HOME WITH JIHOON KIM
LAYERED sat down with fashion icon and digital creator Jihoon Kim to discuss her Berlin sanctuary, a space she calls her "paradise" for mental reset. We explore her approach to blending historic Altbau charm with a bold, international curation of color,
and how she balances a high-paced global life with a deep need for domestic calm.
“My home is kind of my reset space.”
Residue, Bone White, Wool Rug
Where do you find inspiration for your home?
I get a lot of inspiration when I travel-I love shopping in different countries and bringing home things that catch my eye and remind me of the city. I especially love Stockholm, Tokyo, and of course, Seoul. Each place has its own unique vibe, and I like to mix those cultures together in my space. I kind of copy the things I see and love, then add my own twist.
I also get really inspired by hotels and I'm lucky to work with an amazing interior designer, Agi, who helps me bring everything together. She always brings in these elevated ideas and pieces that I wouldn't have thought of on my own. I think because I moved around a lot growing up, I feel like I represent a mix of places,
so I want my home to feel international-like a collection of all the places that have shaped me.
How does your home reflect your personality?
I bring home little things from different places I visit—I hope over time, they start to shape the space and show a bit of personality but not too much- I like to be a bit mysterious too.
Do you find yourself blending influences from both when creating your home?
Honestly, because I moved around a lot-first from Korea, then within Germany-I had to adjust to ditterent environments all the time. So when I come home, I want it to feel calm and consistent. That's why I keep things really clean and built in as much storage as possible. I don't function well in a messy or overly busy space eventhough things get messy quite quickly with all my travels – it throws me off. My home is kind of my reset space. Or as my manager says - home should be my paradise.
Residue, Bone White, Wool Rug
Berlin is known for its diversity and creativity. Has the city's unique atmosphere shaped your choices in home decor and design?
Totally. People in Berlin are so bold with their style—it's really inspiring. No one really cares I think. They do what they like. There's this fearless, experimental energy here, and being young, I feel like I'm in the pertect place to explore and try things out too. I don't really like the super clean white aesthetic—it feels too sterile for me. I'm more drawn to color, texture, and a mix of old and new. I’m also still growing and learning and finding out what I like and dislike
