Housing for a family of four is inspired by admiration for Scandinavian living style, natural materials, and light colors.
The 110 m² apartment was purchased by the owners in a new apartment building in a quiet part of the city, with a view of greenery and a nearby reservoir. The interior design ultimately required the relocation of some partitions, giving the space better operational connections and a more generous conception of the living area. The assignment and wish of the owners was a modern setting reminiscent of Scandinavian interiors; they also wanted to bring several stylish pieces of furniture and paintings from their original home into the new apartment.
Three living rooms – a living room connected to the kitchen, the parents' bedroom, and a room for two sons – are connected by a hallway, which managed to incorporate built-in wardrobes. In the common area of the apartment, the hallway flows freely into the living room, making the apartment feel more open. Although there is a separation of the entrance zone by sliding doors, the transparent glass keeps the hallway visually part of the entire space, which is further enlarged optically by a large mirror. The flooring is also a connecting element, running through almost the entire apartment without thresholds. The opposite part of the apartment is more intimate; here the hallway connects both bedrooms, the bathroom, a separate toilet, and a utility room with a washing machine.
About a third of the living space is taken up by the kitchen workspace; along the wall, it creates a tall cabinet arrangement with built-in appliances, turning towards the room with a low island, followed by a large dining table. This table has a dignified position in the middle of the room, becoming the center of the household. In everyday use, it meets the needs of a family of four, but part of it can be tucked under the island, and only when extended can the table accommodate larger guests.
The large corner sofa is also prepared for guests; by expanding the base and adding mattresses, it can easily transform into an occasional sleeping space for up to four people. Next to it is a comfortable reading chair, complemented by a small library and a floor lamp. Glazed walls of the recessed loggia penetrate the space, providing outdoor seating with a view of greenery and the water surface, making it a pleasant extension of the apartment, especially in the summer months.
The smallest room in the apartment was chosen for the parents' bedroom, while the larger bedroom is assigned to the sons, who, unlike their parents, spend a lot of time in their room even during the day. The furnishings accommodate children's games, climbing, or exercising, while the boys have everything they need for sleeping, doing homework, or drawing, plus a sufficient amount of storage cabinets. The shape and color of the simple furniture can easily be adjusted later for the needs of students, making it timeless, and the more expensive custom-made furnishings have their justification.
The square-shaped bathroom accommodates both a bathtub and a larger shower corner, meeting the morning rush with a wide double sink. The room is complemented by a toilet and a urinal, and is visually enlarged by large white tiles and a large mirror above the sink. The lack of natural light is partially compensated by glass entrance doors, light colors, and ample lighting from the mirror and ceiling.
The impression of Scandinavian style was achieved through the choice of materials and colors: it is based on natural wood and light tones, combining bleached oak on the floors and furniture with smooth white surfaces and natural textiles. The furnishings can fill the interior with lightness and airiness in the summer months and a friendly, warm atmosphere in the winter. Simple furniture also creates a suitable environment for antique pieces with decor, to which the family has an emotional connection.