Modern work demands flexibility—maintaining multiple homes across different cities. It's demanding work in more ways than one. For this client, the challenge was defining what a second home should be: she splits time between her family's primary residence and Düsseldorf, where she serves on the executive board of a major corporation. She envisioned more than just a pied-à-terre; she wanted a true sanctuary where she could decompress after work, feel genuinely at home rather than like a perpetual houseguest, and have ample space for family weekends in the Rhineland's dynamic capital. Her vision demanded bright, airy rooms infused with both openness and warmth—elegant in their lightness yet deeply inviting.

The Düsseldorf interior design studio raum.atelier rose to the challenge by creating a space that balances flexible living with refined execution. Their vision: a residence equally suited to informal business gatherings and intimate family moments. The project demanded careful negotiation—bridging the developer's standardized finishes with the client's desire for a uniquely curated atmosphere. Coordinating the renovation itself proved equally complex: expanding the scope while maintaining the original timeline required seamless collaboration between the developer's construction management and a trusted network of master craftspeople. The result is a penthouse defined by its elegantly uncluttered layout. Custom cabinetry creates distinct living islands while preserving generous open flow. The kitchen zone appears almost weightless—tall cabinets integrated into a drywall partition rather than dominating the space. Private retreats occupy the rear, with bedroom, dressing room, and bath tucked away from the public living zones. For the palette, the designers chose warmth over coolness: muted, grounding tones paired with crisp white surfaces that keep the atmosphere luminous regardless of hour or season.

Every material selection reflected a commitment to quality and longevity. The tactile experience mattered equally—textured wallpapers against smooth plaster, lacquered furniture surfaces, varied textiles, and a deep-pile carpet create subtle sensory variety. Lighting, too, was methodically planned through collaboration with a specialized lighting designer, layering essential illumination across the living spaces and encircling terrace with customizable atmospheric accents that transform the mood at the touch of a switch.

www.raumatelier.de

(Published in CUBE Düsseldorf 02|20)