When Princess Elna-Margret zu Bentheim und Steinfurt acquired this stunning period residence in Düsseldorf, she faced an important question: how could she bring these charming rooms to life in a way that truly reflected her personality? Her real estate advisor had the perfect answer – the interior design house Thelen Drifte.

A single visit to the showroom proved transformative. There, she fell instantly in love with a beautiful Riva 1920 dining table crafted from kauri wood – the beginning of a fruitful collaboration with architect and interior designer Marianne Melchers. Together, they developed a timeless yet contemporary vision that flows harmoniously throughout the residence, with every detail bearing the owner's distinctive imprint. "There's truly nothing I would change," she reflects. "Walking through my home, I continue to delight in the beauty surrounding me."

Parquet floors and natural stone provide the foundation for this refined, highly personalized interior. Beyond wood, the design incorporates metal, lacquer, glass, and mirrors throughout. Brass and gold appear as recurring leitmotifs in every room. All furnishings originate from Thelen Manufaktur, thoughtfully designed with the old building's constraints in mind – particularly the narrow, winding staircase. Every piece was ingeniously deconstructed, transported, and assembled on-site, a level of service only possible through our own manufacturing capability.

While each room speaks its own distinctive language through carefully considered wall treatments, the true heart of the home is undoubtedly the kitchen – envisioned by the owner in close partnership with Sebastian Thelen. Set on the ground floor, it showcases a generous island cooktop and whimsical Occio lighting. The adjoining dining room seamlessly extends onto a generous terrace during warmer months, creating ample space for memorable gatherings. Another standout feature is the walk-in dressing room, designed as a sculptural island with abundant storage. A custom-fitted, illuminated shoe cabinet was ingeniously tucked beneath the roofline in the passageway between bedroom and dressing room – an unexpected visual statement that maximizes every inch of available space. "With genuine passion and care," reflects Melchers, "we created something truly beautiful – a home that honors the character and charm of this extraordinary period building."

www.thelen.de

Photography Credits:

Nicole Zimmermann
www.nicolezimmermann.de

(Published in CUBE Düsseldorf 03|21)