How a Tiny Munich Apartment Feels Spacious Through Thoughtful Design
Regina Hoefter, an interior architect, has spent the last ten years transforming a compact 40-square-metre apartment in Munich’s Maxvorstadt. The space, a carefully renovated Altbau, blends history with personal touches. Its thoughtful redesign makes it feel far larger than its modest size suggests.
Hoefter grew up surrounded by art and design, shaping her appreciation for varied styles and periods. This influence is clear in her home, where antique furniture, portraits, and ornate lamps create an inviting atmosphere. Many pieces carry emotional weight, inherited or gifted rather than deliberately selected.
The apartment’s architecture enhances its openness. High ceilings, towering doors, and wide windows flood the rooms with light. Generous herringbone parquet floors add warmth and depth. Despite its small footprint, the redesigned layout ensures the space never feels cramped. Over time, the home has evolved naturally, filled with objects that tell a story. Hoefter embraces the contrasts and clashes between them, giving the rooms a dynamic, lived-in energy. The mix of eras and textures makes the apartment feel distinctly alive.
The result is a home that balances history and personal meaning. Its eclectic furnishings and thoughtful design make it a place where visitors want to stay. The apartment proves that even limited space can feel expansive with the right approach.