Furniture design, Berlin-made: After completing his carpentry apprenticeship and architecture degree, Ralf Schmitz turned to designing and crafting furniture. In 2006, he established Vanpey Furniture Design Manufaktur in Berlin's Prenzlauer Berg district, with his first pieces created in the attic of his home. The label's name honors his Dutch great-grandmother – van Pey was her maiden name.

Schmitz's designs span from playfully light to elegantly timeless, always grounded in clean, modern lines. Every piece is handcrafted in small series or as a one-off, with materials and colors thoughtfully coordinated using resource-conscious MDF panels – some coated or veneered for added refinement. Among the collection's standouts is the RGR shelving and sideboard system, which marries the openness of a bookcase with the storage capacity of a cabinet. Open shelving displays books and art volumes, while sliding square elements conceal items you'd prefer out of sight. The system is fully customizable and expandable whenever needed. The SCS collection offers flexible storage for items large and small, tucked neatly behind sliding doors in a color palette ranging from classic white to vibrant hues. Like all Vanpey pieces, individual elements are interchangeable – mix, match, and reconfigure as your needs evolve.

www.vanpey.de

Photography Credits:

Vanpey Furniture Design Manufaktur

(Featured in CUBE Berlin 01|24)