Satisfied customers remain the strongest endorsement—especially when their satisfaction translates into a recommendation. The owners of this penthouse arrived at Thelen|Drifte's showroom on Scheurenstraße based on just such a referral, and immediately recognized they'd found their ideal partners. They were seeking designers who could craft a holistic, elegantly detailed living concept for their 120 m² penthouse, complete with a compact office area.

After evaluating the space, Marianne Melchers, interior architect at Haus Thelen|Drifte, developed a concept that brings classic boiserie architecture into the contemporary era—blending elements like capitonné accents on custom upholstered surfaces with industrial-style sliding doors. The handcrafted bed headboard stands as a striking focal point, establishing an unmistakably refined ambience. Paneling, a signature feature of boiserie design, runs consistently throughout the apartment, deepening in tone as it moves toward the sleeping quarters.

"To amplify the sense of elegance, we established a core aesthetic and color language," explains Melchers. "It centers on anthracite grays, balanced by classic black and white accents." Color notes come through custom Domaniecki carpets and Italian Dedar fabrics positioned throughout the dressing room and bedroom.

The material palette spans a carefully considered range. Wood flooring and wall treatments underscore warmth, while lacquer introduces contemporary flourishes. Metal adds unexpected moments, glass conveys openness, and textiles enhance comfort. The bathroom showcases floor-to-ceiling large-format ceramic tiles, with Corian vanities delivering elegant functionality and easy maintenance. "We deliberately wove these contrasts throughout," says Melchers, "to create a rich, versatile living environment while maintaining a cohesive style and color narrative."

Every furnishing and wall treatment originates from Thelen Manufaktur, each custom-designed for this specific residence. The standalone furniture selections came from leading Italian makers, curated together with the owners. A particularly clever—and nearly invisible—design gesture is the concealed storage room door. By extending the wall paneling seamlessly, only those in on the secret know where the entrance lies.

Lighting by Occhio and Bocci—from ceiling to pendant fixtures—integrates seamlessly into the overall scheme. The Occhio app enables programmable light scenarios, allowing the owners to adjust the ambience instantly. "This project was an absolute joy," enthuses Melchers, noting how rare it is to collaborate with clients who bring such meticulous attention to detail.

www.thelen.de

(Published in CUBE Düsseldorf 04|20)