LIVING SANTA with Christoph Kümmecke

In this new chapter of #LivingSanta, we’re introducing Christoph Kümmecke, a Berlin-based PR consultant focused on interior design. In this story, he opens the doors to his home in Wedding, where he’s been living for over nine years. 

Where are you answering from?

I’m sitting at my dining table and looking through the windows, admiring the quiet park that’s just outside my front door.

Favourite corner or room at home?

Each corner of my apartment is somehow special to me. But my favourite spot is right beside the windows that overlook the surrounding greens. During summer I find nothing more beautiful than to lie on my bed with the balcony doors wide open. I like to feel the evening sun touch my skin softly – the sheer light and warmth of it feels very inspiring and peaceful.

Favourite object at home?

I tend to surround myself with things that make me happy and are a pleasure to look at. There are plenty of objects I really adore, and I value each one for their small details. My favorites include the ceramic collection of Berlin-based art and design studio Yellow Nose Studio, the artistic Tube Light of NUTSANDWOODS, a hand-built fountain designed by Lily Clark or some of my curated vintage pieces, like an abstract painting of Børge Herman Hansen or my vintage travertine tables.

What’s on your bedside table?

A glass of water, my reading glasses and an old brass bowl that I got from my mom.

Favourite morning ritual?

Regardless of the weather, I always like to start my day by opening the French doors of my balcony to get some fresh air. And on weekends, I like to have a simple breakfast in bed.

Favourite evening ritual?

A regular ritual is a “Brotzeit” in the evening – a kind of German tradition for a dinner. There is freshly baked bread, various cheeses and plenty of sausages. During summer, I also like to complement it with an ice-cold beer.

Something you always do before going to bed?

I like to start my day in a structured and organized manner, so each night before bed I always make sure to tidy my apartment and prepare a to-do list for what’s to come.

The pleasure of waking up, or the pleasure of going to sleep?

I am an early bird. That’s why I like to start my day before anyone else: there is calmness, peacefulness and that special first light of sunrise which makes mornings so magical.

In the summer: blanket or no blanket?

Never without a blanket. I feel naked without it.

Pyjamas or no pyjamas?

Most of the time a simple T-shirt with briefs or boxers. 

A bedside book?

All kinds of interior books or magazines. And sometimes my favorite book, “The Middle of the World” by Andreas Steinhöfel.

Your favourite bed outside of your home?

My favorite bed is in Greece, on an island with a house on top of a mountain. There is a small stone house right next to it with a beautiful view on the sea, and that’s where my dream bed is.

A song to go to sleep to?

You Needed Love, I Needed Love by Angelo De Augustine

A song to wake up to?

Margin (Zachery Gray Remix) by Benoît Pioulard, Zachery Gray

What’s a dream you remember?

It is a dream of living by the sea. Feeling at peace and head over heels in love.