area are a mid grey, the living area is a mellow green and the hallway and corridors a shade of blue.
The apartment is constantly evolving, as old accessories are moved around and new ones added. “We want to replace the light green in the living room with a moss green soon,” Hardtke says.
Lush floral decor is an essential for the pair. “Peony season is probably the most beautiful time of year,” says Hardtke, who loves flowers and likes to decorate.
When the couple moved in, the apartment was already equipped with a high-quality Bulthaup kitchen. The appliances, including the steamer and wine fridge, are by Miele.
Walls painted in Mole’s Breath, Farrow & Ball. Kitchen, Bulthaup. Ceiling spotlights, Marset.
Walls painted in Mole’s Breath, Farrow & Ball. Kitchen, Bulthaup. Ceiling spotlights, Marset.
Hetzinger is a self-confessed foodie, and the kitchen is his favourite part of the house. “Here, I can cook for our guests and still be right in the middle of the party.” Good food is a passion that pervades both his personal and professional lives: his firm was one of the founders of the annual Berlin Food Week.
One of the two simply styled doors behind the kitchen island leads to a small utility room that accommodates a washing machine, various household appliances and food supplies.
One of the two simply styled doors behind the kitchen island leads to a small utility room that accommodates a washing machine, various household appliances and food supplies.
The other leads to the storage corridor pictured here, which features cupboards concealed behind tall, plain doors. The layout and the concept of the apartment suit the couple’s needs and make for a tidy look.
The large island unit is the focal point of the kitchen-dining area.
Hardtke got this limited-edition original print by renowned typographer Erik Spiekermann as a present a few years ago. It now decorates the back wall of the kitchen.
The kitchen flows smoothly into the living area, which features a reading spot by the window and a sitting area with a fireplace and TV. From here, the couple have direct access to the second balcony, which offers a view onto the large inner courtyard of their building.
Walls painted in Mizzle, Farrow & Ball. Sideboards; sofa; round white coffee table; wire stool, all BoConcept. Round black and square white coffee tables, Hay. Cushions, Ikea.
Walls painted in Mizzle, Farrow & Ball. Sideboards; sofa; round white coffee table; wire stool, all BoConcept. Round black and square white coffee tables, Hay. Cushions, Ikea.
An open bookcase holds plenty of reading material.
Bookcase; armchair, both Hay. Lamp, Pallucco.
Bookcase; armchair, both Hay. Lamp, Pallucco.
A photo from Alexander Gnädinger’s series “100 Girls on Polaroid” is the real eye-catcher in the living room.
Soaped wood gives the floor throughout the living room a very pleasant warmth. Even Hertha, the pair’s Parson Russell terrier and pug mix, appreciates it.
The fireplace and exposed brickwork also radiate a warm, cosy feel.
“We bought this beautiful Huichol mask when we were on holiday in Mexico,” Hardtke says. Now, it decorates the wall above the Ferm Living planter.
This balcony on the living room side is rather narrow and gets the sun early in the morning.
A pleasant atmosphere dominates the whole building. “It’s a great climate here in the building,” Hetzinger says. “There are residents of all ages and also many families. We have lots of friends here.”
Seating set, Fermob. Sun lounger, Emu. Railing planter, Rephormhaus.
Seating set, Fermob. Sun lounger, Emu. Railing planter, Rephormhaus.
The second terrace, which adjoins the kitchen, is more square and hosts a dining table and chairs, a grill and large plant pots.
“Here you have the sun into the evening, and on windy days you can sit here and be a bit more protected than on the balcony facing the courtyard,” Hardtke says.
Furniture, Emu.
“Here you have the sun into the evening, and on windy days you can sit here and be a bit more protected than on the balcony facing the courtyard,” Hardtke says.
Furniture, Emu.
A pocket door opens from the living room into a small corridor that leads to the master suite and guest bedroom.
“The corridor is very narrow, which was sometimes an obstacle when we were moving in,” Hetzinger says. However, even if it makes it difficult to bring bulky things through, it provides the couple with plenty of additional storage space.
Tempted to have some storage built in? Find carpenters and joiners in your area
Tempted to have some storage built in? Find carpenters and joiners in your area
Every space other than the corridor has natural light. Even the inner rooms, such as the bathrooms, draw daylight from large skylights.
In the master bathroom, an original work of art by artist Anneliese Hermes hangs above the bath. “I got the picture from my parents as a school graduation gift,” Hetzinger says.
In the master bathroom, an original work of art by artist Anneliese Hermes hangs above the bath. “I got the picture from my parents as a school graduation gift,” Hetzinger says.
Basin, Duravit. Bath, Villeroy & Boch. Taps, Dornbracht. Lamp, Decor Walther.
Next to the door to the guest bathroom is a handy little secretary table by Müller Möbelwerkstätten.
The pink side table is a great splash of colour that contrasts well with the blue wall. It’s a piece by New Tendency, a Berlin design label.
Walls painted in Stiffkey Blue, Farrow & Ball.
Walls painted in Stiffkey Blue, Farrow & Ball.
In the entrance hall, there’s even more storage. Jackets, hats and bags all disappear into this practical built-in cupboard.
Bench, Bolia.
Tell us…
What do you think of this sunny, open-plan flat? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
Bench, Bolia.
Tell us…
What do you think of this sunny, open-plan flat? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
Who lives here? Michael Hetzinger, 35, CEO of PR company Schröder + Schömbs and press spokesman for Berlin Food Week, Nils Hardtke, 32, head of PR and events at Douglas, a major German perfume and make-up chain, and their dog, Hertha, 2
Location Berlin, Germany
Size About 1,670 sq ft (155 sq m)