"I want to breathe life into my apartment through thoughtful redesigns and careful touches – mainly using wallpaper and colour. The bathroom should embrace a jungle aesthetic." That's how the client described her vision when she first reached out to Raumkleid, a design studio based in Cologne. Interior architect Anke Preywisch rose to the challenge, transforming the living spaces through strategic interventions and meticulous attention to detail.

The kitchen and adjoining dining area presented the first challenge: the tall refrigerator positioned at the end of the cabinetry created an eyesore. Beyond that, the stark white cabinet run—lacking both ventilation and integrated lighting—felt disconnected and uninviting against the wall, creating an overall sense of dissonance with the rest of the space. The solution: a floor-to-ceiling wall panel installed directly beside the refrigerator to visually ground the kitchen zone. This extended surface now provides a serene backdrop for a highboard aptly named "New Order," enhanced by personal heirlooms displayed in gold frames. The kitchen cabinetry itself received a custom-designed flat upper cabinet from Lamp & Sohn joinery, featuring a seamlessly integrated extractor hood and the much-needed spice storage. Its anthracite front is echoed by matching wall treatment, reinforcing the light-dark contrast already established through the furnishings and pendant lighting. The existing black-and-white woven vinyl carpet was adapted to the L-shaped layout, and now that it's anchored with a coordinating black plinth, it commands much greater visual presence. The heightened contrast harmonizes beautifully with the warm tones of the oak flooring and dining table—which, incidentally, required liberation from its protective plastic wrap.

Each remaining room received the finishing touches it needed to come alive for the resident. Custom-made white wooden blinds now soften the visual impact of the segmented windows while providing privacy and precise light control. In the master bathroom, "Into the Wild" wallpaper finally delivers that coveted jungle atmosphere – amplified visually by the mirror and accentuated with strategically placed lighting. Hidden within the pattern are parrots, tigers, and more – a detail that delights the homeowner's young daughter as much as the grown-ups. A deep petrol accent wall separates the WC, making the timber storage elements – perfect for tucking away bath essentials – appear even warmer and more inviting.

www.raumkleid.de

Photography:
Thorsten Kern
www.thorstenkern.com

(Featured in CUBE Cologne Bonn 03|24)