Fine contrasts
A townhouse in the diplomatic quarter celebrates exclusive hospitality
The diplomatic quarter in Frankfurt is known for its magnificent villas, historic townhouses and exclusive new buildings. It owes its name to the numerous consulates and embassies that have settled here. In this environment, the interior design firm Schmidt Holzinger from Rodgau has planned a luxurious townhouse for a couple, weaving the visions of the residents into a harmonious whole so that the apartment reflects both personalities and lifestyles. And here that means plenty of space for hospitality, as the residents like to receive guests in their home, for example at dinner parties or cocktail evenings on the roof terrace.
Inside, the careful selection of materials and furniture immediately catches the eye, creating an atmosphere that is as welcoming as it is luxurious: amber-colored floorboards, brown-shaded natural stone, inviting upholstered furniture or even the ingenious lights, which often appear like art objects in their sculptural appearance.
On the open-plan living level on the staggered floor, a gleaming furniture cube stands centrally and freely in the room, its surface reflecting the surrounding space. The cooking island is made of natural stone, the brushed surface of which features a network of stone veins in various shades of brown. The top of the four-metre-long dining table is made of dressed oak planks, whose untrimmed table edges describe the natural growth of the tree.
The heart of the first floor is the lounge with pool table and kitchen - perfect for receiving guests and celebrating parties. Here, too, there is fine marble. The interior designers have deliberately contrasted this with a rather casual-looking floor covering made of polished exposed screed, borrowed from industrial buildings, which has slight color irregularities due to the manufacturing process. A similar contrasting principle can be seen in the billiard room: The fronts of the kitchen cabinets and the billiard table made of grey-brown, matt Nanotech material are characterized by an even surface. The back wall of the kitchen niche, on the other hand, is covered with bronze-colored liquid metal panels, which have an "imperfect" color gradient thanks to their handcrafted application. An exclusive wine bar awaits guests in the basement. The room is fitted with wall niches on three sides, in which illuminated wine cabinets are installed. In terms of color, shape and style, the vinotheque is a rustic variation of the dining room on the staggered floor. Missing areas and knotholes in the floorboards are filled with silver-grey filler and the table top bears clear traces of a chainsaw.
The flights of stairs and the floors on the staggered and upper floors, including the bathrooms, are covered with amber-colored oak planks. Speaking of bathrooms: the bathroom presents itself as an oasis of calm and elegance. The free-floating washbasin with a marble surface extends over one wall and not only ensures an elegant appearance, but also conveys a feeling of lightness. The washbasin, shower and bath pedestal are made of Nero Portoro, an exclusive dark marble with creamy white and amber veining. The cover of the central block in the dressing room is made of solid bronze. Narrow light gaps not only create atmospheric accents, but also ensure that the ceiling appears to float above the wardrobes.
Photos:
Ingmar Kurth
www.ingmarkurth.com
(Published in CUBE Frankfurt 02|24)