Paula Janz

“Can we make the design pretty inconspicuous, almost invisible?”
This question seemed a bit puzzling, but that was the challenge from our client, a mother-of-two owner of a small shop in an old building in Prenzlauerberg. She designs and makes clothes for expectant and new mums. Things were going well and she decided to expand. Our founder Katya Malaya was keen to get on board: herself a mother of four, she was thrilled to work on the design for this fantastic business.

To execute the client’s vision for unobtrusive design we used a complex warm grey wall colour, birch plywood and high-contrast black metal. Nothing over the top, a pared-back Scandi vibe — soft, eco-friendly and functional, to reflect the philosophy of Paula Janz’s clothes brand.

We kept the authentic, early 20th century plaster mouldings, installed wooden shelves inside former doorways and put in veneer panels to cover up the radiators. While mums are trying on new outfits, kids can entertain themselves in a fun play area in the corner, while dads can relax in comfy armchairs nearby.

The shop owner wanted the design to be inviting and unfussy, distinct from chain stores and expensive boutiques. A place of safety and comfort, which is so important for expectant mothers. Just the thing we delivered.

Technical Light: Orbit Lighting
Decorative light: Maisons du Monde, Westwing
Chairs: Tikamoon
Coffee Table: Westwing
Reception desk, fitting rooms, trading equipment: Kachanows (to order according to our drawings)