Studio H

The conceptual proposal for the design of this small apartment (or a pied-à-terre) was a blank canvas – a metaphor of space where you can add colors, and modify its usage and atmosphere.

The main idea was to make the space bigger and more functional. The space was elevated to create an extra floor of 9 m2 and it gave an opportunity to create smart living solutions. It began with the need to create a place for living rather than to be used as an atelier. It is a compact, modular studio apartment that benefits from the original building’s 4.3-meter-high ceiling. The white colour not only makes the space bigger but serves as a base for experimentation where you can add decoration and transform its use. I can add a mural, or a new painting to create a new atmosphere. The whole design can be seen as an exercise in the subtle manipulation of the system in order to perfect the experience of the place. Thanks to two big sunny windows, the light plays with the shades and makes different perceptions of the space. It is a cosy place to cook, sleep, relax, breathe and enjoy the city even with limited floor space.

The history of the building where this studio is located is quite uncommon; it used to be a storage space for a warehouse before the war. After World War II, it was transformed into a studio. A false ceiling was added which hid the real height of this space.

During the renovation, the false ceiling was dismantled and opened up a space of more than 1.5 m above. It gave an opportunity to add a mezzanine for sleeping and work.

Before the renovation, this apartment in the old city center was only 20 m2 but afterward the space was expanded by 9 m2 in the form of a mezzanine. Every square meter was optimized to serve different purposes that are needed to live comfortably, even with this limited surface area. Here, the furniture was tailor-made to allow for adaptation.

The interior design of this space was inspired by travels: Japandi style, Japanese modularity (hiding kitchen, stairs with hiding stools, foldable table, and storage), and sailing the ocean (boat staircases that are smaller but comfortable). The design was also influenced by artsy decorations from journeys and works of art from the atelier.

After the renovation, the space feels wide open – with an amazing view of the surroundings on both levels. The entrance has multiple storage areas for shoes, bags, and long coats. The washing machine is also hidden. When we enter the living space, we can see two big windows and set the configuration that we desire – a living room, a kitchen (that can hide under the curtain), or a dining table (that can hide in the staircase). All the furniture in the central part was chosen to be easily moved, allowing the atmosphere and usage to be transformed. There is a decorative shelf with an optional place for a TV, a painting, and mirrors for reflecting light and sky. The shelf was designed to store little objects and tall flat paintings.

The kitchen in this studio is equipped with a dishwasher, oven, fridge (that is hidden under the staircase), and plenty of storage (including a depository for bottles). The tempered glass that was chosen for the kitchen wall is easy to clean after cooking, but more importantly, it reflects the landscape behind the windows.

When going up to the mezzanine, upon arrival, there is a big mirror reflecting the sky and the one who enters. There is a small bookshelf next to it, and a big cupboard for clothing. Next to the handrail, there is a folding desk where you can sit and work. Most importantly, there is space for a double bed.

The important part of this project is the light design that allows having different light ambiances in the upper and lower space – a cozier one for the evening or a full light during working hours in order to cater to lifestyle and habits. The ideas of preservation and recycling are present here too. The 100-year-old floor was kept and renovated. The bathroom tiles are a visual continuation of the original space, having resin pieces that look like parts of wood integrated within a grey colour. The bathroom looks even bigger thanks to the placement of various mirrors.

This space is an example of Japandi design, which is a combination of Scandinavian functionality and Japanese rustic minimalism to create a feeling of openness, art, nature, and simplicity.

The author of all the paintings and posters here is  Karolina Howorko (www.howorko.com)