Reconstruction of an apartment that will leave you in awe

We usually hear that in the beginning was the word. In the case of the generous and meticulously thought-out apartment renovation in a Prague building from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, the beginning was marked by the friendship between the investors and architect Martina Homolková from the Malfinio studio, who had their full trust and largely free rein in devising the interior concept. At the opposite end of the whole process, serving as arbiters, were the investors' young son and their two cats, for whom the apartment was ultimately tailored down to the last detail. From this seemingly disparate team ultimately emerged a unique interior that is anything but dull.

The architect began not only "from the ground up," but primarily with a change in the layout. In the apartment, which was originally divided into smaller rooms, she proposed several changes: primarily, she eliminated one partition, thereby creating a larger central living space connected to the kitchen, from where access is granted to both the children's room and the bedroom. When it comes to the floor, the only notable contrasts in the entire apartment can be found in the cement tiles in the entrance hall and bathroom. Martina Homolková explains her intention: "In the place where we enter the apartment, we could afford something wilder. I like that clear visual cut that now makes one feel at home. The tiles have the same pattern everywhere, but they are arranged in such a way that the color gradually transitions from brown-grey in the entrance hall to mustard-ochre in the bathroom."

The owners' brief for the renovation was: light colors, airiness, storage spaces, cement tiles with a distinctive pattern, and also a kitchen island with a mirrored surface. Polished reflective stainless steel served as the mirror material, which the architect also repeated in the library and on the sides of the cabinets. The mirroring of the material lightens the space and makes it feel airier. For example, the oak parquet received a lightening finish with white oil, as did the dining table. The rugs and linen curtains are done in light grey colors with a warm undertone. The architect mostly adhered to very subtle color schemes and uncomplicated shapes of custom-made furniture throughout the interior. This created a neutral base that she complemented with design pieces of more distinctive shapes and striking lighting.

An eye-catching brass ceiling light, Brass 96, hangs above the dining table. The polished stainless steel kitchen island is illuminated by a custom-made light from Bulb. Dimmable lighting embedded in the kitchen shelves creates a dreamy atmosphere. All lighting is controlled by design switches berker R.classic from Hager, supplied by the design store Monobrand. "The striking berker R.classic switches essentially do not disguise their inspiration from the first rotary switches of the early 20th century, but their appearance has been significantly shifted towards the third millennium," explains Thomas Grund, the general director of Hager in the Czech Republic. "Thanks to the robust frameless construction, distinctive, modernly shaped rotary flap, and quality materials used, switches and sockets will definitely not go unnoticed, even in a striking interior," smiles Thomas Grund. Architects appreciate not only the quality design of berker electrical components but also their wide range of functions. In addition to power and data sockets, dimmers, USB sockets, or even blind controllers can serve in the interior. "In this apartment's interior, the switches do not serve as discreet easily overlooked attendants but proudly claim their place in the sun. Even in this striking interior, they deserve attention in certain spots. I appreciate, for example, the very original idea of the architect to place the switches on the mirrored surface. And hats off to the craftsmen for the very clean execution of this task," nods Thomas Grund in approval.

The apartment's interior also features a variety of other striking design pieces. However, they do not compete for attention but rather resonate in perfect harmony. Overall, it feels like a well-tuned symphony of ideas, shapes, materials, and colors: custom-made Roman linen shades, Dechem vases, or original author paintings by Antonie Stanová. The bedroom's centerpiece is a shelf headboard behind the bed made of oak wood with steel plates, cleverly separating the workspace. Storage spaces are covered by sliding panels made of author-woven fabric from Studio Geometr, which also provided various cushions and curtains, dyed to match the rest of the furnishings. In the living room, the attention is drawn to the Stella table by Jiří Krejčiřík, the iconic Togo sofa by Michel Ducaroye, or the Roly Poly armchair by Faye Toogood. "I particularly like the Roly Poly armchair in this interior. It evokes feelings of childhood innocence in me. I am happy when clients are brave and agree to something like this," smiles Martina Homolková, adding: "The key for me is tuning into the uniqueness of each client and the space I have available. I emphasize light, concept, interconnectedness, vistas, materials, textures, combinations, layers, functionality and practicality, details, and the balance of the whole. I love to explore new boundaries – but that would not be possible without the most skilled craftsmen."

However, the ultimate arbiters of the functionality of the interior are, ultimately, the owners' young son and their two cats. For example, the dining table has rounded corners for the sake of the son. And to ensure that their furry inhabitants also feel at home in their new abode, the owners even consulted a cat psychologist about the apartment's design. The entire author team evidently did a good job. The cats fell in love with the cement tiles, especially when the underfloor heating is turned on during the cold months, and they confidently claimed the lower shelves of the cabinets that were left available to them. "The entire interior is done in natural and quality materials that not only age well and resist wear but will also beautifully bear any potential scratches from the trio of more playful inhabitants," concludes architect Martina Homolková with a laugh.

www.hager.cz/vypinac
www.monobrand.cz
www.malfinio.cz
Photo: BoysPlayNice