"Looks tired from the outside" – that's your first impression of this 1969-built house. Yet it sits in one of Germany's most prestigious villa colonies in Lichterfelde West. Step inside, however, and you'll discover something altogether different: a beautifully designed apartment crafted by interior architect Fabian Freytag for his client.

What was once a modest one-bedroom in this former senior residence has been transformed into "Studio 16" – a masterclass in intelligent design. Within the same 33 m² footprint, Freytag has created an apartment that feels spacious, luminous, and welcoming through a reimagined open-plan layout and thoughtfully curated furnishings. Living, dining, and sleeping zones flow seamlessly within the space. A generous window frontage floods the nearly square living area with natural light, while an opposite wall of matte mirror glass optically doubles the perceived volume. The striking striped ceiling – painted in soft white and yellow – is far more than a visual statement. Its directional stripes create an expansive feel, echo the softness of an awning, and visually lift the modest 2.8 m ceiling height. The furnishings deserve equal attention: a sculptural round table with a bulbous fibreglass base, 3D-printed to precision, channels the playful spirit of Memphis design. Red cantilever chairs paired with black vintage seating and a "Cecilia" pendant light by Wera Jane create dynamic contrast against the striped overhead. A cosy corner with a comfortable armchair and an open shelf integrated into the window line becomes a personal retreat within these compact dimensions. A raised platform artfully separates the sleeping area, creating a distinct zone, while aluminium doors discreetly screen the entrance and bathroom from the main living space.

The black-and-white bathroom – equally constrained by space – showcases Freytag's mastery of efficient design. A sleek 60 cm glazed steel washbasin, purpose-built for compact homes, tucks generous storage for toiletries and essentials beneath the sink. A frameless walk-in shower hidden behind transparent glass and a floor-to-ceiling mirror create the illusion of a room nearly twice its actual size. Almost every piece here is designer-selected; nothing is mass-produced. The old adage about finding room in the smallest cottage finds its perfect expression here.

www.fabianfreytag.com

Photography Credits:

Anne Deppe
www.annedeppe.de

(Published in CUBE Berlin 01|21)