It's Hard to Believe That This Light-Filled Berlin Home Is Actually in an Attic

When Polish design firm Loft Kolasinski was faced with creating a family home from a tight attic inside a Berlin building, the team opted to focus on one necessary feature: natural light. Given that the site had minimal windows and a closely-structured form, they were determined to create a haven that didn't quite feel as cramped as it was. "The owners wanted a bright space filled with objects they love," said designer Ewa Adamiak. And if that wasn't already a challenge, the firm also aimed to respect the address's history — after all, the members have a reputation for harmoniously pairing furniture from different eras to complement the modern properties they design. So, they started with repairing and retaining the original floors, doors, and ceiling beams, and giving them white-washed finishes that brighten every room in the home. Then, they matched the straight lines of the ceiling beams and wood floors with minimalist furniture in bright shades and patterns. The result is a play on light and dark in a small and angular floor plan: the shapes, shadows, and shades work together to promote a sense of airiness in an unlikely place.