In Patrick's apartment, almost every piece of furniture is unique. None of it is bought new, but everything is repainted, rebuilt, refurbished or created by himself. Patrick loves DIY and is a big upcycling fan. He finds that you can still get something out of almost any piece of furniture, upgrade it and make it pretty again. That way, design is sustainable and affordable for everyone.
Patrick lives in Kehl, directly opposite Strasbourg. It only takes a few minutes to walk across the Rhine bridge to France. Patrick is German-French and grew up in Strasbourg. However, due to the many tourists and a lot of traveling as a flight attendant, the city eventually became too noisy for him. Ten years ago, he found his current 3-room apartment in Kehl and didn't think twice about buying it. His plan had always been to have his own home by the time he was 30 - also for security reasons in old age. The residential area where his apartment is located is quiet and green - exactly what he needs when he returns from his professional travels.
Patrick loves his job as a flight attendant because he sees a lot by traveling and always comes home with inspiration. He would love to implement all of them directly himself. He looks for objects in second-hand stores, at the flea market or in bulky waste, from which he can either recreate his model or give it a new look according to his own ideas.
In addition to the new piece of furniture that is created, Patrick also wants to draw attention to the throwaway mania. Upcycling saves resources, produces less waste and contributes to sustainable consumer behavior. That's important to him. And "design can be affordable for everyone. All you need are ideas, fresh paint and patience - and you've got a unique piece that no one else owns," says Patrick.
He doesn't need many tools. His three main tools are: a stapler, a sander and a jigsaw. His favorite pieces include his coffee table, TV board and dining table. He is especially proud of the coffee table. It looked anything but modern and chic before.
Patrick started upcycling ten years ago when he needed a cabinet for his kitchen but couldn't find one that fit. He made a sketch and built it himself. A simple piece that awakened in him the desire for more. It has since become a hobby. Once one project is finished, he starts the next. In his apartment, he is actually constantly changing furniture or even entire rooms.
Patrick is self-taught and has taught himself everything through videos and learning by doing. Mistakes happen now and then. But that's part of it, he says. That's the only way to get better and learn. His pieces are becoming more and more professional and are well received by his friends. So well, in fact, that he is already getting requests. That makes him happy, because Patrick can well imagine that upcycling could become a second mainstay.
He also presents his makeovers and DIY projects on his KZfaq channel. He wants to share his knowledge and show that with a few simple steps, you can turn something old into something new and beautiful.
A film by Carolin Baumgart (editor), Johannes Bock (camera), Arrien Peters (camera and sound) and Roland Burchard (editor).
00:00 Patrick's Upcycling Apartment
00:51 Second hand coffee table and TV table made from a Kallax shelf.
02:16 Old paintings repurposed
03:04 Dining room area
03:50 Buffet with makeover
04:25 Balcony
05:31 Floor in mosaic design
06:13 Hallway
07:10 Kitchen redone with foiling
08:30 Bathroom
09:24 Bedroom
11:36 The new project: office/guest room