Perched at the foot of Athens’ iconic Lycabettus Hill is a transformed abode that harmoniously blends modern aesthetics with historical charm. This renovation, adeptly executed by Oikonomakis Siampakoulis architects, breathes new life into a typical 1970s two-bedroom apartment. The privileged location between the vibrant districts of Exarcheia and Kolonaki enriches its appeal, providing a cultural canvas for the residents—two art-savvy young professionals—to display their extensive collection of art, design pieces, and heirloom furniture. The resulting space is a harmonious blend of living quarters and curated gallery.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Architect: Oikonomakis Siampakoulis
Location: Lycabettus Hill, Athens
Design Inspiration: Art and Cultural Influences
Original Features: 1970s Architectural Details
Renovation Focus: Balancing Modern and Historic Elements
The renovation of this apartment speaks to a broader narrative of merging past charm with contemporary design. Through careful attention to the existing architectural details, such as the brown marble and colorful terrazzo flooring, original elements were preserved to maintain the apartment’s innate character. Highlights include an intricately carved marble sink that was conserved to honor its heritage. These features were thoughtfully incorporated into the new design, presenting a seamless fusion of Greek architectural tradition and multicultural influences that reflect the dynamic persona of modern Athens.
A key transformation involved creating a more fluid and open-plan layout by removing partition walls, which unifies the living, dining, kitchen, and entry areas. The strategic configuration optimizes natural light and enhances spatial flow, vitalizing the apartment’s ambiance. Central to this open living area is a striking custom-designed kitchen island, finished in contrasting green tiles. Positioned to bridge the dining and cooking spaces, this island not only serves practical functions but also encourages social interaction, underscoring the architect’s intent to merge utility with connectivity.
The apartment’s design also embraces artistic expression through structural elements. One highlight is a unique white metal installation at the entrance, which serves dual purposes as an artistic showcase and a counterbalance to a section of preserved original brickwork. This setup replaces a previous partition wall, underscoring the residence’s overarching design ethos: a dialogue between bygone eras and present-day creativity. This approach is further exemplified by the open shelving and handcrafted marble accents, which offer dynamic spaces for both storage and art display.
In exploring the nuances of light and color, the apartment employs transom windows ingeniously placed to introduce daylight into shadowy areas, such as the bathroom and entryway. This nuanced lighting design ensures a captivating play of light and shadow, dynamic patterns that change with the time of day, thus animating and enhancing the interior’s warmth and texture. Enhancing this aesthetically interesting internal environment, rich oak veneer cabinetry provides a frame for the kitchen space, creating an inviting atmosphere that complements the apartment’s pre-existing architectural charm.
The renovation includes intriguing color contrasts, visible in the rich red-tiled bathroom that surprises and delights guests upon entry. The choice of red not only creates visual excitement but adds vibrant pops of color throughout the apartment, weaving in an unexpected yet cohesive color narrative. Each design decision within the Art Curators’ Apartment thoughtfully reflects the desires and lifestyles of its owners, while the renovation, as a whole, successfully marries functional modern living with an appreciation for art and history. For further exploration of this masterful redesign and insights into the creative vision behind it, interested parties are encouraged to delve into the works of Oikonomakis Siampakoulis architects.
