Mariàn Papadea is a Greek-born interior designer and vintage furniture consultant based in Berlin. With a background in architecture, she specializes in curating vibrant, expressive spaces filled with unique, functional pieces. Berlin’s Bauhaus legacy and rich architectural history first captivated her during her studies, along with the work of pioneering women in design like Eileen Grey, Ray Eames, and Lina Bo Bardi. She finds constant inspiration in Berlin’s dual nature - both tranquil and creatively charged - whether through old design books or treasure-hunting at flea markets. Beyond design, she’s exploring pottery, dreaming of a home filled with animals, and planning her next adventure to Tokyo.

For those who don't know you, how would you like to introduce yourself?

My name is Marian Papadea and many people may not know that I am originally from Greece (as you might have guessed from my last name) and moved to Berlin 5 years ago to pursue a career in architecture. I am currently working as an interior designer and buying consultant for vintage furniture, as I have a huge passion for unique designer items. I love helping my clients create their dream spaces! Another thing about me is that I am always looking for new things to do or learn, I crave new experiences and I often start new hobbies or rearrange my space to satisfy this need for change. This keeps things fresh and exciting!

What brought you to Berlin, and what made you fall in love with the city?

Love, haha! In all seriousness, ever since I started architecture school, I always dreamed of moving to Berlin and traveling around Germany to see all those Bauhaus buildings we learned so much about, and when the right time (and the right person) came along, we decided to move in together in a tiny 35 square foot apartment. What I love about Berlin is how quiet and peaceful it really is. A lot of people have this perception of Berlin as a party city, but that's only one side of it. Walking along the canal in Kreuzberg in May, soaking up the sun at Tempelhofer Feld, or people watching while sitting in one of the many cute cafes is what really feels like Berlin to me.

What’s your process of turning a house into a home? Are there any essentials that make you feel at home, or how do you create this feeling?

For me, a home is a place where I can relax and feel comfortable. It definitely needs to be cozy, as I am not a minimalist and like to have a lot of quirky personal touches (bonus points for cute decor that is also functional).

We know you're a huge fan of vintage! What are your secrets for finding hidden gems, and where do you recommend kindred spirits to hunt for vintage treasures in Berlin?

Flea markets! They take place every Sunday all over Berlin and if you are lucky you can find a lot of really good stuff. My current favorites are the ones at Arkonaplatz and Rathaus Schöneberg, but I found a really cute vase as a gift for a friend last week at Boxhagener Platz, which was a pleasant surprise. You have to go either very early or very late and always try to bargain with the vendors! That's most of the fun.

As an architect where do you find inspiration? What stimulates your creativity?

I try to read a lot, I collect design books and I always look for old books at flea markets. The attention to detail and materials you find in them is amazing. And of course the internet! It has a lot of downsides, but there are so many things to discover if you know where to look and keep an open mind.

What architects and/or artists do you admire, and why?

I really admire women who manage to show resilience and strength in these fields, because even today, also from personal experience, men take the most important or leading positions in architectural offices. Eileen Grey, Lina Bo Bardi, and Ray Eames are just a few of the pioneering women of the last century, whose designs have made history. I also admire Louise Bourgeois and Georgia O'Keefe, not only because they were great artists, but also because they were fearless.

At this point in life, what’s the dream?

When people ask me what my 5-year plan is, I tell them I want to have chickens, haha. Which is true because I would love to have a house with a garden and lots of animals like my grandmother used to have. But maybe adopting a rescue puppy would be a great first step.

Finish these short sentences:

My home must be…

full of personality.

If I had to sum up my interior style in three words…

they would be playful, cozy, vintage.

The best thing I’ve ever bought for my home is…

my record player, because it makes me treat music as a little ritual.

My best vintage furniture purchase ever…

is definitely my Togo sofa.

The one item in my home I’d keep forever is…

anything bought by my mom.

One project I am currently working on is...

learning pottery!

If I wasn’t doing what I do today, I would...

probably be a farmer.

On my wish list is...

anything animal print or cow hide! Maybe a rug?

The city I'm excited to return to or visit...

it's gotta be Tokyo! I love Japanese design and culture and Tokyo is my dream destination. Also they have an amazing vintage designer market.

By the end of 2025...

I hope I’ve spent more time in nature.

Where’s your favorite place to…

enjoy your coffee?

Akkurat Cafe

hang out with friends?

A close tie between Lombardo's and Bar Brutal.

go for vintage shopping?

I should gatekeep this maybe, but it's Ironic Gallery.

explore architecture/art?

Hansaviertel / Neue Nationalgelerie.

find calm or inspiration?

the canal in Kreuzberg.