How to furnish properties successfully.

How mass-produced furniture is transformed into bespoke project solutions.

Commercial fit-outs present specific challenges: they must be cost-effective, durable and functional – whilst also meeting the individual requirements of each project. This is precisely where Müller Small Living comes in. Rather than developing each project from scratch, high-quality standard furniture forms the basis, which is specifically adapted to the requirements of student halls of residence, micro-flats, holiday accommodation, schools or public institutions.
In this interview, Jochen Müller, managing partner of Müller Small Living, and Matthias Kunst, commercial and technical director, discuss how tried-and-tested mass-produced furniture is transformed into bespoke interior design solutions. They provide insights into their collaboration with architects, designers and contract furniture dealers, and demonstrate why individuality and cost-effectiveness are no longer a contradiction in terms today.

Mr Müller, what is your particular strength in the commercial property sector?

For us, contract furnishing is about far more than simply fitting out individual rooms. We develop furnishing solutions that improve people’s everyday lives in the long term whilst also being economically viable. Together with our network of experienced commercial furnishing specialists, we support projects from the initial concept right through to the finished fit-out – for example, for student halls of residence, micro-flats, serviced flats, schools, fire stations or public facilities.

Many projects have very specific requirements. How can this be reconciled with mass-produced furniture?

That is precisely where our strength lies. We do not start with a blank sheet of paper, but with well-established mass-produced furniture that has stood the test of time over many years. We then develop these further specifically for each individual project. We adapt dimensions, materials, finishes, interior fittings and functions to the requirements of the client or operator. This results in bespoke solutions without having to sacrifice the benefits of cost-effective mass production.

What benefits does this approach offer your customers?

Our customers benefit from planning certainty, predictable costs and short development times. At the same time, they retain their flexibility. Rather than designing each piece of furniture from scratch, we draw on tried-and-tested systems and adapt them precisely where it makes sense to do so. This saves time, reduces risks and ensures durable, high-quality furnishing solutions.

What role does planning play?

A very significant one. Every project begins with an in-depth analysis of the requirements. Our design team then develops bespoke solutions based on our standard product ranges, which we visualise as realistic 3D designs. This enables clients, operators and planners to see at an early stage what the facility will look like and to make decisions with a high degree of planning certainty.

How far do your options extend when it comes to bespoke solutions?

Further than many might initially think. Often, even minor adjustments are enough to create an optimal solution – for example, different heights or widths, special finishes, additional functions or project-specific features. For larger projects, however, we also develop completely new elements where appropriate. Our aim is always to find the most cost-effective solution for the customer.

Why do you manufacture exclusively in Germany?

Our production facility has been based in Bockhorn, Lower Saxony, since 1869. This allows us to retain full control over all processes – from development through to production and quality control. State-of-the-art CNC technology, experienced staff and short decision-making processes ensure consistently high quality and reliable scheduling.

How important is collaboration with specialist retailers in this context?

A very significant one. Our specialist retail partners understand the needs of their regional customers and often take care of planning, advice and installation on site. We see ourselves as partners working behind the scenes, supporting them with our experience, bespoke solutions, technical expertise and reliable project management. This close collaboration is a key factor in our success.

What projects have you already completed?

Our references include, amongst others, student halls of residence, serviced apartments, micro-apartments, schools, boarding schools, fire stations and other public institutions in Germany, Luxembourg and Switzerland. Every project brings new challenges – it is precisely this diversity that makes our work so exciting.

What can customers expect from Müller Small Living?

You’re not getting a catalogue supplier, but a project partner. We listen carefully, develop solutions together and combine the advantages of industrial mass production with the flexibility of bespoke furniture design. This is precisely what gives rise to our motto: Mass-produced furniture. Designed to suit your individual needs.

Mr Kunst, how do you deal with individual customer requests?

We start by examining every enquiry very carefully. We check whether the request is technically feasible and whether we can integrate it into our production process in a commercially viable way. In principle, we are very open to bespoke solutions. At the same time, they must be compatible with our machinery and our mass production strategy. That is why it is often the case that the larger the batch size, the easier it is to implement customisations.

Can you give a specific example?

A good example is our NAIT bed, which was developed in collaboration with the design studio kaschkasch. A client running a girls’ boarding school wanted additional storage space in the form of two drawers under each bed. Together, we developed a solution that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. In the end, we were commissioned to manufacture 200 NAIT beds, each with two integrated drawers.

What was the biggest challenge involved?

The height of the bed was to remain as low as possible whilst still offering as much storage space as possible. At the same time, the drawers had to blend harmoniously into the minimalist design of the NAIT bed. It is precisely these kinds of projects that make our work so exciting: working with the client to develop a solution that works technically, can be manufactured cost-effectively and remains true to the original design.

Let’s talk about your project.

Are you planning to furnish a hall of residence, fire station, boarding house, micro-apartment or another type of property?

Together with our network of experienced regional property agents, we support you from the initial idea right through to the finished interior.

This is how we combine personalised on-site support with the flexibility and quality of a family-run furniture manufacturer – for cost-effective and durable furnishing solutions.

I look forward to learning more about your project and working with you to develop the right solution.

Jochen Müller
Managing Director

Telephone +49 4453 982313
Email: j.mueller@muellermoebel.de