A cramped 1950s apartment in Laim—just 28 m² with a chopped-up layout—became the canvas for Inside Stories' complete redesign. The Munich-based firm transformed it between tenants into something extraordinary. "The space was subdivided into a hallway, bathroom, kitchen, and living/sleeping area—far too compartmentalized with doors everywhere," recalls architect and civil engineer Brigitte Landwehr. Working with her partner Annett Köberlein, she crafted a true spatial masterpiece.

This isn't the first time the team has reimagined awkwardly fractured floor plans. "We knocked down an entire wall to create openness and light," Landwehr explains. "The bathroom moved into what was the kitchen, freeing up additional living space." The apartment now stretches to 30 m²—thoughtfully furnished with modern elegance. The designers partner closely with freelancers and artisans, combining quality craftsmanship with smart design. One brilliant move: painting the 2.4-meter ceiling jet black, which paradoxically deepens the space visually. The initially skeptical resident is now captivated—she describes it as "looking into the universe," a sensation she channels into regular moments of zen calm. That feeling permeates every design choice: grounded materials, a serene and restrained palette, oiled gray oak floors, minimalist Scandi-style lighting, white furniture, and a custom solid-wood room divider all harmonize seamlessly. Following the brief to be "as budget-conscious yet quality-focused as possible," the mix is eclectic: a few Hermès pieces paired with H&M and even Ikea—though extensively customized by hand. The zen aesthetic extends into the bathroom, where troweled concrete walls, warm cashmere-beige metro tiles, and a natural stone sink create calm. A large illuminated mirror amplifies the sense of space in this intimate room.

www.inside-stories.com

Photography Credits:

Christine Dempf
www.christine-dempf.de

(Published in CUBE Munich 04|23)