Elif and Ralf like it really colorful. Not only in terms of color, but also culturally. The German Turk and the man from Baden have combined their roots and individual tastes in their home. Their love of Turkish culture is reflected in every detail of their furnishings. Elif and Ralf's home is an extension to Ralf's parents' house in Durlach, which enabled them to realize their living ideas 15 years ago. Their current kitchen used to be part of the old house, but all the other rooms were newly added on at the time and are therefore connected to the kitchen via stairs. The stairs are a necessary evil, but very popular with guests. The two have visitors a lot and often, because as in Turkish culture, hospitality is important to them. Elif's mother is Turkish, her father German. Elif was born in Germany but grew up in Turkey. After graduating, she got her hands on her first Turkish interior treasures: antique tea tables and silk carpets. They still accompany her today. Elif and Ralf have a few tips for their oriental interior style: 1. color palette: The oriental interior style is characterized by a warm and rich color palette. In addition, Elif and Ralf like to combine bright tones, so it looks more modern. 2. patterns and ornaments: In Turkey, geometric and floral designs are often found artfully integrated into textiles, tiles and woodwork. These patterns add depth and richness to the rooms and act as eye-catchers. However, to ensure that the mix of patterns does not appear chaotic and excessive, Elif and Ralf have paid close attention to symmetrical arrangement. 3. rugs and pillows: Oriental rugs are famous for their beauty and craftsmanship. They often serve as a central element in the room. Here, Ralf was initially a bit skeptical about decorating the clean stone floor with opulent rugs. Today, he can't imagine doing without them. 4. Wood: Dark wood in particular is found in many places in the Orient House. The dining tables are solid and robust. Above all, this has a practical use. Elif loves to cook, and she doesn't want the hot pots to ruin the delicate surfaces. 5. lighting: Warm, subdued light plays an important role in oriental interior design. Lanterns with partly colored glass, chandeliers and filigree lampshades create a romantic and atmospheric atmosphere. A light spectacle that Elif discovered in a hotel in Istanbul. Through clever negotiation, she was able to buy some lamps from the hotel owner. 6. art and craft: Turkey has a rich tradition in the production of handmade art and craft products. This is reflected in Elif and Ralf's decorative elements, such as hand-painted tiles and intricate ceramic work. The unique pieces add authenticity and character to the space. 7. bye-bye to off-the-shelf design: mass production and disposable items are not found at Elif and Ralf. The furnishings are individual, many pieces have been with Elif and Ralf their whole lives or are family heirlooms. Other parts are brought back from travels, upgraded or individually manufactured. The hand-painted tiles, the lamps, carpets, oriental chests of drawers, but also the stone tiles for the complete floor were bought by Elif and Ralf in Turkey and sent to Germany. Especially the floor tiles were a bit more extensive. Just like the kitchen countertop, they are made of travertine, a natural stone that is quarried in a quarry in Izmir. By buying directly on site, the two saved a lot of money by eliminating the middleman costs. It also gave them better control over the quality of the material and the working conditions on site. They eventually had their building materials shipped to Germany by truck. Despite the additional costs for transport and customs, they were able to save at least 50% of the total costs. A film by Annika Erbach (editor) Lars Reuther (camera), Paul Heydecke (camera and sound) and Patrick Braun (editing). 00:00 Living in Oriental Style 00:23 Open living area 05:03 Kitchen 06:26 Outdoor area 10:47 Guest toilet/hammam 11:25 Bedroom