Covetable European Style in this German Home

I know, I know, we should be all things holiday all the time right now, but am I the only scrambling just to get my house in order – like my regular house – not one covered in Christmas decorations or even one ready to host Thanksgiving. In three days. What? I’m not scared. But back to today’s home tour. I’ve always been attracted to the European approach to design. Maybe it’s having lived in Germany at seventeen. Or maybe it’s just a reaction to the overstuff, oversized and overtly bad design most tend to grow up around in the US. While that’s certainly shifting – these days, we’re all quite familiar with the minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic (is there anything else on Pinterest) – but the gorgeous apartment below is a perfect example of that elegant, yet livable look I crave. And bonus: for once it is not in Copenhagen, or even in Paris. This stunning example of the best of European style is in Berlin.

This look really does come down to a bit of a formula (one I’m working to implement in our house right now). Neutral tones dominate the apartment, with a nice dose of black accents for punch. The soft gray couch and rug soften the soaring white walls. And nothing is crammed. Every item in this apartment, be it a piece of furniture, object or art is given ample room to breathe. That makes you take note of every single thing you see. Nothing is there just because it takes up a space. It’s a lofty goal in the American must-have-something-new-all-the-time-world, but it is one I’m striving toward. Of course, the extra credit comes in the form of sky high ceilings, stunning plaster work, gorgeous floors and historic details that most US homes do not enjoy. Maybe that’s why I felt drawn to San Francisco – so many of the homes here do have these characteristics and I absolutely love them.

This apartment is occupied by interior designer Selina Lauck, and she certainly puts her design knowledge to good use. She’s dotted the home with design classics – a vintage Bertoia chair  and a counterbalance light by the Norwegian designer Daniel Rybakken in the living room take pride of place. An Eames low table sits at the bedside. Even the tea kettle is a beaut (Allessi). But regardless of the pedigree, this apartment doesn’t feel pretentious. It feels homey yet elevated at the same time. #Goals.

While still minimal, the bones of the kitchen are very modern. Clean lines and smooth surfaces dominate. I love the pine cabinets sans hardware. Instead, black accents are continued through the kitchen to awesome effect. (Are we going to hit a wall with brass? I’m kinda thinking we might. Anyone else with me??)

Germans do not sleep with top sheets – just a simple duvet folded on the bed. I remember being so shocked by that as a teenager. But I love it and sleep that way to this day. Makes making the bed a whole lot easier.

What really makes the European aesthetic distinct is the seemingly inherent ability to pair the historic with the modern and have the two styles work perfectly. I don’t pretend my house has anywhere near the history European cities have, but I’m attempting to pull off that juxtaposition as best I can (you might have spied my new, but historic inspired fireplace on Instagram here). Jury is still out as to whether or not I’ll hit the mark, but if I keep this apartment as a main piece of inspiration, I think I’m well on my way.

You can see more of this vibe on my Pinterest board right HERE.

For more of my favorite home tours, CLICK HERE.

images via herz & blut 

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