Life & Living

How do you modernize an apartment building from the 1920s? This is shown in a series of pictures on the "schoener-wohnen.de" portal. The particular challenge for the architect during the modernization was that the four-storey apartment building on a slope had no ground-level access to the garden, which the architect solved with a trick: a staircase now leads to the house...

In winter, your own home becomes increasingly important for your well-being. Jochen Winning, Managing Director of the German Furniture Quality Association (DGM), emphasizes the role of home furnishings for comfort and cosiness. Furniture such as sofas, armchairs and beds can make a significant contribution to a pleasant atmosphere. The Managing Director emphasizes that the quality and functionality of...

According to the "brigitte.de" portal, 2024 is all about "dopamine decor". Inspired by fashion, vibrant colors such as azure blue, magenta or lively green in the form of decorative items such as cushion covers or metal cabinets bring joy and energy to living spaces. Red accents are also on trend. Shades ranging from cozy carmine red to brownish rust-red, provide...

In 2024, luminaires made of various materials such as metal, paper and glass are in vogue. Some of the lights can not only provide light, but also fulfill other functions. For example, there is a table lamp that can charge smartphone batteries. Very eye-catching lights are also in demand. These are available in a spherical shape, sculpture-like or with a...

Older property owners are often faced with the question of what to do with their property. A free online lecture entitled "Renting out your property - turning your house into money?" from the consumer advice center now offers help and shows, among other things, different types of property retirement. The lecture covers topics such as selling with usufruct or renting back,...

The quality of sleep depends not only on daily routines, but also on the choice of bed. This is explained by Andreas Ruf, Managing Director of the Initiative Pro Massivholz. He points out that solid wood beds can offer advantages for sleeping comfort due to their natural properties. This is because solid wood releases natural substances into the room air that promote relaxation and...

The kitchens of 2024 offer a variety of visual, tactile and functional innovations. According to the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Die Moderne Küche (AMK), these kitchens are characterized by their combination of natural and technical elements, flexibility and stability as well as sustainability and innovation. They offer a harmonious blend of authenticity and high-tech, which is suitable for both...

How can older people live independently in their familiar surroundings for as long as possible? The Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ) explains this in the brochure "Living at home for longer". The brochure encourages older people to make their own homes age-appropriate, whether through structural changes or technical improvements.

More and more people aged 65 and over are living in private households in Germany. According to a report by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), at least one person in this age group lived in around 13 million households in 2022. This corresponds to 32 percent of all households. Twenty years ago, only 29% of households had at least one person aged 65 or over. Over...

According to the brigitte.de portal, interest in DIY is growing steadily, especially in DIY furniture. Instead of always buying ready-made products, many people prefer to make their own creations. This trend can be seen in various ways - from upcycling old items to making your own detergent and growing your own food. Anyone who...