Contact a local architect who can provide you with the planning documents that will be required to be filed for the permitting to do anything.

You are asking NA ideas for a space that we have no idea what the rules are where you are. I agree get at least an interior designer to start the process and where I live you would need an architect too .

See the first comment.

Most times renos in buildings are limited by limitations on moving drain and water supply lines. And we don't have the complete layout. I'd start by moving the bath near the kitchen to be connected to the drain and supply lines for the second bath. All those walls removed and using the closet space gives you room for a usable kitchen design. For an open concept layout you can remove more walls. The single line wall east of the closet and the wall creating a hall on the north side of that room are next. Then I 'd like to see the full floorplan.

Leaving aside the different rules and regulations applying in Germany, you should consider German aesthetics and lifestyle if you ever intend to resell this apartment.

• Getting rid of a period, tiled heater and replacing it with a N. American style fireplace is likely to devalue your property and be expensive to do.
• Europeans eat in the dining room. Kitchens are for cooking. And when people move, they take their kitchen cabinets with them. You may find eat-in kitchens in holiday homes, but they aren't common in city apartments.

Any renovation that gets rid of that fireplace or other charming and useful period details is very misguided. You seem to understand nothing about multi family buildings and the massive limitations that they impose. You need to quickly get up to speed on what is physically possible to change (not much) and the expense and red tape required to do so (high). That requires PAID local expert help.

Hi all,

Many thanks for your comments so far. I appreciate any constructive input.

Just a couple of additional notes to maybe help direct the conversation a bit better:

• We will have an architect and local contractor, but I was hoping to get some creative ideas on redrawing the layout that I could already bring to them to see if it’s possible. Letting go of building limitations/permits, I would love to hear any inspiring and unique ideas.
• One of these fireplaces is no longer possible to use, as the whole building chose to cut off the access to the chimney a few years back. It takes up a good amount of space and cuts off the flow of movement. I do appreciate the messages about preserving the original style and hope to restore the original floors and moulding, but this particular fireplace isn’t the most charming - it’s the cheap version that’s typically gets a big eye roll from Berliners.
• these fireplaces use coal pellets, which are high pollutants. The city of Berlin has a lot of regulations about fireplaces, and is pushing people away from using coal - and even wood burning fireplaces. I would love to keep one, in a modern German/European style, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to justify with the environmental impact (and gas is a big issue at the moment).
• I’ve lived in Berlin for 12 years now and my husband is from here, so we are familiar with the living style and many of the building limitations.

Again, I appreciate everyone taking time to respond!

Let the architect know your wants and needs and let them creatively meet those wants and needs allowing for existing constraints.

You are going to a banquet, leave the bologna sandwiches at home.

Another resourse is info from other renos in the building. What the board has approved in the past also shows architects and contractors with building experience. Can you post the entire floorplan?