Perfect/Imperfect: Inside a Photographer’s Undone Cottage in Germany

Photography by Claire Cottrell for Remodelista

Take a look at the tiny countryside cottage of Berlin-based artist Anne Schwalbe; so far, she hasn’t done much renovation and appreciates the excavated look and the quirky details that come with a forgotten historic home.

The cottage is around 150 years old; currently, it doesn’t have a bathroom or warm running water, so for now, it’s best for weekend visits and short-term stays.

Original details include blue tile, a painted staircase, and a door from the early twentieth century.

A rail of hooks from the hardware store and two umbrellas from the German flea market.

The upstairs crawl-space-sized bedroom is where Anne sleeps.

An industrial Work Light from Granit hangs from an S-hook above the bed.

The main bedroom  is furnished with a vintage crib and a bed frame from a late friend, a toy maker in the north of Germany.

A single sprig from the garden in a handmade vase.

In the living room, two antique armchairs, a midcentury bureau, and a chest used as a coffee table. 

A German rustic palette of browns and yellows with bright bits of pastel enamelware in the pantry-like space near the kitchen.

Most of the furniture in the house Anne found in the storage shed; some of it was repainted.