An apartment in Germany that is full of design legends

Once we spotted Lara's apartment while surfing Instagram. We were impressed by how it combines many objects that have already become design legends. We were very interested in how our lamp could look in such a home environment. So we reached out to Lara and asked her to answer a few of our questions. Lara was interviewed by our colleague Greta Rekštytė.

GR: Let's start by telling me who you are and where do you live?

LS: My name is Lara, I live together with my partner and three cats in an old apartment in Germany.

 

GR: Do you have a design background or where did your interest in design come from?

LS: I get asked that really often, but actually I had no connection to art, architecture and design until a few years ago. However, I have always enjoyed looking at the systematics behind things and could get intensely passionate about objects – so I guess one thing led to another.

 

GR: What does a good design mean to you?

LS: What is most important to me is functionality and timelessness, as well as a clear design of all elements - good design is present and reserved at the same time, or in other words: it creates space for living instead of occupying it.

GR: Who/what inspires you?

LS: At the moment I like to deal with the architecture of the 50s-70s. At that time, many interesting design and living concepts were created, which unfortunately are hardly noticed today. The courage to try something new and unconventional, which seemed to be more common back then, inspires me a lot.

 

GR: How important is the historical context of your furniture and design objects for you?

LS: When I discover a new piece of furniture, I always want to learn as much as possible about the designer, the manufacturer and the idea behind it; I think this is just a part of my passion. Some stories are really fascinating, which definitely increases my desire for a certain design piece.

 

GR: You own design classics by iconic designers like Verner Panton, Dieter Rams. Can you describe what draws you to these objects?

LS: I love that these designs are just so thoughtful, practical, but also extremely aesthetic at the same time! Getting this right requires a good sense for all the details.

GR: Your iconic Braun Hi-Fi system by Dieter Rams is quite a statement piece. Why did you choose it exactly?

LS: The Braun HiFi equipment is and remains an absolute classic. It was not only technically ahead of their time, but also broke new ground in terms of design. The design is so simple that there is no need for a user manual - it couldn't be any better! In addition, the dimensions and colors are well matched to Dieter Rams' shelving system, which makes me very happy.

 

GR: Your home is full of unique objects yet very minimal and harmonic looking. How do you manage to match everything together?

LS: Even though my interior design is made up of different styles and eras, they all meet my need for a clear, structured, but also aesthetic environment - I think this also ensures that everything somehow fits together.

 

GR: Let’s talk about lamps - you have many of them. How important is lighting in your interior? How do you choose them? Do you have your favorite piece?

LS: Yes! Lamps are the most important thing when it comes to setting the mood at home. I really need a small lamp with a nice, warm light in every corner of my room. My favorite lamp at home is the Tegola TT4 by Bruno Gecchelin.

GR: The objects in your home are also in design museums - does having such iconic pieces in your home influence your daily life around them/the way you interact and use them?

LR: A lot of design lovers might disagree, but the main function of a home is to live in it and be a place where everyone feels comfortable - I think that's what good design is made for. One of my rarest pieces serves as a cat bed, while other pieces are rarely used. So everything according to our needs, just as it should be.

 

GR: What evolutions have your apartment gone through over the years?

LS: Oh, there were many... Sometimes when I look at old pictures, I don't recognise my own apartment. In the beginning of our passion, we focused on Danish mid-century furniture until every room was full of teak furniture - most of these pieces have moved to new homes since then, only a few special ones remained. This constant change and evolution are what I love about interior design.

 

GR: What are the future plans for your home? What are you dreaming of? Is there a furniture or design piece that you would still like to buy?

LS: I often dream of buying my own house or apartment. For example, a beautiful architect bungalow from the 1960s or a nice city apartment from the 20s, that would be great! Also, I would love to own something by Charlotte Perriand someday... So, a lot of big dreams. Until then, I just plan to enjoy what I already have.

We invite you to discover more stories and photos from Lara's home on her Instagram profile.