This redesign of the ground floor of a villa in Laim must have felt like a journey back in time: working together with the client, Munich-based firm Jakob Lohr Design uncovered the essence of the house and breathed new life into the 1920s property with a subtle interior concept and a mix of old and new styles. After the owner decided to redesign and upgrade the hallway and the living and dining room, interior designer Jakob Lohr came into play – after extensive preliminary and colour planning with mood boards and collages, he developed a tailor-made concept for the art and travel-loving client.

After removing the old woodchip wallpaper, both were surprised to find wallpaper from every decade underneath. Finally, remnants of wall decorations typical of the 1920s came to light, and so the decision was made to add stucco as well. The contours of the polyurethane stucco mouldings were deliberately kept simple to match the original style of the house. "In the 1920s and 30s, people had moved away from the decorative embellishments and playful details that were popular at the turn of the century," explains Lohr. The herringbone parquet flooring was already in impeccable condition and did not need to be refurbished, nor did the delicate original oak windows, which conjure up unique light reflections in the 2.76 m high rooms thanks to the old glass. Finally, the beautiful new rooms had to be furnished: the owner wanted a bright, calm ambience that conveyed a sense of security and clarity while reflecting his preference for the artistic. Existing individual pieces from all over the world served as a basis, such as an old wooden table from France, a silk carpet from Turkey, a chair reminiscent of a Renaissance folding chair, and various heirlooms. The red silk carpet ultimately set an oriental tone, which was complemented by brass gold, blue and red tones. Many white surfaces provide brightness, while linen curtains from Italy create a soft light. Large-leaved green houseplants complement the overall concept and ensure a pleasant indoor climate. To give the rooms a fresh touch, the existing furniture was mainly supplemented with white and one blue piece of furniture. Timeless classics such as the pendant light above the dining table or the wall light in the living room create harmony in the new mix of styles. The themes of art, music and opera are also subtly reflected in the wall art: old graphics from posters of former ballet performances or art exhibitions were framed in passe-partouts and oak frames.

www.jlohrdesign.de

Photography Credits:

Jakob Lohr Design

(Published in CUBE Munich 04|21)