Rooms with a past, designed to last
Making your Berlin home unforgettable—blended interior design centered around second-hand gems that will last.
Selected work →Tinker & Borrow is a solo studio led by Sabrina Small—a peddler of reclaimed, second-hand and simply good design.
Down to earth, simple and elegant. Sabrina scouts second-hand gems, upcycles what others leave behind, and composes timeless interiors for homes, restaurants and cafés—low-waste, budget-honest, and built around pieces with a story.
Services
Full-home design
Room-by-room planning, from layout down to the last ceramic—for homes, restaurants and cafés.
Second-hand sourcing
Hunting Berlin flea markets, auctions and resale for gems that outlast trends.
Upcycling & restoration
Reupholstery, refinishing and small repairs that give good pieces a second life.
Styling & finishing
Plants, art and the small things that make a space feel lived-in from day one.
What clients say
Frequently asked questions
What does a blended approach to interior design mean?
We're finalizing this answer — check back soon, or reach out and we'll happily walk you through it.
Can I mix old and new elements? Can I mix different architectural styles?
Yes! We find monostylistic design (ex. all mid-century furniture) to be uninspiring. The home should be an eclectic place, reflecting your and each of our multiplicities.
Can I afford to renovate my apartment? Isn't interior design just for the wealthy?
There are all levels of interior designers out there. My version of interior design is much more affordable, blended and service-oriented.
It's also completely normal to focus on one room at a time rather than an entire remodel.
Should I renovate if I'm not sure how long I'll be here, or if I just had a baby?
Of course there are situations where waiting to redesign your home makes sense. But I believe that, just like you should buy clothes for the body type you have now and the style you want to express, the apartment you're in should reflect and serve your current needs. Even small fixes of organization and layout can make a significant difference in one's mental health and enjoyment of their home—as a renter or a homeowner, it's worth it.
Can I redesign my apartment if I'm a renter?
We're finalizing this answer — check back soon, or reach out and we'll happily walk you through it.
Does redesigning my home mean painting over my own quirkiness?
No, it rather should magnify it. We will design our space together for the idealized version of you. Personal spaces should be as your personality is.
Do I have a say in what second-hand pieces you choose? Is it durable or reliable?
All second-hand pieces go through a rigorous process of quality check, repair and cleaning. Wood, metal and leather are the primary materials which I reclaim, and I never place a piece in a space if it's not been thoroughly prepared to last. Sourcing is only the beginning. We reupholster, sand, refinish, stain, seal and more.
I've developed a working relationship with dozens of second-hand wholesalers, so if I don't have the right piece already refurbished, I have contacts to find the right piece. The process is iterative and personal, never with a quick-fix or one-size-fits-all approach. Not everything should or will be second-hand. "Don't sleep on a used mattress — some things should always be new."
Bring Your Vision to Life
Let’s design your dream →