OPEN FLOOR PLAN OF LIVING - airy and warm
An apartment of about 80 square meters is located in a new building that seamlessly blends into the old core in the center of Samobor. It has provided a home for a young male individual in a peaceful zone. A large terrace connects to the living area through wide glass walls, making the apartment feel even more spacious, and offering beautiful views over the rooftops.
High-quality materials were used for the furnishing: brushed oak veneer, solid oiled wood, leather, designer ceramics in the bathrooms and kitchen, top-notch lighting, and non-absorbent and solid work surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom, making everyday use easy.
The main feature of the apartment is the great attention given to wall treatments, color selection, and color coordination by choosing shades from several palettes, combined with the treatment of the dominant wall in the living area by using the micro-cement technique. The space is envisioned as a work of art in which new views and color combinations emerge from every angle of observation. An impression of blending from one zone to another is created, accompanied by a surprise effect, as the chosen colors are strong and have a pronounced character. Alongside the vibrancy of colors, the space exudes freshness while also a calming effect.
Another notable feature is the attention given to custom furniture. Each piece has been carefully designed to serve its function, with the aesthetic component highlighting the personal touch of the creation. For example, in the bedroom, the walk-in closet area is separated by a sliding door with horizontal slats, painted in the same shade as the wall color. This creates a sense of connection with the other walls of the room, while the interplay of light and shadows introduces an additional element of surface playfulness.
The warmth of the oak floor is harmonized with details in oak veneer on the bed frame and wardrobe dressers. To emphasise natural materials, the headboard of the bed and the bedside table are made of solid wood with irregularly finished edges. The bed headboard solution with two large leather cushions in cognac color, attached to a wooden slat with leather straps, contributes to a casual and youthful atmosphere.
The living room, dining area, and kitchen are combined into one unit. When designing the layout of each zone, attention was focused to movement and the specific needs highlighted as important for the client. Therefore, a spacious sofa, which can be transformed into a large bed for enjoying movie nights, serves as the central element of the room. The design of the bar table, made from a single piece of thick curved metal, provides space for everyday dining, while a low coffee table in the living area hides its dual function – it can instantly transform into a high dining table for a larger number of people.
The kitchen, pantry, and work desk are designed in an L shape, following the flow of the walls. The combination of closed volumes in the built-in wardrobe section, separated upper elements that define the wall in terms of height and width, and the positioning of open shelves made of wood and metal create a complex composition of volumes.
Numerous elements have been added to give a personal touch to the apartment. For instance, a shelf for storing keys near the entrance is made from an old wooden beam meticulously processed to fit into the modern interior with its character. A floating metal wardrobe with sliding doors, painted in dual tones, conceals the wardrobe and gas meter. The design of the large sink is inspired by vintage laundry basins. Thick ropes with metal hooks hang from a small recess in the ceiling, where guests can casually hang their jackets. Behind the bar table, inside the built-in wardrobe with sliding doors made of wooden slats, there is a veneered niche serving as a small mini-bar, and flush handles with a nautical design aligned with the front of the drawers allow uninterrupted seating on bar stools.
The furnishings that complete the interior were procured from reputable stores offering quality designer furniture pieces.
High-quality lighting was specifically designed for different areas. Numerous light sources were strategically placed to create various atmospheres. The bedside hanging lamps can be rotated in different directions and their light intensity can be adjusted. In the toilet area, a rail with spotlights was chosen to create a "sfumato" atmosphere with well-illuminated specific parts of the room. Indirect lighting is hidden above the kitchen countertop, while the large wall lamp in the living room is particularly impressive – it attracts attention with its sculptural design and special flexibility, allowing for indirect lighting or directed light onto the work desk surface, while its long reach enables reading on the sofa located in the center of the room when needed.
The most challenging aspects of the entire project were the custom-made elements. It was necessary to find the right balance in every detail, including the shade and type of paint to be used. Since some ideas were unique, communication and agreements with craftsmen were crucial. The clients themselves had a strong aesthetic sense and were actively involved in the realization of all segments. Therefore, joint visits by the designer and clients to the workshops of the craftsmen were an important part of our work. Trial pieces were created – metal was bent, perforations were studied, and old wooden beams were selected.
In the end, we are very satisfied with the result. The apartment was fully executed according to the vision, and the space exudes uniqueness, character, and tranquility.
Foto: Sanjin Kaštelan