We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

is a skincare mastermind, so it makes sense that her home—a floor-through apartment in a 1903 building in Düsseldorf right on the Rhine river—would be centered around wellness. The home is located in the same building as the headquarters of her eponymous company, and with the help of her architect father, she and her husband rebuilt the home, with Sturm doing the interior design as well.

“Since I have a strong aesthetic sense it’s really fun for me to also do interior design and design my own furniture,” says Dr. Sturm. “I don’t like mainstream and I love playful and colorful yet classic designs.”

The German doctor created her eponymous Dr. Barbara Sturm Molecular Cosmetics MC1 cream formulation 14 years ago to use the body’s own protein in a skin healing formula to address skin aging, inflammation, and other skin conditions, and now she has a celebrated product line and devotees around the world.

One special aspect of the home is the large, open room that functions as the bedroom, master bathroom, and walk-in (live-in?) closet, which showcases Sturm’s wellness focus. “I always dreamt of a big space which combines the bathroom, bedroom, sauna, and closet all in one, and I was tearing out walls to make that dream come true,” says Sturm.

The freestanding bathtub, black Dornbracht faucets, wood and marble tiled floors, and the turquoise shade of the bathroom are particular favorites of the homeowner. “Since we are travelling so much, we like to stay home and work out, get massages, do saunas and complete our whole spa regimen at home.”

While it’s not common for German homes to have saunas built in, Sturm’s husband was a huge fan of the concept. “Sauna is very relaxing, detoxing and it promotes circulation so it’s very good for your well-being and your skin. Its super anti-aging and supports the immune system immensely.” Whatever the doctor orders!

Farrow & Ball paint colors abound in the home—Hague Blue in the office, Dix Blue in the bedroom, and Elephant’s Breath in the kitchen and living room—along with fanciful animal-print wallpaper (think tigers and fish) by Matthew Williamson and Nina Campbell. Most of the furniture Sturm had custom built by her carpenter, but she also loves antiques; a mix of pieces she inherited from her parents, and found in Antwerp or at Marche Aux Puce in Paris are located throughout the house.

Colorful Dedar Fabrics, a Bocci lamp in the living room, and a Moissonnier dining room table and desk mingle with items collected from her travels. “Sometimes I bring back paintings or china or special items to remind me of my trips,” says Sturm. “Everywhere I go, I get inspired. I love to bring my favorites together and surround myself with happy memories.”

 

Related reading: