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One of Berlin’s most charming qualities is its embrace of imperfection. Bruzkuz and Greenberg explain: “The most 'typical' aesthetic in Berlin is DIY, 'do it yourself.' It’s not always a good thing. It is anti-design: the less design there is, the more popular it becomes — but that’s changing for the better.”
This raw, unpolished approach often translates into spaces that are eclectic, experimental, and deeply personal. Think mismatched furniture, often found at Flea Markets, and a focus on art — whether “good” or “bad”. There is an intrinsic youthful aesthetic to this, as Berlin never truly ages or sleeps.
“Industrial design remains a popular choice in Berlin, inspired by old industrial spaces transformed into lofts and homes,” says Andrea Liguori. This style draws heavily from the city’s rave culture of the ‘90s, where abandoned warehouses were transformed into nightclubs and residences.
“This style is characterized by the use of raw materials such as aged wood, exposed brick, and concrete, creating environments that celebrate urban aesthetics and functionality,” he adds.
Bruzkus and Greenberg also highlight the city’s penchant for raw materials to create a lived-in fee. “Rough concrete, uneven surfaces, peeling layers of paint, and sticky floors” are some of the elements that cater to the industrial style. The two architects also note the color black as a central element in Berlin’s interiors - a fitting reflection of the city’s ongoing love affair with the color.
Berlin’s other major design obsession is plants. It’s common to see a hip Kreuzberg resident returning home with a new plant to add to their collection. This home jungle concept isn’t new to Berlin. The COVID-19 era fuelled an affection towards incorporating more greenery into our homes, while the climate-conscious movement put a stamp on creating mindful spaces.
“The growing attention towards sustainability is evident in the adoption of biophilic design, which integrates natural elements into indoor spaces,” says Andrea Liguori. “The use of materials such as wood, stone, and clay not only improves the aesthetics, but also contributes to a healthier environment, improving the air quality and the psychophysical well-being of its inhabitants.”
Biophilic design is also intertwined with “everything related to home automation/smart home systems”. This creates a context for continuously enhancing our living spaces. “Berlin has been a nurturing hub for innovation, especially design innovation. A very interesting context to be a designer in,” say Bruzkus and Greenberg.
One of the most defining features of Berlin’s interior design, and the city itself, is its ability to seamlessly blend past and present. “In Berlin, interior design reflects the city's rich industrial history and vibrant art scene, giving rise to trends that combine historical elements with modern innovations,” says Andrea Linguori.
Vintage pieces echo the city's past, while contemporary touches infuse modernity and create harmony, reinforcing the philosophy of contrasts.
Bruzkus and Greenberg refer to this as placing refined elements into a rough context, such as “graffiti, stickers in the bathroom, rough walls, vintage furniture, all things that do not match”. They call this a “youthful aesthetic”, but emphasize that “by being deliberate, one can use contrasts to create more mature, meaningful, and surprising juxtapositions that become a new whole.”
However, they warn about the execution of such contrasts: “There's a big opportunity to mix vintage and contemporary in the hands of skilled designers. It's not so appealing if it is done clumsily.”
While Berlin has long embraced stark minimalism, there’s a growing shift towards a more inviting and practical approach. Andrea notes that “minimalism evolves towards a more welcoming aesthetic, characterized by warm, earthy colors, such as chocolate brown, together with natural materials like wood, rattan, and linen.”
Functionality is a key consideration, especially in a city where many residents live in compact apartments. Andrea highlights the trend of modular and multifunctional furniture: “Spaces are designed to be functional and adaptable, responding to the needs of an ever-changing urban lifestyle.” The emphasis is on creating interiors that are not just visually appealing but also highly practical, catering to Berliners’ fast-paced and often mobile lives.
As Berlin continues to reinvent itself, new trends will emerge while timeless aesthetics will remain, creating something beautiful and unique that makes us feel welcomed in our living spaces.
“The future is made by combining what already exists in new and interesting ways,” conclude Bruzkus and Greenberg.
