Jannis lives in Berlin. On his account @jannis_ft, he shares inspiration related to interiors, fashion and lifestyle. In our interview, he talks about why he chose Thonet furniture and what matters most to him when designing his home.
Dear Jannis, could you tell us a bit more about yourself and your everyday life in Berlin?
My name is Jannis, and I live with my girlfriend and our two cats in Prenzlauer Berg, in a flat in an older building of around 100 square metres. Berlin is home to me, even though my daily life often takes place in different locations. Due to my job as an investment manager, I travel frequently, so my life regularly alternates between Berlin and Frankfurt am Main.
Despite all the travelling, I try to maintain a fixed anchor point in Berlin. Our flat is exactly that for me: a place where I can unwind, where I can create, and where I truly feel at home. The combination of the charm of an older building, clean interior design, and a few classic design pieces makes the space special to me. Of course, our two cats are just as much a part of everyday life as my daily cup of tea or packing the next suitcase. Precisely because I spend so much time in hotels, Berlin—and especially our flat—means all the more to me. It is the place where I truly arrive.
What role does interior design play for you personally, and how would you describe your style?
Interior design plays a significant role for me because it provides an important balance to my professional life. As an investment manager, I work in a largely analytical and structured way, which means there is little room for creativity in my job. Interior design gives me the space I need to express myself creatively and to create something that has a direct impact on my well-being.
My style is strongly influenced by my professional environment. The clean lines, functional workspaces and high-quality materials I encounter in modern offices have sharpened my eye and influenced my taste. These influences are also reflected in my flat: I prefer minimalist forms, a calm aesthetic, and furniture that is both visually appealing and practical.
At the same time, it is important to me that my interior does not feel sterile. I combine functional, clean elements with pieces that show personality and bring warmth into the space. The result is a style that is structured and modern, yet still homely. For me, furnishing is not just decoration, but a way of making my daily life more enjoyable and creating a place where I truly feel comfortable.
How do you recognise a truly good piece of furniture? What importance do timeless classics have in your home?
For me, a good piece of furniture is one where craftsmanship, material quality and function come together. I appreciate being able to see and feel how much work and experience has gone into a piece. That is why I pay particular attention to high-quality workmanship and to whether a piece of furniture can fulfil its purpose reliably for many years—without compromise.
Durability is very important to me, especially as my furniture also has to withstand everyday life with my cats. I want everything to continue to function well, feel good and retain its visual quality even after many years. Timeless design plays a major role here because it does not become outdated quickly and adapts well to different living situations.
In my home, this results in a mix of timeless classics, practical storage solutions and flexible furniture that allows for change. Around these pieces, I can be creative, rearrange furniture or replace individual items whenever I feel like a change. This balance between consistency and flexibility makes my interior feel dynamic and personal.
You chose the S 43 cantilever chair by Mart Stam for your dining table. What convinced you about this particular model?
The S 43 chairs were actually among the first pieces of furniture I bought for my own flat after moving out of a shared student apartment. The model impressed me immediately because it embodies exactly what I appreciate about good design: a simple, functional Bauhaus aesthetic combined with a high level of comfort.
The springy cantilever frame makes the chair incredibly comfortable for everyday use, and its reduced form still feels modern and timeless to me today. It is a piece of furniture that does not try to be the centre of attention, yet still stands out because of its clarity and quality. This combination of design, function and durability convinced me then and still does today.
The S 285 desk is another Thonet piece in your home. What do you particularly like about it?
The S 285 had been a piece I had at the very top of my wish list for a long time. If you are interested in interior design, you usually have that one piece you absolutely want to own someday—and for me, that was the S 285.
What I particularly like is the combination of iconic Bauhaus design and genuine everyday usability. Similar to my S 43 cantilever chairs, the desk appears very modern thanks to its reduced form, without sacrificing functionality. The work surface is exactly the right size for me, and the two pedestals provide the storage I need to keep my workspace tidy.
The S 285 has now become the central element of my office. I am consciously designing the room around this piece of furniture because, for me, it is both visually and functionally the perfect starting point.
Are there any other Thonet designs on your personal wish list?
I am a big fan of the collaboration between Jil Sander and Thonet—the designs are incredibly clear, modern, and at the same time respectful of Thonet’s tradition. I am particularly fond of the new S 1070 “Serious”: minimal, precise, almost sculptural. I am just not entirely sure whether I could position it properly in my home so that the table would receive the attention it deserves.
I also think the S 64 V and S 64 P from the collaboration are fantastic because they combine classic Thonet DNA with a very modern, almost fashion-like clarity.
I would also find a matching desk chair for the S 285 particularly exciting. The S 56 PFDRW EVO would be a very nice ergonomic addition—technical yet still elegant. Perhaps even with a subtle colour accent, for example a dark green. If something more iconic and simple is preferred, then of course the S 64 V, which always works and perfectly echoes the Bauhaus character of the S 285.
Accordingly, my wish list is still quite long.
