A 377-Square-Foot Berlin Studio Apartment Feels Larger, Thanks to a Clever Curtain
A 377-Square-Foot Berlin Studio Apartment Feels Larger, Thanks to a Clever Curtain
The need to move from one home to the next can occur for many reasons. It could be the desire for more space, or an invitation to move in with a significant other, or, like in Malon Kraaijvanger’s case, it could be because of some unwanted and uninvited guests: rats.
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Even though having pests in Kraaijvanger’s previous apartment likely wasn’t enjoyable, it wasn’t all terrible. Her landlord had another apartment that was move-in ready (and rat-free!).
“This was the best decision I made, as my current apartment is an affordable and very cozy and bright place to live in. It has a beautiful old-school wooden floor and a high ceiling,” Kraaijvanger shares of her studio apartment. “It’s not the largest, but the way the different rooms are built makes it seem more spacious than it actually is.”
But one of the best things about the apartment is the nearby flea market. Thrifting is Kraaijvanger’s passion. However, searching for unique goods isn’t just a hobby — it’s a profession.
“Currently, I’m working for the biggest online marketplace in Germany, and I also work together with various other global marketplaces our mother company owns,” she writes. “This job’s purpose is very much aligned with my personal one, as I have been buying and selling secondhand furniture and fashion almost all my life!”
Kraaijvanger moved into her apartment in 2018, and since then, she’s filled it with several secondhand items and completed DIY projects (like transforming a mirror she purchased for only $5!). However, because she’s an avid collector, it’s unlikely that her apartment will ever stop beautifully blossoming.
“Seeing different areas in my place coming together gives me so much joy,” Kraaijvanger says. “That also means I love changing things up now and then and finding new spots for all my thrift finds!”
Resources
ENTRY
LIVING ROOM
- Sofa — Vintage
- Coffee table — Secondhand
- Floor lamp — Vintage
- Chairs — Vintage
- Pillow — Secondhand
- Candle holders — Thrifted vintage
- Painting — Berlin
- Carpet — FRAAI
- Picture frames — IKEA
- Pictures — Self-made
- Side board — Tylko
- Little tablet — HAY
- Lamp — HAY
- Candle holders — Thrifted
- Sunglasses stand — Vintage
- Speaker — Bose
- Wine glasses — Vintage
- Tea set — Vintage
- Books — Thrifted
- Green and pink crates — Modulor
- Rack — Thrifted
- Vases — Vintage
- Bowl — Flea market
- Cable management box — IKEA
DINING ROOM
- Foldable dining table — Rodnik
- Chairs — Vintage Rainer Daumiller
- Tablecloth — Product from the City of Antwerp, Belgium, found at a thrift store
- Candle holders — Thrifted vintage Asa Selection
- Large mirror — IKEA Hovet
- Plates — Thrifted a whole set
- Water glasses — Also thrifted at the local flea market
- Wine glasses — Vintage Schott Zwiesel Zigzag wine glasses
- Flower pots — Found at the flea market
- Round picture frame — Another flea market find
KITCHEN
- Flower pots — Flea market
- Blue vase — Self-made
- Yellow jug — Flea market
- Glass pots — Thrifted
- Storage containers — HAY
- Water jug — Vintage
- Pink crate — Modulor
- Bowl — Self-made
- Kitchen towels — Zeeman
- Wooden cutting board — IKEA
- Pepper and salt — Flea market
- Checkerboard — Flea market
- Fruit bowl — Vintage
- Red container — Gift
- Glass pot — Vintage
- Carpet — IKEA
BEDROOM
Thanks, Malon!
This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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