In Thomas Wenzel's kitchen cupboard

Everyone is the architect of their own fortune—and Thomas Wenzel is the architect of his own comfort. Much of what’s in his home was designed and built by him: “I always try to bring my ideas to life as best I can.” He loves to give beautiful materials—ones that are too good to throw away—a new lease on life. His kitchen cabinet, for example, used to serve as a lab cabinet at the “ KPM Berlin,” where it was once painted entirely black. Now refurbished, this antique piece houses Wenzel’s collection of various KPM pieces. “I’m a big fan of laboratory porcelain. Both the technical aspect and the clean, minimalist form have always fascinated me.”

KPM Berlin . manufactured these practical porcelain vessels until 1993. Wenzel began collecting the pieces early on, hunting them down everywhere, including at flea markets. The 57-year-old spent a long time thinking about how to transform them into something with added value. The result was his LAB Collection.

The laid table: Good design has the task of making everyday use of it easier and, in the best case, enriching our everyday lives.

The objects impress with their timeless design and exceptional feel. This is because the porcelain glaze is omitted from the lower half of the outside of the vessel, creating a harmonious interplay of textures of smooth glaze and matt biscuit porcelain . It is also combined with other materials such as wood, steel and glass. However, it was not only the mix of materials that was new, but also the young target group. "Away from the laid table and into the application", that was the aim. Because: "The kitchen has become a central place. As a result, we have designed porcelain items that the manufactory did not previously have in its portfolio, such as salt and pepper mills or mortars."

What's more, the trend today is towards variety and favorite pieces are combined with each other at the table. The Wenzels are no exception: "I use plates from the URANIA collection. They are beautifully neutral and provide a good surface. The delicate and light design from URBINO also looks good on the table, especially for tea and coffee." However, Wenzel's favorite remains a piece from his newly designed line: "I love the tall LAB cup 2H. I wouldn't want to drink from any other cup." The cup can be used for water as well as long drinks or cocktails. And it's no longer like the old days, when people only served desserts in dessert bowls. "In the family, we basically eat everything from the smaller LAB serving bowls: salad, casserole, spaghetti Bolognese. Only a steak still goes on the plate," says Wenzel.

Wherever you look, you will discover KPM pieces - artfully displayed: for example, historical KPM laboratory bowls on a turntable. Dog Kuba also seems to like it.

Text: Marlene Irausek

Pictures: Franz Grünewald