As they say: It pays to wait. For interior stylist Angelo De Bock, his individual, yearlong search led him to an enviable penthouse in Cologne, Germany, blessed with a rooftop terrace and a view of the famous Cologne Cathedral. Located in the Belgian section of the inner city — known for its art shops, trendy restaurants and proximity to the old city — De Bock’s penthouse is spread across the top two floors of some grand A-frame, five-story construction. But with all the benefits of snagging the top floor came columns and eaves’ struggle. De Bock tackled both layout challenges with semi displayed international finds, a concentrated color scheme and tactical paint remedies.

at a Glance
Who lives here: Angelo De Bock
Location: Inner city of Cologne, Germany
Size: 145 square meters (1,560 square feet) plus a 50-square-meter (538-square-foot) roof terrace; 1 bedroom, 2 baths, home office

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Thanks to expansive windows, the living area is flooded with light, at the top level. The pristine white walls complement the floor and furniture, but De Bock says, “I am thinking of painting the central pillar a darker color to make it less current.”

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The massive jewel chandelier near the seating area is by Dutch designer Jurgen Bey. Wrapped in a contemporary reflective lampshade, the lighting fixture is a marriage of styles.

While working at Maison & Objets in Paris this year, De Bock brought home this cosmetic red bird to miss his dining and kitchen room.

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A strong wooden dining table De Bock purchased because of his previous home is combined with a custom-built tufted high-back seat by Job Interieur.

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The large windows lining the walls frame rooftop views of the inner city.

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A black and red cosmetic clock bridges the two floors and De Bock’s color idea. A corner reading nook offers smart storage space and perspectives of the rooftop terrace.

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While the upper floor is swathed in neutral and also understated colors, the lower floor is dressed up in black and red. This is the home office. De Bock painted the bull against a checkered background as an ode to his love of its own culture and Spain.

Paint: Picture Gallery Red No. 42, Farrow & Ball (wall); Railings No. 31, Farrow & Ball (column)

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Shades of black and red and also a whimsical checkered pattern are replicated throughout the room.

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De Bock enjoys collecting art pieces throughout his trips abroad. A Pinocchio doll from the Czech Republic is exhibited in a transparent presentation box under his desk.

Glass instance: Polspotten

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Another among De Bock’s original paintings is set against a sharp white background. Neighborhood he painted a rectangular place red to create a digital bookcase with three mounted shelves to display his artwork and style books.

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The spacious master bedroom also keeps with the color palette.

Over the tufted headboard is an icon of a house soul. According to Eastern European tradition, a home spirit is thought to protect the home, looking after certain important members or the entire household. This mythical creature is a significant source of inspiration for the function as an interior designer and decorator of De Bock.

A plush bench and a collection of Moroccan cushions give more luxury and relaxation.

Bed: Scapa Home

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Opposite the bed, a large drum table, vintage traveling purses, Moroccan ottomans and a glass box displaying antique books and a world highlight the homeowner’s eclectic tastes.

Side table: Brass Drum Lamp Table, Timothy Oulton

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A mask on the cupboard handle winks at the global style of the room.

Paint: Dauphin Brown and Picture Gallery Red No. 42, both by Farrow & Ball; cabinet: Flamant

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Into a bedroom turned . He reversed the color scheme, with black as an anchor and red as an accent.

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He painted black squares and rectangles to creatively frame paintings and family pictures. A daybed out of Ikea doubles as a seat and guest bed.

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Entering the apartment out of the building’s elevator, people are satisfied with closet mirrors that reflect a trailer of their air and reveal part of their home office, the stairs to the upper living area floor and the hallway resulting in the bathrooms and dressing area.

Paint: Vert de Terre, Farrow & Ball

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All rooms on the lower floor are fitted with adjustable spotlights. These strong light beams create an additional visual dimension and may be readjusted for mood lighting.

Ceiling lights: Delta

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From the upper level, glass doors lead to a large rooftop terrace ready for its first sign of spring.

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This photograph, taken by De Bock, shows his terrace in the summer.

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This is the terrace around Christmas.

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The olive tree branches on the terrace leave room to get a peek at Cologne Cathedral, with its impressive darkened Gothic tower, in the distance.

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De Bock awakens in his reading nook. “When arriving home from a day in the city, my home feels comfortable, safe and luxury,” he says. “Since I’ve lived here, it’s been endless enjoyment.”

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