Houzz Tour: A Small Flat with Tricky Angles is Cleverly Reworked
Colourful accents, organic curves and creative touches have turned this apartment’s odd shape into an asset
When designer Olga Arapova was asked to work on this apartment, she was faced with an unusual space: the kitchen was triangular and there was a long hallway that had no space for a cupboard (scroll down to see the before and after floorplans). The new layout evolved as a way to make sense of the difficult geometry. Curvy lines now connect different zones and conceal structural features. The resulting design is low on frills: every bend and bright accent was carefully thought through and motivated by a design need.
“The owner of the apartment is an energetic and emotional person,” says Olga Arapova. “When we first met, he confessed he doesn’t like sharp angles and was always getting snagged on everything in the house, so we chose smooth lines. They are justified here, though I prefer simpler layouts.”
After: This floorplan shows the current layout. Arapova merged the kitchen and living room, creating space for an entrance and utility room.
9 steps to a stress-free home renovation
9 steps to a stress-free home renovation
One of the walls in what used to be the hallway is now decorated with a mural. This was also a deliberate choice. The owner sells cars, and the pattern was designed according to his preferences. This wall is visible from the living room and goes well with the other black details throughout the apartment.
The electrical panel, parts of the smart home system and several storage shelves are concealed behind the mirrors.
The electrical panel, parts of the smart home system and several storage shelves are concealed behind the mirrors.
After the wall was torn down, it turned out the windows in the kitchen and living room were at different heights. That’s how the idea of a line connecting the different levels came about. The breakfast bar, which is made of Corian, turns into the windowsill and acts as the focal point of the interior. “Initially, we thought about making it blue like a river, but in the end we picked yellow. In the Urals, we have cold, short summers, so warm accents give the interior a sunnier feeling,” Arapova says.
Bright colours can also be seen on the floor. “The vinyl flooring was laid down like puzzle pieces. It’s a very durable material that’s often used in airports and hotels. We chose it because of the low ceiling – timber would have taken away another five to seven centimetres.”
Vinyl flooring, Bolon.
Bright colours can also be seen on the floor. “The vinyl flooring was laid down like puzzle pieces. It’s a very durable material that’s often used in airports and hotels. We chose it because of the low ceiling – timber would have taken away another five to seven centimetres.”
Vinyl flooring, Bolon.
Curved lines are echoed in the light fixtures, which look as if they’re growing out from the ceiling. The plaster lamps were mounted into the ceiling and shaped for a seamless effect.
Kapprofile ceiling lights, Flos. Sofa, Luis by B&B Italia.
Kapprofile ceiling lights, Flos. Sofa, Luis by B&B Italia.
The recessed wall light creates meditative evening lighting – that’s why it was installed next to the hammock. “This chill-out area was the finishing touch. The hammock can be removed, but the owner is so in love with it that he lies on it constantly,” the designer says.
Teardrop wall lights, Flos.
Ever thought of doing this with your rugs?
Teardrop wall lights, Flos.
Ever thought of doing this with your rugs?
Every piece of furniture in the living room was chosen based on availability, because the owner didn’t want to have to wait months for delivery. The only imported elements of the décor are the Italian textured branches that adorn the wall between the windows. Arapova is especially pleased that she was able to find the iconic yellow DU 55 armchair designed for Poltrona Frau in 1954.
Noguchi coffee table, Vitra. Armchair, Poltrona Frau.
Noguchi coffee table, Vitra. Armchair, Poltrona Frau.
The kitchen features two colours: the cabinet fronts are made of white frosted glass (these appear completely opaque in the photo) and seem to vanish in the space, while the black columns with appliances are next to the area that used to be a balcony.
Kitchen, Leicht.
Kitchen, Leicht.
“We lowered the ceiling slightly to accommodate the built-in lights, but this is justified aesthetically as the panel highlights the kitchen area,” Arapova says.
The wall of what was once the balcony is painted with blackboard paint so the owner can draw on it or record the menu for the week. The small table with two chairs is perfect for morning coffee.
There’s a bright detail – a yellow floor – in the otherwise more restrained bedroom. The neon inscription on the headboard livens up the simple scheme.
The tall basin and cabinet designed by Philippe Starck is now the central element of the bathroom. It was paired with faux-wood and faux-stone tiles.
Basin and cabinet, Duravit.
Basin and cabinet, Duravit.
The guest bathroom is also an ‘adventure library’. Books can be placed on open shelves in a narrow niche, and the wall tiles imitate cargo crates.
Tell us…
What do you think of this reconfigured flat? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
Tell us…
What do you think of this reconfigured flat? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
Who lives here A young businessman
Location Yekaterinburg, Russia
Size About 1,227 square feet (114 square meters)
Designer Olga Arapova
Photos by Nina Petukhova