Tour the Chic Berlin Retreat of an American Abroad

Some jobs become your whole world, and other jobs open the whole world to you. Chris Glass’s job might be a little of both. As Director of European Membership for the renowned Soho House, the Georgia, U.S.-born native has been living around the world for nearly 20 years, after studying theater at the Boston Conservatory. The last seven years have been spent in Berlin, in a 1,200 square foot, 2-bedroom apartment that he has worked extensively to turn into a reflection of his global lifestyle and tastes.

"The flat was lackluster and definitely needed a facelift," Chris recalls of his first visit to the space. "It was being shared by three folks — each with a bedroom. It had been split off from a neighboring flat many years ago and had not been renovated since then." Recognizing the potential, however, Chris quickly got to work building his vision, starting with the living room. Describing his style as "Bohemian Chic," the living room is a full display of Chris’s love of eclectic influences. Mid-century seating is surrounded by sculpture, painting and books on fashion and style.

A frequent entertainer, Chris has found that the living room is a favorite among his guests. "This big open space is a bit unexpected," he reveals, "and the combination of the plants against the luxe vintage pieces always draws a reaction." Of his favorite pieces, Chris is quick to confide that, "My coffee table from Maison Jansen is a highlight. It took me ages to find something that suited the space and I ended up with a piece that I absolutely cherish."

The dining room is a fluid continuation of the living room's aesthetic, mixing warm wood tones with the cooler shades of the walls, art and tabletop. The intriguing interplay of wood, stone and fur that characterizes this space reveals another element of Chris's design aesthetic. "I like to make bold choices in interiors and I'm fond of color and texture," he admits, "but it's still important that the space feels warm and, more than anything, functional."