team

We restore historic furniture, doors, and wooden surfaces in Bern – with the aim of preserving as much of the original substance as possible.

Our background is in monument preservation: We do not work towards making an object look new, but rather ensuring that it retains its developed quality.

A large part of our work involves furniture, interiors, and structural components that cannot be replaced – but must be preserved.

In doing so, we combine traditional techniques with a clear understanding of their use in everyday life today.

Our work is precise, understated, and designed for longevity.

We restore what time has shaped.

2012

CARMINE HOME emerged from a classic combination:

Craftsmanship, commerce, and a sense of quality.

In 2012, Francis Carmine and Lars Kauer created Chic&Antic in Bern's Old Town at Gerechtigkeitsgasse 35, a place that brought together antiques and contemporary living – at a time when this combination was rarely considered.

It quickly became clear:

We are not interested in what is new – but in what endures.

2013

In 2013, the concept was expanded to include a customer café – a place where furniture was not just sold, but experienced.

2015

In 2015, Lars Kauer and Valeria Carmine took over the business completely.

With the rebranding of Chic&Antic to CARMINE HOME, the foundation for the current direction was laid.

With the expansion of the historic vaulted cellar, initial online auctions, and the targeted expansion of restoration and upholstery expertise, the focus increasingly shifted to craftsmanship.

Möbelrestaurierung in Bern – Reparatur und Stabilisierung eines antiken Holzmöbels in der Werkstatt

2019

A decisive step followed in 2019 with the acquisition of Bolli Antikschreinerei in Rossfeld.

With Nele Bolli as workshop manager, a place was created where traditional craftsmanship is preserved and continued in everyday life.

Here, experience meets precision – and each piece is treated with the necessary respect for material and history.

Kronleuchter Restaurierung in Bern – Reinigung und Pflege eines antiken Leuchters

2020

In 2020, a new generation joined in the form of Chrigi Wyttenbach.

Trained in craftsmanship and influenced by her family's connection to restoration, she brought a keen sense for materials and details from the outset.

Today, she bears significant responsibility in the workshop.

Antiquitäten und restaurierte Möbel in der Lagerhalle von CARMINE HOME in Bern Ostermundigen

2021

With the complete takeover by Lars Kauer in the year of Covid19, this change fell into a challenging time:

Traditional retail collapsed, and business increasingly shifted to digital.

This phase brought a clear realization:

The value lies not in trade – but in preservation.

Consequently, the retail store in Bern's Old Town was closed, and operations were reorganized.

Today, workshop, warehouse, and infrastructure are united in one place – in an old, romantic warehouse on Obere Zollgasse in Ostermundigen.

Restaurierung einer furnierten Tischoberfläche mit Leimauftrag in der Werkstatt von CARMINE HOME

2023

In 2023, the business was consistently realigned.

Today, the focus is entirely on restoration, refurbishment, and the conscious handling of existing substance.

Trading continues – but in a targeted and curated manner:

with selected objects and rarities such as chandeliers, mirrors, and special unique pieces.

TEAM

  • Restauratorin bei CARMINE HOME bei der Arbeit an historischen Möbeln

    Chrigi Wyttenbach

    Restorer & Surface Specialist

    She works at the intersection of craftsmanship and an eye for detail.

    With sensitivity for material and surface, she handles a large part of the daily restoration work in the workshop.

  • Werkstattleiterin Restaurierung Holz und Bauernmalerei Bern

    Nele Bolli

    Workshop Manager
    Restorer & Folk Artist

    With decades of experience in antique carpentry, she is responsible for the craftsmanship quality of the work.

    Her focus is on material-appropriate restoration and traditional techniques such as folk painting.

  • Geschäftsleitung Möbelrestaurierung und Kundenberatung Bern

    Lars Kauer

    Management
    Clients & Projects

    He supports projects from initial assessment to implementation.

    The focus is on providing honest advice and finding effective solutions for every property.