They discovered this rich joy of colors on Fabian FreytagsInstagram-Account. And initially it had very little to do with this villa from the 1920s in Berlin-Dahlem. A young family acquired the property, where various teaching staff from the Free University had lived for decades. The historical charm had been increasingly lost over time.
Photo: Khuong Nguyen
The dining room looks retro but contemporary. With a dining table by Fabian Freytag. There are also vintage “Pigreco” chairs by Tacchini, “Twinkle” carpet by Jab Anstoetz, “Odyssey” pendant light by Swing and metallic wall art “Tafla Rosé” by Zieta. Walls, fixtures and windows in “Pale Powder”. Door frames and wood paneling in “Castle Gray”. Both colors from Farrow & Ball
Photo: Khuong Nguyen
In the new garden bar, the Farrow & Balls colors “Pink Cup” and “Fruit Fool” alternate in a star shape. The bar stools are vintage finds, the large planter from Serax
That's why the new owners wrote to the Berlin interior designer Fabian Freytag, who has become known for his elegant, cheerful retro aesthetic. “When we first viewed the villa it seemed incredibly sad. We felt her desire to be able to smile again,” says Freytag, whose creative curiosity was immediately aroused. Because “the briefing was pretty open and what pleased us most: the family was really keen on color.”
Under “Providers”Xymatic GmbHActivate to see content
Photo: Khuong Nguyen
Strips from Farrow & Ball's Sutcliffe Green and Dyrehaven in the bedroom. “Husk” bed by B&B Italia, “Rain” table lamps by Robin Lamps and “Hero” rug by Jab Anstoetz
Photo: Khuong Nguyen
There are now built-in cupboards under the stairs, and a stair carpet provides a nostalgic flair.
So completely in Fabian Freytag’s spirit. “My inspiration was the painting 'The Dance' by Henri Matisse. Its mix of green and blue, together with warm accents, expresses such a beautiful lightness.” So he went through the house with 72 sample panels, determining gradients and visual axes. It quickly became clear that he wanted to create a dark blue staircase and then immerse the other rooms in lighter colors.
Photo: Khuong Nguyen
In the living room, the Farrow & Ball colors “Pale Powder” and “Castle Gray” are the fresh background for a precisely fitting built-in sofa and the “Osis” table by Llot Llov
“This contrast makes the rooms appear larger and friendlier.” The interior professional used 27 colors, from pistachio green to flamingo rose to mango yellow. And he also varied them in patterns on ceilings and walls. Decided on stripes in the bedroom or a star shape in the garden bar. So that the rooms could visually breathe even more, the floor plan of around 300 square meters was then opened up over four floors.
Photo: Khuong Nguyen
In the bathroom there are “Circles & Globes” lights from Atelier Areti, “Vaia” fittings from Dornbracht and “Margherita Street” tiles from Mutina. Wall paint “Light Blue” and “Inchyra Blue” from Farrow & Ball.
The kitchen, for example, was a separate room, but now it is integrated into the living room. In order to increase this openness, Freytag relied on built-in furniture that gives the airy interior even more freedom. Many are custom-made designs. There are also graphic vintage designs and sculptural character pieces from small manufacturers.
Photo: Khuong Nguyen
Freytag also opted for darker tones in the darker rooms. The setting appears warm and intimate
The result is a kaleidoscope of bright colors and artistic shapes that appear surprisingly harmonious thanks to a common style signature. Almost like a young Bauhaus version from the time when it was built, which the house seems to like: because it's obviously smiling.
