A Tel Aviv Apartment Uses A Loop Floor Plan For Freedom + Flexibility

The increasing amount of time spent at home, largely due to remote work and restricted travel, has profoundly altered the relationship individuals have with their living spaces. This shift necessitates residences that offer greater flexibility and foster creativity. Responding to this contemporary need, K.O.T Architects undertook the design of an apartment in Tel Aviv, specifically conceptualizing it as an ideal 'home-base for the new urban lifestyle.' Kfir Galatia Azulay, the architect and interior designer at K.O.T Architects, approached the project with the vision of creating a hotel-like apartment. The design aimed to achieve a meticulous balance between public and private zones, illuminated and shaded areas, and transparent versus concealed elements. Galatia Azulay drew inspiration from a quote by poet Rupi Kaur, 'I am not a hotel room. I am home,' to infuse the apartment with a perpetual vacation-like ambiance. This aesthetic was tailored for the young bachelor owner, and the apartment is situated in the Florentine neighborhood within a modernist residential building. Initially, the apartment's layout suffered from insufficient natural light due to numerous enclosed rooms. To remedy this, the renovation involved the removal of all interior walls, allowing for a complete redesign. The newly conceived space now encompasses an open-plan living room, dining area, and kitchen, alongside a private bedroom, bathroom, and a covered terrace. This extensive demolition and reconstruction facilitated a more open and fluid spatial arrangement. The apartment's functional design begins with a compact entryway that transitions into a hallway. This hallway is equipped with custom-built, floor-to-ceiling cabinets, ingeniously integrated to provide ample storage. The utility of these cabinets adapts to the adjacent room; for instance, the closet is positioned opposite the bedroom, while the laundry area is situated across from the bathroom. This continuous cabinetry extends along the wall, seamlessly leading into the open kitchen, maximizing both storage and spatial efficiency. At the core of the apartment, a new bathroom has been installed. This central placement is notable for its use of two corrugated glass panels, which introduce a degree of transparency, allowing for visual connections from both sides. The bedroom, though inherently compact, gains a sense of spaciousness and openness through the inclusion of sliding glass doors, enhancing the overall flow and luminosity of the apartment. #apartmentDesign #TelAvivArchitecture #urbanLifestyle #modernInteriorDesign #flexibleLiving #openPlanLiving #customCabinetry #hotelInspiredHome #KOTArchitects

Iñigo Berasategui and Ane Arce, partners from the Bilbao-based architecture firm AZAB, embarked on a gut renovation of their new condo, which featured a semicircular floor plan. The building, designed by Spanish architect Hilario Imaz, is a typical 1960s bourgeois housing unit, originally configured with a conventional series of rooms connected by a corridor. Despite its dated appearance, the couple recognized the apartment's potential, particularly its light-filled corner location and unique curved layout, which also posed a design challenge. The architects worked with a budget of 45,000 euros, including furniture and kitchen appliances, to transform the 969-square-foot flat. Their objective was to create a flexible, open space that embraced the building's curves. To achieve this, all interior walls were removed, resulting in one expansive open area. This decision was driven by an exploration of new ways to experience domestic space and was heavily inspired by Marcel Duchamp's Readymades, a concept that lent its name to the project: the Ready-Made Home. A key aspect of the renovation involved the reuse of existing materials and the incorporation of DIY techniques. For instance, Nero Marquina marble, originally used as kitchen flooring, was repurposed for the kitchen's edge and as a backsplash in the main bathroom. A former white marble kitchen countertop was upcycled into a table positioned behind the sofa, further illustrating the project's Duchampian and DIY ethos. Color played a crucial role in the redesign. Long, light-blue curtains, a bold pale-pink range hood, and a bright-yellow steel frame supporting the shelving system were strategically introduced. Berasategui explained that the fresh color palette was intended to highlight objects and soften the overall aesthetic, with a creamy tone for the background and a gradient of colors from pink to blue to draw attention to furniture and elements over the architecture. Even the front entrance features intentional patches of olive green paint, creating an unfinished look that raises questions about the definition of a completed home and suggests ongoing evolution. Additional design elements include birch plywood boards used for both kitchen cabinetry and living room flooring, reinforcing the DIY aesthetic. The expansive shelving system, suspended from a bright-yellow steel frame, reflects the couple's love for books. Berasategui also mentioned inspirations from “the atmosphere of the Factory and the first houses of Frank Gehry,” emphasizing a lighthearted, playful liberation that defines the home's spirit. The project successfully transformed a conventional 1960s apartment into a modern, flexible, and art-inspired living space. #ApartmentRenovation #OpenFloorPlan #BilbaoArchitecture #AZABArchitects #DuchampInspired #DIYDesign #RepurposedMaterials #ColorPalette #ModernLiving

HAMS and Studio undertook the renovation of an apartment situated in the suburbs of Tokyo, Japan, with the intention of transforming it into a flexible living environment tailored for a working couple. The project, titled 'One Nuance,' aimed to deviate from the apartment's original rigid grid plan by introducing subtle variations in spatial composition, color, and material finishes. This strategic approach sought to create an adaptable living space that could accommodate a diverse range of activities and lifestyles. The design process commenced by addressing the existing layout, which notably featured a corner-room configuration. The primary intervention involved the elimination of traditional corridors, a common feature in many apartments that can fragment spaces and limit natural light. In their place, smaller, more versatile rooms were arranged along the exterior walls. This reorientation served to maximize natural light penetration and foster a brighter, more open ambiance throughout the apartment, significantly enhancing the overall sense of spaciousness. A central element of the redesigned apartment is the living room, conceived as an open and fluid zone. This open-plan living area establishes direct connections with the surrounding smaller rooms, promoting an interactive and relaxed atmosphere. A distinctive feature of the renovation is the implementation of a 'double-opening' design. This innovative system comprises 'outer openings' that are strategically positioned to draw natural light deeper into the interior spaces. Complementing these, 'inner openings' are integrated into the internal partitions, serving to frame and visually connect various living activities happening within the apartment, thereby creating a continuous and expansive internal vista. The aesthetic and functional versatility of the apartment is further elaborated through the nuanced design of the internal facades. The appearance of these facades is intentionally varied, contingent upon the specific purpose of each adjoining smaller room and the type of partition employed. This thoughtful differentiation generates a series of unique 'viewports' throughout the home, adding visual interest and spatial depth. For instance, robust plastering was selected for the internal walls, providing a textured and durable surface. In contrast, glossy solid finishes were applied to the passages leading to the living room, contributing to a sense of fluidity and light reflection. The selection of materials and finishes, characterized by subtle textures and a cohesive color palette, was critical in establishing the apartment's dynamic and harmonious environment. The objective was to ensure that while individual spaces retained their distinct character, they collectively formed a unified and aesthetically pleasing whole. This attention to detail in material application and color scheme reinforces the project's 'One Nuance' concept, where slight variations contribute to a richer and more adaptable living experience for the inhabitants. The renovation successfully transforms a standard suburban apartment into a sophisticated and highly functional dwelling, ready to meet the evolving needs of its occupants. #ApartmentRenovation #TokyoArchitecture #FlexibleLiving #InteriorDesign #SpatialComposition #HAMSandStudio #ResidentialArchitecture #OpenPlanLiving

In Manhattan's dense urban landscape, the presence of expansive open spaces is often met with considerable enthusiasm. However, Manhattan-based designer Tamara Eaton highlights a common challenge associated with open floor plans: effectively managing the vastness to prevent it from resembling a disorganized collection of items. This issue arose when Eaton was commissioned to redesign a client's spacious loft. The initial state of the loft featured a massive open room with disparate seating arrangements, leaving large sections of the area underutilized. Eaton's primary objective was to infuse definition and purpose into this sprawling space while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. Her initial step involved a thorough consultation with the client to understand their daily activities and preferences, including reading, playing board games, children's playtime, and exercise. This assessment formed the foundation for developing furniture and space layouts that would cater to all the client's needs, transforming the previously underused area into functional and inviting zones. The redesign resulted in the creation of four distinct seating arrangements within the single large room. The first, and most prominent, is the formal living room, strategically positioned to capture immediate attention upon entering the loft. This area is anchored by a tufted love seat, two occasional chairs, and a daybed, all meticulously arranged around a central fireplace. To preserve the elevated ambiance of this space, the television was discreetly relocated to a corner, where a smaller-scale sectional sofa defines a cozy nook. Adjacent to the entrance, a sculptural wooden wingback chair demarcates a dedicated reading area. For dining, Eaton opted against a traditional formal setup, instead designing an upholstered banquette situated conveniently off the kitchen. This casual dining area, with its lounge-like feel, integrates seamlessly with the rest of the loft due to the consistent use of upholstery materials. To further ensure visual harmony across the different zones, Eaton adhered to a specific color palette comprising grays, greens, and lavenders throughout the entire space. Despite the overarching cohesion achieved through material and color consistency, each area retains its unique character and purpose. This distinction is primarily achieved through the selection of artful and sculptural furniture pieces, ensuring that each sitting area feels thoughtfully curated and distinct, thereby avoiding a monotonous aesthetic. #OpenSpaceDesign #FurnitureArrangement #LoftLiving #InteriorDesign #SpacePlanning #HomeDecor #ManhattanLoft #TamaraEatonDesign

The Idunsgate apartment, located in the top floor of a 19th-century apartment building in central Oslo, Norway, underwent a comprehensive refurbishment and loft conversion by London studio Haptic. The project unified the existing apartment with the newly acquired loft space above, creating a single, integrated living area. A key design element introduced to this transformed space is a suspended steel staircase, which serves both as a functional connector between the two levels and a subtle divider for the living spaces. The original layout featured a confined and inefficient north-facing kitchen. Haptic strategically relocated the kitchen into the common areas, aiming to create a bright, airy, and spacious central hub for the apartment, fostering a social heart for residents. This new kitchen and dining area is distinguished by a dark grey finish, while the adjacent living area is painted white, featuring a low-slung sofa and a white mesh chair. An oak worktop in the kitchen functions as a breakfast bar, and a small fireplace is integrated into the worktop, enhancing the cooking space. The custom-designed staircase is crafted from powder-coated white steel, appearing to float as it is suspended from a ceiling beam and an overhead wall. Its balustrade consists of narrow vertical supports, and open risers maintain an unobstructed view from below. A distinctive feature of the staircase is its termination before reaching the floor. Instead, residents step onto a piece of wooden furniture, which ingeniously serves a dual purpose as both a chest of drawers and a window seat, completing the transition from the stairs to the lower level. The refurbishment also included a double-height bathroom adjacent to the living area. This bathroom is finished with polished concrete and grey stone, and its bath and shower areas are elevated, requiring a small staircase for access, adding to the apartment's unique spatial dynamics. Upstairs, the hallway connecting the master bedroom to the stairs doubles as a viewing platform, offering a perspective over the living space below. This upper level also provides access to a small, sheltered roof terrace, further extending the living space outdoors. Throughout the design process, Haptic conducted a detailed three-dimensional survey of the apartment and carefully considered means of escape, allowing them to integrate every available space, including parts of the stairwell, into the design. The project successfully introduces spatial drama with significant vertical sight lines by skillfully utilizing level changes and existing opportunities. The master bedroom's en-suite bathroom, for instance, is organized across three levels by incorporating previously unused spaces. A large glass wall on a sunny terrace is designed to draw evening light deep into the apartment, enhancing its brightness and openness. Some loft space was intentionally sacrificed to create a double-height area above the living room, contributing to the overall sense of volume and grandeur. The choice of large-scale 100x300cm tiles in the bathroom creates an illusion of the space being carved from a single block of stone, emphasizing a cohesive and refined aesthetic. The kitchen fronts are painted to match the fireplace, ensuring a harmonious and integrated look within the newly designed social heart of the apartment. #ResidentialArchitecture #ApartmentRenovation #InteriorDesign #FloatingStaircase #OsloArchitecture #HapticArchitects #SplitLevelApartment #SpaceOptimization

The Rittenhouse Hill apartment complex, located at 633 W. Rittenhouse St. in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, underwent a significant modernization led by Post Brothers. This transformation aimed to bring the 1950s-era building into the 21st century, serving as a precursor to their larger Presidential City project. The complex is strategically situated one block from Wissahickon Park, at the intersection of Germantown, East Falls, and Mt. Airy. The renovation introduced a new entrance building, a zinc-and-glass pavilion that connects the two towers. This pavilion houses a comfortable lounge and a professionally managed fitness center offering various classes and programs. Both the lounge and fitness center overlook a comprehensive recreational area dubbed the “Ultimate Backyard.” This outdoor amenity space features a large infinity-edge swimming pool with a tanning deck, a tot lot for children, a yoga garden, an outdoor kitchen, a multipurpose sports court, and a bocce court, all set within lush landscaping and topiary. Additionally, the backyard includes an off-leash dog park and a canine comfort station. A direct pathway connects the complex to Wissahickon Park for residents seeking unscripted nature experiences. Inside the apartments, Post Brothers implemented their signature Eurostyle design elements. Kitchens are equipped with quartz countertops and Italian-style glass-front cabinet doors, with larger units featuring movable islands. Bathrooms include floating vanities. The complex offers 624 units, comprising studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. Studios range from 370 to 400 square feet, one-bedrooms from 550 to 775 square feet, and two-bedrooms are 950 square feet. Monthly rents vary from $1,015 to $1,295 for studios, $1,210 to $1,745 for one-bedrooms, and $1,565 to $1,845 for two-bedrooms. Sustainability and eco-consciousness were central to the renovation. The building received new windows filled with argon gas and heat-blocking coatings, alongside a high-efficiency building envelope featuring a thermally insulated green roof. Energy Star-rated appliances, energy-efficient lightbulbs, and water-saving toilets, washers, and dishwashers were installed throughout. The complex also incorporates a rainwater retention system and carbon-free heating and air-conditioning systems, with the building’s power sourced entirely from wind generation. The location provides good walkability, with a SEPTA Regional Rail station and two supermarkets within a short walking distance on West Chelten Avenue. Several restaurants, delis, and coffee shops are also nearby. For transportation, the complex offers 705 parking spaces, including electric-vehicle charging stations. Surface lot spaces rent for $45 per month, top deck garage spaces for $65 per month, and indoor garage spaces for $85 per month. Indoor bike storage is also available. The pet policy is inclusive, welcoming pets with no breed or weight restrictions, requiring a $250 deposit and $35 per pet per month rent. Yvette Stewart, Senior Vice President of Property Management for Post Brothers, highlights the complex's ideal location and the opportunity to create a high-caliber residential offering with modern designs and world-class amenities. #ApartmentLiving #ResidentialDevelopment #UrbanRenewal #EcoFriendlyDesign #LuxuryApartments #PhiladelphiaRealEstate #PostBrothers #ModernArchitecture #CommunityAmenities

The increasing demand for flexible living spaces, where homes serve as centers for both work and leisure, highlights the need for innovative design solutions to create a sense of separation and balance within open-plan layouts. This article explores twelve effective strategies to zone open-plan spaces, drawing inspiration from leading interior designers. These methods range from subtle material contrasts to more pronounced structural elements, offering diverse approaches to define distinct areas without compromising the spacious feel of an open concept. One approach involves contrasting materials to delineate different zones. For instance, an apartment designed by Claude Cartier uses a combination of chequerboard and parquet flooring, along with zellige tiles and terracotta walls, to create a series of visual transitions between spaces, such as the dining area. Another flexible option is using curtains, which can either conceal or reveal areas as needed. Italian architect Cristina Celestino demonstrates this by using luxurious fabrics from Rubelli and Torri Lana to create a secluded seating zone within her studio, emphasizing both flexibility and flow. Color blocking is another powerful tool for defining boundaries and influencing mood. Paradowski Studio, for example, incorporated sheets of orange glass behind a bookshelf to create a clear separation between living areas in a Warsaw home. Beyond horizontal divisions, extending design elements upwards can also shape space. Studio Lawahl integrated a custom shelving unit into an island in a Stockholm apartment, providing a seamless extension of the kitchen while acting as a barrier between cooking and dining areas. Sliding or folding doors can introduce decorative drama while offering practical separation. Patricia Bustos's Madrid apartment features a striking stained-glass room divider as a central feature. Bookshelves, despite their modest footprint, can serve as impactful partitions when placed centrally, such as the 'Sailor' design by David Lopez Quincoces for Living Divani, which boasts a streamlined frame and flexible components for customization. Color can also frame sections of a space, as seen in an Italian studio Marcante Testa project where a custom lime plaster partition in pink defines a snug seating area, complementing a cobalt blue sofa. Furthermore, incorporating framed structures like the Crittall-style curved frame in a Stockholm home by Alexandra Ogonowski and Jesper Nybord creates a simple yet impactful threshold between areas. Oversized rugs, traditionally an afterthought, can now be central to defining zones, with designers like Stéphan Bidoux and Julien Villeneuve using them to amplify separation in home offices. Crafted details, such as the shoji sliding doors at Ace Hotel Kyoto designed by Commune Design with textile designer Akira Minagawa, offer aesthetic appeal while separating sleeping and living areas. Experimenting with structure is another method; Marcante Testa's Turin apartment uses a custom metal framework and colored glass panels to subtly section off a dining space and guide circulation. Finally, modular screens, like Patrick Norguet's 'Node' screen for Natuzzi, offer not only spatial division but also added functionalities such as soundproofing and shelving, addressing the modern need for versatile work zones. These diverse strategies collectively demonstrate how thoughtful design can enhance functionality and aesthetic appeal in open-plan living environments. #OpenPlanLiving #RoomDividers #InteriorDesign #SpaceZoning #HomeDecor #FlexibleSpaces #DesignSolutions #ArchitecturalFeatures #ResidentialDesign

Pitsou Kedem, an Israeli architectural firm, undertook the renovation of a 160-square-metre duplex penthouse in Tel Aviv, named Y Duplex Penthouse. The project aimed to transform the existing space into a brighter and more expansive apartment, accommodating a combined study and office on its upper level. The architects faced the challenge of instilling architectural significance within a conventional, multi-story building environment. The renovation involved a complete internal demolition and reconstruction, focusing on a minimalist aesthetic characterized by raw materials such as concrete, steel, and wood. On the lower floor, the layout was reconfigured to create an open-plan kitchen, dining room, and living area. This space seamlessly connects to a 40-square-metre balcony through large sliding glass doors, which, along with continuous poured terrazzo flooring extending from inside to outside, blurs the boundary between the interior and exterior. To support the upper floor, new thin steel columns and substantial ceiling beams were integrated into the open-plan area. A textured concrete wall was deliberately left exposed, contributing to the raw material palette. The kitchen features an island and media unit crafted from unpainted oak, introducing a softer element to balance the industrial textures. Oak veneer was also utilized for the kitchen cabinets, complemented by black granite for the worktops. This carefully chosen material scheme provides a neutral backdrop for the owner's art collection, which includes vibrant paintings by Israeli artist Guy Yanai. The architects emphasized the creation of an architecture that is both unfashionable and timeless, allowing the apartment's books and art pieces to stand out. The upper level of the penthouse is home to a master bedroom, a bathroom, and a shower at one end, while the other end houses an office, a study, and a second shower room. Access to the top floor is provided by a newly installed folded steel staircase. Rooflights positioned above the staircase enhance natural light penetration to both levels of the apartment. An intentional void between the upper and lower levels, situated near the top stair landing, further augments light distribution throughout the space. Two screens, incorporating movable timber slats, are positioned at either end of the stairwell on the top floor, offering flexibility to conceal or reveal views between the shower room and the study. The design of the stairwell creates a dramatic architectural cross-section, linking the different floors and drawing natural light deep into the building. The bathroom is conceived as a serene environment, featuring white paint, pale grey stone, and thin-frame sliding doors that open onto a secluded small terrace. Despite the apartment's modest area, the design successfully conveys a sense of spaciousness and airiness, attributed to the expansive views of the surrounding scenery and neighboring buildings. #PitsouKedem #PenthouseRenovation #TelAvivArchitecture #RawMaterials #ModernInteriorDesign #OpenPlanLiving #DuplexApartment #ArchitecturalRenovation #IsraeliDesign

This article explores the enduring appeal of loft living, showcasing 12 distinct examples of modern lofts from the Dwell Magazine archives. Lofts are characterized by their industrial flavor, open floor plans, and their ability to blend work and home life seamlessly, appealing to a creative, city-dwelling demographic. The featured lofts demonstrate a wide range of transformations, from historical factory buildings and warehouses to more compact, unconventional spaces, each maintaining a distinctive industrial aesthetic while serving as modern residences or live/work environments. The article begins by highlighting a 17th-century manufacturing plant in Paris, reimagined as author and French designer Daniel Rozensztroch's industrial loft. This space retains its historical character with vintage iron cabinets and industrial-inspired lighting. Next, a Barcelona warehouse is presented as a live/work space for an architect and artist, featuring a courtyard that provides a transition between living and working areas. A compact three-story brick boiler room in San Francisco is shown to have been ingeniously transformed into a loft-like guesthouse, maximizing vertical space within a small footprint. Further examples include a renovated apartment in an 1864 factory building in Tribeca, New York, where partitions were removed and ceilings raised to create a spacious feel. A modern live/work space in Chicago, constructed from concrete panels, pays homage to its industrial neighborhood's history. Copenhagen features a converted loft in a former Viking pencil factory, adapted for a modern family. In Jersey City, a 19th-century Wells Fargo horse-and-carriage facility became a flexible art studio and residence for a pair of artists. The article also features an industrial loft in Italy, a 200-year-old factory transformed into an inviting home by designer Paola Navone. In Brooklyn, the founders of Calico Wallpaper reside in a rental flat that was once a 19th-century warehouse, preserving exposed structural beams. A cinder-block duplex in Charleston, Virginia, was creatively challenged and transformed into an elegant, gallery-like New York-style loft. An auto repair garage in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood became an artist's loft, serving as a perfect live/work retreat with space for an art gallery, studio, and office. Finally, a former Portland, Oregon, warehouse and auto repair shop was renovated into a versatile live/work space. These diverse projects collectively illustrate the versatility and appeal of industrial-style loft conversions, demonstrating how historical structures can be adapted into functional and aesthetically pleasing modern homes. #LoftLiving #IndustrialDesign #LiveWorkSpaces #UrbanHomes #AdaptiveReuse #ModernLofts #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalRenovation #WarehouseConversion

This article explores the design transformation of a 750 sq ft West Kowloon flat, showcasing a masterclass in adaptable interior design. The owners, Ben Chao (media professional) and his partner (banking professional), enlisted the expertise of Norman Ung Wai-lun, co-founder of Design Eight Five Two (Deft) and Form, to create a highly versatile living space. Their primary goal was to accommodate guests without sacrificing everyday living area, avoiding a permanently empty guest room. The original apartment, purchased in 2024, featured two bedrooms and two bathrooms. To achieve a more spacious living environment, the second bedroom was removed, and its area was integrated into the main living space. The core of this adaptable design lies in a custom-designed partition system. These panels, constructed from wood with a white lacquer finish, are engineered to glide effortlessly, allowing for dynamic adjustments to the layout and size of the guest room. This innovative system enables the living area to nearly double in size when the wall is retracted, or to swiftly create a comfortable guest bedroom when extended. Norman Ung emphasizes the sleekness of this design, ensuring that all elements are integrated seamlessly. Beyond functionality, the design also prioritized preserving and maximizing the panoramic views of the Hong Kong skyline from the living area. The flexible partitions, coupled with a easily stowed Murphy bed, allow the space to transform into an instant guest nook or a larger bedroom as needed. This approach exemplifies how modern interior design can cater to evolving lifestyle needs, providing a practical yet stylish solution for urban living. The article highlights that good design is intrinsically linked to versatility and adaptability, allowing a home to gracefully evolve with its occupants' lives. #HongKongDesign #FlexibleLiving #ApartmentRenovation #AdaptiveInteriors #SpaceSavingSolutions #ModernDesign #WestKowloon #NormanUng #SmallSpaceDesign

Jana Kubischik, an interior designer and founder of Amazing Crocodile, designed her Berlin apartment to achieve a loft-like, open-plan feel for her family of five. While searching for a home, their ideal was a completely open space with only separate bedrooms. The apartment they found, though not a true loft, allowed them to create a similar aesthetic through strategic modifications. One of the most striking features of the apartment is the set of striped columns that act as an eye-catching divider. Kubischik, inspired by Irish graffiti artist Maser and Memphis design, painted these columns herself, having previously mastered the pattern in her shop and for a client's office. These columns define the primary bedroom area, which, with a half-height wall, creates a studio-like section within the larger open space, while the children's rooms are tucked away off a hallway. The apartment's layout includes a U-shaped corridor that connects the front door to the living area and then to the bedrooms. During their renovation, Kubischik and her husband replaced a former doorway along this corridor with a salvaged arched glass window, introducing an industrial element. On the living room side of the partition that separates the sleeping area, integrated cubbies and paper storage boxes discreetly house small items, while the other side functions as the headboard. For wardrobe storage, a series of IKEA Pax units were customized by a carpenter to fit perfectly into a corner. Kubischik acknowledges the minor inconvenience of the primary sleeping area being in close proximity to the kitchen when her children return late and want to eat. The kitchen, previously located on another wall, was moved into the main living space to accommodate an additional bedroom. Kubischik transformed it into a focal point by painting the upper wall in neon yellow for aesthetic appeal and using a black floor-grade product with smoky gray glass panels for the lower backsplash, prioritizing ease of cleaning over traditional tiles. To enhance the visual impact of these surfaces, she opted for open shelves and small cabinets instead of conventional upper cabinetry and utilized island cubbies for plate and glassware storage. Another distinctive design choice is found in the couple's bathroom, where chartreuse concrete sink adds a vibrant pop of color to an otherwise serene environment. The bathroom also features a custom-built sauna. Initially a prefab kit, the sauna was wrapped in plywood by their carpenter to create a luxurious, 5-star-hotel ambiance. The overall design reflects a blend of industrial influences, bold color choices, and practical solutions tailored to family living within an open-plan setting. #HomeTours #InteriorDesign #OpenPlanLiving #BerlinApartment #DIYDecor #FamilyHome #CustomFurniture #KitchenDesign #BathroomDesign

Pitsou Kedem Architects, an Israeli firm, has integrated a unique, multi-purpose 'origami' wall into a private Tel Aviv penthouse, showcasing their expertise in geometric design. This innovative wall, crafted from folded iron, extends across the entire apartment, serving to define and isolate the sitting area and kitchen. Pitsou Kedem, the director who led the project alongside architect Nurit Ben Yosef, articulated the intention behind the wall as creating a cohesive design element that unifies the apartment's various spaces into a singular aesthetic language. The visually striking angular wall not only dominates the interior space but also functions as a 'smart' wall, as described by Kedem. It presents itself as an extended relief sculpture while ingeniously concealing the apartment's functional services. Electronic compartments within the wall open to reveal a television, and various integrated shapes house storage cupboards, a wine cabinet, and discreet doors leading to the toilets and bedroom. The design's rhythmic quality is further emphasized by the chevron parquet flooring, which Kedem notes provides a softening contrast to the prominent use of iron and natural stone materials throughout the living area and kitchen. Overhead, a network of hanging, exposed bulbs is strategically placed to enhance the matte finish of the wall and to illuminate the kitchen's clean and minimalist Boffi fixtures, with the lighting design credited to Orly Avron Alkabes. Even in the more private sections of the apartment, such as the bathrooms and bedroom, the design philosophy maintains a strong emphasis on form. Material continuity is evident, with the natural stone used for the kitchen counters reappearing on the bathroom walls. Furniture pieces, including the tub and bedside tables, are meticulously designed with sharp, elegant angles that echo the overall geometric theme. The origami ironwork extends to the balcony adjacent to the kitchen, where the seating and bar area incorporate the same distinctive angular folds. This design approach allows residents to conceal the modern conveniences of daily life, transforming the penthouse into an exceptionally distinctive setting. From this refined vantage point, occupants and guests can enjoy extensive views of Tel Aviv's evolving skyline, framed by a space where functionality and artistry are seamlessly interwoven. #PitsouKedemArchitects #TelAvivPenthouse #OrigamiWall #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation #SmartHomeFeatures #GeometricDesign #LuxuryApartment #IsraeliArchitecture

This article highlights the design approach taken by SISSY+MARLEY Interiors for an open-plan apartment in New York City's West Village. The project focused on creating a serene retreat from urban life, specifically addressing the challenges of small-space living within a grand-scale setting, characterized by high ceilings and expansive windows. The designers, Chelsea Reale and Diana Rice, aimed to balance the apartment's generous proportions with its compact footprint to accommodate a family's needs. A key aspect of the design involved establishing a lived-in atmosphere through the careful selection of soft materials and warm finishes. A predominantly neutral color palette, featuring various shades of white and creamy tones, was chosen to serve as a crisp backdrop, enhancing the natural light that permeates the space. Organic textiles were incorporated to further contribute to this soft and inviting ambiance. The living area, despite being open-plan, was designed to foster harmony among its different functions while maintaining a restful feel. An area rug was utilized to subtly demarcate the living space within the larger open layout, ensuring a sense of definition without disrupting the overall flow. Functionality was a primary consideration, particularly in the more compact bedrooms. For instance, in the primary bedroom, designers focused on selecting petite yet aesthetically impactful pieces to maximize character within the limited space. A small table was strategically placed in a narrow walkway, serving as both a vanity and a workspace, catering to the client's work-from-home requirements. The bedroom continued the apartment's color scheme, balancing crisp white walls with warm beige tones in furniture and textiles. The apartment's entryway, often a challenging area in smaller residences, was transformed into an airy and organic space. By introducing an oak oval mirror and textured wall hangings and rugs, the designers created an illusion of grandeur and warmth. The kitchen, an inherited feature, was personalized by adding character through a powder-coated metal fixture with a leather cord, perforated leather stools, and various accessories, ensuring it integrated seamlessly with the apartment's new aesthetic. The dining area was furnished with a blend of laidback and refined pieces, accentuated by vast glazing draped with long linen curtains. These curtains, mounted on a ceiling track, evoke a luxurious, hotel-like atmosphere when closed. The nursery, while adhering to the apartment's neutral color story, adopted a more playful approach. A key element was the use of wallpaper by Marley + Malek Kids, intended to create a dreamy setting conducive to sleep. Low storage solutions were implemented not only to complement the large window but also to provide accessible surfaces for a toddler, highlighting the thoughtful consideration for the family's needs throughout the design process. #ApartmentDesign #SmallSpaceLiving #OpenPlan #NeutralPalette #InteriorDesign #WestVillageApartment #FamilyHome #FunctionalDesign #OrganicMaterials

This article showcases ten residential loft conversions from Dezeen's archive, highlighting how architects transform underused attic spaces into functional and visually appealing areas. The conversions include rooftop extensions and apartments created within existing attics, often featuring unique geometries that are leveraged to design dramatic and characterful rooms. The article serves as a visual inspiration in the Dezeen Lookbooks series, which previously covered topics like plant-filled interiors, colorful kitchens, and stylish home-working spaces. One featured project is West Heath Drive in the UK by Alexander Martin, where a disused loft in an Arts and Crafts-style house was converted into a minimalist guest room and study. This space includes a hidden room behind a moving wall disguised as a bookcase, featuring white walls, dark wooden floors, and vintage furniture. Another example, the House for a Sea Dog in Italy by Dodi Moss, involved inserting a mezzanine floor as a bed deck during the renovation of a 17th-century apartment block's loft. This design maximizes usable floor space and features a rustic aesthetic with exposed wooden structures, unvarnished floors, and rough plaster walls. Dormore in the UK by Con Form Architects transformed a small attic in London into a bright home office. A significant portion of the roof was replaced with glazing and a dormer window to enhance natural light. The space is accessed by a compact steel staircase and is characterized by oak joinery, whitewashed floors, exposed brick, and classic furniture. A1 Architects' Rounded Loft in the Czech Republic created a two-storey apartment within an attic. The living room on the lower level benefits from windows integrated into the sloping roof and features wooden furnishings and grey plaster walls. A guest suite on the upper floor is connected by a staircase with wooden bookshelves and a steel net banister. Maynard Road in the UK by Widger Architecture converted an old attic into a pair of plywood-lined bedrooms. To overcome limited head height, a flat roof dormer was added across the property's width, increasing headroom and allowing for more windows. The project utilizes plywood extensively, showcasing its versatility in interior design. Architektura d.o.o.'s Alpine Apartment in Slovenia converted a loft into a two-bedroom holiday home. A central kitchen is flanked by bedrooms, a living room, and an entrance hall. Custom-built white furniture and pale wooden floorboards adapt to the attic's irregular shape, complemented by iconic furniture pieces like Hans Wegner's Wishbone Chairs. Gallery House in the UK by Studio Octopi involved renovating and extending the space below a pitched roof in a Victorian house to create a reading room and study. These rooms share a unified design with spruce plywood walls and floors and are connected by a perforated black steel staircase, furnished minimally with design classics. Van Staeyen Interieur Architecten transformed a dark storage attic in Antwerp, Belgium, into a bright, multi-functional room. This space includes a bed, seating area, and bathroom, defined by spruce-clad partitions with arched portals, curved seating, and yellow accents, serving as a guest room and social hub. Project Escape (to the Roof) in the UK by A Small Studio created a reading room, bedroom, dressing room, and bathroom within a Victorian home's loft. A new solid oak stair connects the levels and brings light to lower floors, while three large dormer windows offer garden views. The reading room is a focal point, featuring iconic furniture. Finally, F+F Architects' attic conversion in France created a spacious, light-filled apartment in an Art Nouveau building. Spread over two levels, it includes bedrooms, bathrooms, an office, and an open-plan living area with a kitchen, dining space, and terrace. The original pine flooring was preserved and lightened, and exposed, white-painted trusses maintain the attic's character. #LoftConversions #ResidentialArchitecture #InteriorDesign #SpaceMaximization #AtticRenovation #HomeOffice #ArchitecturalDesign #UrbanLiving #DesignInspiration

The Sebastopol Residence, completed in 2009, is located among the rolling hills of northern California and was designed for two graphic designers by San Francisco-based architects Turnbull Griffin Haesloop. The house is strategically positioned on a steep slope between two redwood trees, with an east-west orientation maximizing natural light and views. The design concept is a simple, long, rectangular, one-level wooden box that integrates living, sleeping, and a studio space that also functions as a garage, alongside a pool area. The northern facade of the residence fully opens up to the expansive landscape, allowing residents to embrace the surrounding natural beauty. In contrast, the southern side is more enclosed, providing privacy and protection from a nearby road and driveway. The material palette includes cedar cladding, a metal roof, Douglas Fir ceilings and decking, sheetrock walls, and ipe flooring, contributing to a warm and homely ambiance. Despite its modest size of 1,700 sq ft, the open-plan layout and the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces through large openings create an airy and spacious feel, ideal for showcasing the owners' art collection. The architects were particularly influenced by the site's natural features, noting the mature redwood stands flanking a large, bowl-shaped meadow. This observation led to the decision to design the house to span across the meadow, thereby claiming the scenic views and connecting the structure to the land, anchored by the existing redwood trees. This approach emphasizes the integration of the residence with its natural surroundings, making nature a central element of the design. Key features of the Sebastopol Residence include its thoughtful orientation, which capitalizes on the site's views and natural light, and its material choices that enhance the connection to the environment. The design prioritizes both aesthetic appeal and functional living, offering a practical yet elegant solution for its inhabitants. The studio's dual purpose as a garage highlights the efficient use of space within the modest footprint. The extensive use of glass and large openings blurs the boundaries between the interior and exterior, fostering a continuous interaction with the Californian landscape. This residence exemplifies a harmonious blend of modern architecture with the serene natural setting, tailored to meet the specific needs and lifestyle of its inhabitants. #Architecture #ResidentialDesign #CaliforniaArchitecture #ModernHome #TurnbullGriffinHaesloop #SustainableDesign #OpenPlanLiving #ArchitecturalFeatures

The Sebastopol Residence, located in northern California, is a residential project designed by San Francisco-based architecture firm Turnbull Griffin Haesloop. Completed in 2009, this house was custom-built for two graphic designers and is situated on a steep slope amidst rolling hills, carefully positioned between two mature redwood trees. The design prioritizes an east-west orientation to maximize views and natural light. The primary concept behind the residence is a long, rectangular, single-level wooden box. This structure not only accommodates the essential living and sleeping areas but also integrates a studio that serves as a garage and a dedicated pool area. The architectural approach responds thoughtfully to its immediate environment. The north elevation is designed to open up extensively to the surrounding landscape, providing expansive views of the natural scenery. In contrast, the southern side of the house is more enclosed, offering privacy and protection from a nearby road and the property's driveway. The material palette contributes to a warm and inviting atmosphere. The exterior is clad in cedar, complemented by a metal roof, while the interiors feature Douglas Fir ceilings and decking, sheetrock walls, and ipe flooring. Despite its modest size of 1,700 sq ft, the Sebastopol Residence achieves an airy and spacious feel through its open-plan arrangements and the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. This is largely accomplished through the strategic use of large openings, blurring the boundaries between the built environment and nature. This design not only enhances the sense of openness but also provides an ideal backdrop for the owners to display their art collection. The architects articulated their design philosophy, stating that upon first encountering the site, they were particularly impressed by the 'large bowl-shaped meadow that sloped down in the direction of the view' flanked by mature redwood stands. This observation led them to the conclusion that the house should 'span across the bowl to claim the view and connect to the land at either end, anchored by the mature stands of redwoods.' This intent underscores the design's deep respect for and integration with its natural surroundings, making the landscape a central element of the architectural composition. The Sebastopol House exemplifies a harmonious relationship between modern living and the California landscape, where thoughtful design allows the residents to fully engage with and appreciate the beauty of their environment. #Architecture #ResidentialDesign #CaliforniaArchitecture #ModernHome #SustainableDesign #TurnbullGriffinHaesloop #SebastopolResidence #OpenPlanLiving #LandscapeIntegration