Where Industrial Edge Meets Art Deco Charm: A Prague Apartment Transformed
A Pragmatic Transformation: Embracing Contrasts for a Young Family's Home
Situated in a historic Prague apartment block dating back to the late 1930s, this 115 square meter dwelling overlooks the serene Vltava River. The recent refurbishment, completed in 2026 by architect Prokop Hartl for a young family, exemplifies a masterful approach to design. It seamlessly marries a modern, industrial-inflected minimalism with lively touches of pastel, which subtly acknowledge the building's Art Deco heritage. The warmth of rich oak parquet flooring further enhances this dynamic juxtaposition of styles.
Precision in Design: Crafting Seamless Transitions and Functional Spaces
The apartment's design is characterized by meticulous organization and optimized functionality. Hartl's precise orchestration of materials and spaces is evident throughout. Custom-built oak veneer wardrobes serve not only as storage but also as clear delineators of circulation pathways, guiding inhabitants between the newly laid poured polyurethane floors and the beautifully restored original parquet. Additionally, refurbished doors, now featuring new transoms, ingeniously draw natural light deeper into the interior spaces, enhancing the overall brightness and openness of the home.
Reimagining the Living Area: A Riverine Panorama and Industrial Flair
Through the strategic removal of a wall that once separated two distinct rooms, the designers have created an expansive and inviting living area. This space now stands as the apartment's focal point, offering breathtaking views of the Vltava River, which acts as a dynamic, ever-changing backdrop. Far from being design limitations, the apartment's structural columns are celebrated as prominent features, adding a dramatic visual anchor. The deliberate exposure of concrete beams introduces an industrial texture, which beautifully complements and enriches the softer design elements found throughout the residence.
Centralizing Culinary Spaces: The Evolution of the Kitchen and Dining Experience
The kitchen, previously relegated to a former maid's quarters, has been strategically repositioned to the heart of the home. This new central kitchen is both highly functional and visually striking, featuring a richly stained dark blue island, robust natural granite countertops, and distinctively oversized handles. Bridging the kitchen and living areas is a custom-designed dining table, meticulously crafted from hot-dip galvanized steel and bleached pine plywood, creating a cohesive and inviting space for meals and gatherings.
From Kitchen to Sanctuary: The Emergence of a Tranquil Bedroom Suite
The area that once housed the kitchen has been thoughtfully transformed into a tranquil bedroom suite. This serene retreat boasts a full wall of integrated storage, offering ample space and maintaining a clean aesthetic. A walk-in shower, ingeniously enclosed with glass blocks, provides both privacy and an abundance of natural light. The apartment's interior is further enriched by a curated selection of custom-built furniture, unique pieces from the studio and online store anýz, and carefully restored original items, all contributing to a sophisticated balance between modern design and historical authenticity.
Curated Aesthetics: The Art of Deliberate and Meaningful Design
Throughout the entire apartment, furniture and decorative elements have been chosen with deliberate restraint and thoughtful consideration. Artworks by Lukáš Koubek, alongside high-quality furnishings and fittings from esteemed brands such as Franke, Grohe, Hay, Ideal Lux, Kluś, Rako, Sapeli, Ton, and ABB, underscore the project's meticulous approach. This careful curation ensures that no element feels superfluous or unplanned, resulting in a meticulously choreographed environment where light, materials, and space harmonize to create a truly exceptional living experience.