Studio apartment with panoramic windows for an extraordinary and creative girl
Staraya Kupavna, Russia
Year of design: 2023
Size: 28 m2
Building type: Monolithic
The main advantage of this little gem is its 17th floor location and stunning panoramic view from the window. The flat is located near relict lakes and pine forests.
Planning solution
Naturally, the first decision was to spend the lion’s share of the budget on insulating the balcony and replacing the developer’s original windows with panoramic glazing. The window block was also replaced with floor-to-ceiling windows to maximise light, air and the feeling of space.
Kitchen
The kitchen and dining area were moved to the window, contrary to the developer’s standard layout. This allowed for a larger kitchen area and a logical extension to the relaxation area on the balcony. The side is quite sunny, and air conditioning is essential in hot weather, so another convincing argument was the proposal to install all the systems in advance. Individual sketches of open shelving were made for the project, complementing the style of the Eames chairs and table.
The kitchen was designed with upper cabinets with display cases, where the client plans to display a collection of antique dishes brought from her grandmothers. The radiator was moved when the old balcony unit was dismantled, and a half-bar counter distracts attention from it while also increasing the kitchen’s work area.
Balcony
The viewing lounge area embodies the aesthetics of quiet luxury and boundless comfort. A notable feature of tall buildings is the greening of loggias, balconies and terraces. Decorative lighting made of garlands and various planters for growing not only indoor plants but also, for example, strawberries, which grow very well and beautifully on balconies, can be attached to a metal grid installed on the wall.
A soft, cosy armchair and a floor lamp with a vintage lampshade are a place of power for a creative person. The table-basket can be used to store blankets, and its top surface is ideal for morning coffee with a book and a glass of wine in the evenings.
Living-room
To the right of the television is a kitchen unit with built-in appliances and a refrigerator. The unit is deliberately highlighted in a wood tone to draw attention to the living room while maintaining the functionality of the kitchen. To the left of the television is a wardrobe for storing clothes.
The sofa bed in warm mint tones is made of high-quality materials and equipped with a linen storage box and a folding mechanism, making it comfortable and practical. The upholstery is made of velour, and the frame is made of solid wood and plywood. The former kitchen area has been converted into a space for applying makeup and styling hair, with a chest of drawers for storing personal items serving as a dressing table. The living room is combined with the kitchen, but it is still clearly defined.
The TV area is highlighted in colour, and a mid-century style cabinet fits well here. It is a modern style with a vintage feel, which can be seen throughout the interior. The centre of the composition is symmetrically framed by ceiling-high cabinets in warm oak veneer.
Hallway
The entrance area reflects the rock style of the main character. The design of the wardrobes in the hallway and living room was determined by the customer’s wardrobe itself. With such an abundance of fashionable clothes and shoes, it was necessary to allocate sufficient storage space with convenient access.
Sketches were made to individual sizes. A similar wardrobe design can be seen in another small studio project. Here, the design was based on the number of frequently used shoes, so the structure was raised and floor lighting was added. Now, the entire shoe collection can be stored here. Despite the different entrances, the interior looks cohesive and harmonious. The plaster reproduces different textures. Industrial styling is evident in many ways, but in a warmer, softer version.
The customer herself contributed to many aspects of the project, applying a decorative coating of ordinary plaster and painting the walls herself; all that was needed was to provide her with the recipes.
Bathroom
The bathroom features the same mix of industrial styles and a slight retro touch. The cool shades of the walls, grey stone flooring and dusty tile patterns are warmed up by the warmth of wood.
Continuing the design of the blinds on the hallway cupboard doors, a raised screen is used for the bathroom. Blinds can be painted with moisture-resistant paint and varnish coatings, and they provide excellent ventilation. Raising the screen above floor level allows you to approach the bath without bumping into it.
Pipes in the bathroom take up a lot of space, but by installing a storage area with shelves around them, you can visually enlarge the space.
