The Dean Berlin: Rachael Gowdridge's Bold 19th-Century Makeover

Interior designer Rachael Gowdridge transforms a historic Berlin building into a layered, eclectic hotel experience.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:51am

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A high-contrast silkscreen print in neon pink, yellow, and teal of a geometric hotel lamp, repeated in a grid pattern with heavy black outlines, conceptually representing the layered, experimental design of The Dean Berlin.The Dean Berlin's bold, eclectic design aesthetic is captured in a vibrant pop art interpretation of one of the hotel's signature furnishings.Today in Miami

Renowned interior designer Rachael Gowdridge has breathed new life into a 19th-century residential building in Berlin, creating The Dean hotel - a space that celebrates the tension between history and modernity. Gowdridge's design philosophy embraces the building's original character, adding bold colors, unique details, and contemporary interventions to craft an intriguing and inviting atmosphere.

Why it matters

The Dean Berlin joins a growing number of eclectic, design-forward hotels that are redefining Berlin's hospitality scene. Gowdridge's approach to preserving the building's history while injecting modern flair aligns with the city's reputation for blending the old and new in unexpected ways.

The details

Gowdridge transformed the former residential building in Charlottenburg, using a mix of raw, original surfaces and contemporary elements. The color palette draws inspiration from Berlin's architecture, blending bold, saturated tones with soft neutrals. Public areas are designed as social hubs, with a bakery, restaurant, and lounge, while the 81 guest rooms feature a study in contrasts, with wood-floored vestibules, carpeted rooms, and bespoke furniture and lighting.

  • The Dean Berlin opened in April 2026.

The players

Rachael Gowdridge

An interior design master who led the transformation of the 19th-century building into The Dean hotel in Berlin.

The Dean

A hotel brand with locations in Dublin, Cork, and Galway, with new outposts planned for Munich and Miami.

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What they’re saying

“It's not about making a statement; it's about creating moments that make you pause and reflect. We wanted to challenge the typical hotel experience, to create spaces that reveal themselves gradually, rewarding those who pay attention.”

— Rachael Gowdridge, Interior Designer

“The Dean gave us the freedom to experiment and respond instinctively. It was a chance to let the building lead and create something truly special.”

— Rachael Gowdridge, Interior Designer

What’s next

The Dean Berlin is the latest addition to the hotel brand's growing portfolio, with new locations planned for Munich and Miami in the coming years.

The takeaway

The Dean Berlin's bold, eclectic design showcases how historic buildings can be transformed into modern, immersive hotel experiences that celebrate a city's architectural heritage and design sensibilities.