In East Berlin, just steps away from the landmark television tower that has become an instantly recognisable symbol of the city, a sparkling white facade adorns a sprawling building. This jewel of a place is in fact Hotel LUX 11 Berlin Mitte, a place created to attract individualists from around the world with its modern, futuristic ambience.

In the lobby, picture-stills reflect the vibrancy of the nearby streets – the restaurants, galleries and boutiques and the trendy, creative people who fill them with their energy. The AVEDA salon of Beate Kahlcke is on the ground floor.

Then three staircases wind around old-fashioned lifts to a series of rooms that feel like a very, very stylish version of home… all in cool shades of pale green, with smooth blonde-wood detail.

It is simply a study in melding the old with the new. Set in what was originally built as a stately home in the late 19th century and which later became office space under communism, the landmark structure has been completely refurbished to reflect the transformation of Berlin in recent times. The Lux 11 look is also unique in its use of materials and its pleasing use of contrasts – something that truly comes into its own in each of the 72 apartments’ impeccable design.