ARCHAEOLOGIST's apartment
project: Archaeologist's Apartment
location: Belgrade, Serbia
area: 110 m²
year: 2024
Inspired by history and oriented towards the river, the apartment is imbued with a richness of textures that evoke stone, ancient fragments, and archaeological excavations. To complement this direction, we used techniques such as mosaic, carved wood, and plaster arches.
The idea was to use subdued, subtle colors in the apartment, while ensuring that every corner offers something that enhances the tactile and visual richness of the space.
LIVING ROOM
Since the first impression of a space is formed when entering a room from the hallway, it is important to treat this view with special attention. For this reason, we added a large sculpture, centered in the passage, which became the focal point, while the entire view is framed by arches that are visible through one another.
The modular sofa in a beautiful soft green color, as a statement piece, dictated the direction of the design from the very beginning. The room is enriched with textures that we tried to incorporate into every detail. Layering one rug over another adds a new play of patterns, while the plants by the window are inspired by the Tamiš River and the forest across from it. The second focal point is the armchair, which holds an important place, and for that reason, it had to be unusual, interesting, and designer-made. The color palette is inspired by archaeology – the warm hues of dry earth or stone walls are subtly woven throughout the interior.
KITCHEN AND DINING ROOM
For an archaeologist’s kitchen and dining room, the design blends natural elements and historical inspiration. The rich wood counters provide a warm, rustic foundation, while the stone countertops evoke durability and timelessness. Vibrant Spanish tiles, reminiscent of ancient mosaics, bring a splash of color and history into the space, creating a visual connection to archaeological digs. These intricate patterns echo the artistry of the past. The combination of wood’s organic texture with stone’s solidity, paired with earthy tones and natural light, creates a nature-inspired atmosphere, perfect for a modern-day explorer of history.
MASTER BEDROOM
Modern and elegant, the bedroom exudes character through its rich variety of textures that enhance every surface. Our biggest challenge was dealing with a beam that divides the room and reduces the amount of natural light entering the space. We found a solution in a mirror, which reflects light and distributes it throughout the room, while arches were added to soften and elevate this cozy retreat.
Behind the headboard, an LED strip highlights a woven wooden panel, and for accents, we chose a patterned rug with fluid design and asymmetrical lighting.
A neutral color palette doesn't have to be limited to beige tones, so we opted for dusty pink as the primary color, with lighter and darker shades complementing it.
If you're wondering what's behind the curtain upon entering the room, it's a walk-in closet.
KID'S BEDROOM
The design of this children's room, featuring a wooden structure that combines sleeping, playing, and learning, creates a true little kingdom for kids. This multifunctional centerpiece is placed at the heart of the room, offering not only practical solutions for daily activities but also endless possibilities for fostering imagination and creativity.
On one side of the structure, there's a cozy bed, while on the opposite side lies a play platform accessible by stairs or a climbing wall. This platform becomes the perfect spot for play, daydreaming, and exploration.
Along the right wall, arched panels add a unique aesthetic element as well as functionality. Some of these panels contain puzzles and a drawing board, allowing children to express themselves and learn through play.
A neutral color palette dominates the space, creating a calm and warm atmosphere. To complete this little world of adventure, wooden birds from Gazzda hang around the chandelier, adding a final touch that brings a sense of nature into the room. These birds not only enhance the room’s aesthetics but also inspire a feeling of freedom and play, making this room a place where imagination knows no limits!
STUDY ROOM
The workspace is designed as a multifunctional room.
We focused on the elegance of the ambiance, featuring solid wood elements adorned with geometric carvings, which break up the monotony of the long desk that extends into a sideboard. The desk is highlighted by a designer Louis Poulsen lamp, while black-and-white photographs on the walls further contribute to the sophisticated atmosphere. A foldable bed is cleverly concealed, and the wall behind it is covered with wallpaper and wooden slats, adding extra visual depth to the space.
SHOWER ROOM
The shower room was designed as a harmonious blend of carefully selected details, with the client’s wish for simplicity in mind. White dominates the space, while the tiles in the shower area serve as a striking and impactful feature, creating a strong visual impression. A gold showerhead and faucet, along with a rounded terrazzo sink, further enhance the sophistication of the space. Soft, rounded surfaces contribute to the overall harmony, creating a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere in this bathroom.
BATHROOM
The main and spacious bathroom in this apartment was designed based on the clients' unique inspiration. Their desire was for the space to exude a playful and colorful vibe, which we achieved by combining blue and pastel pink tiles on the feature wall. Subtle accents, such as colored sanitary fixtures and gold faucets and showerheads, further enhance the elegance of the space. The design is cohesive, with rounded, curved, and ribbed forms harmoniously integrating into the overall aesthetic.
HALLWAY
Neutral tones, pastel shades, and wooden elements perfectly describe the hallway in the archaeologist's apartment. This space reflects the key aspects of the overall design throughout the apartment. We envisioned the hallway as one of the most important rooms, where all the elements from other parts of the apartment subtly blend together, which you have already had the opportunity to see. Each room in this apartment stands as a complete entity, with its own unique feel and atmosphere. When we view the space as a whole, it becomes clear that this apartment has a soul—infused with shapes, rich textures, wallpapers, and surfaces that are glossy, smooth, yet also rough. In the hallway, we aimed to weave this narrative into one harmonious story.
