Boxhagener Apartment Renovation, Berlin
A vibrant tribute to Berlin’s creative heart, this Boxhagener apartment renovation shows how AKIVA—an interior design studio Berlin homeowners trust, turns compact family spaces into colour-rich, highly functional homes through concept-to-completion design, bespoke joinery and streamlined procurement.
OVERVIEW
Our client wanted a colourful and cosy home that enhanced their quality family time together.
HOW WE ACHIEVED IT
Instead of making the television a focal point, we zeroed in on conversation and togetherness by providing spaces for communal living. For tones, we looked at natural materials, green and wood to add the warmth and cosiness our client desired.
BEFORE
Before our design, the space was not as visually interesting. Intentional togetherness or textural warmth was simply not present in the old layout. Plus, many rooms were lacking in functionality and cohesiveness.
DESIGN PROCESS
Our client hired us to work remotely for them, they provided us the measurements of each space and our designer got to work.
Our client chose to purchased 5 of our standard room makeover packages and one medium size package for the open plan space.
The Boxhagener Apartment Renovation by Studio Akiva is a carefully composed study in modern Scandinavian living, where simplicity, light, and functionality come together to redefine a compact Berlin home. Located in the vibrant Friedrichshain district, the project reflects a design approach that prioritises clarity and calm within an urban setting.
At its core, the renovation is driven by a desire to maximise both space and natural light. The layout is refined to create a stronger sense of openness, allowing the apartment to feel larger and more fluid despite its footprint. Clean lines and an uncluttered composition form the foundation, ensuring that each element serves both a visual and practical purpose.
The aesthetic is distinctly Nordic in influence, characterised by a restrained palette of soft whites, pale woods, and muted tones. Light oak flooring and minimal joinery introduce warmth without overwhelming the space, while subtle textural layering adds depth to an otherwise pared-back scheme. This approach is consistent with Scandinavian interiors, where simplicity and material honesty are key to creating a sense of ease and comfort.
Furniture and spatial planning are handled with precision, ensuring that every piece contributes to both functionality and flow. The living area is intentionally kept open and free of excess, often avoiding unnecessary visual distractions in favour of a more serene, breathable environment. Storage is discreetly integrated, supporting a lifestyle that values organisation without compromising on design integrity.
Lighting plays a quiet yet essential role, enhancing the natural brightness of the apartment while introducing softer layers for evening use. The overall atmosphere is one of understated sophistication, calm, balanced, and highly liveable.
Ultimately, the Boxhagener Apartment Renovation demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform a relatively compact space into a refined urban retreat. It is a project that embraces restraint, proving that simplicity, when executed well, can deliver both elegance and functionality in equal measure.