AE Apartment

Authors’ Comment

This communist-era apartment was completely renovated from scratch, allowing us to expand the kitchen area into the entrance hallway, primarily by creating a direct connection between the hallway and the kitchen, which made it possible to relocate the built-in fridge into the hallway. All original finishes were replaced, along with the electrical system. The design blends minimalist elements with strong accents of color and texture. Brick-red accents add depth and warmth to the space, while the herringbone parquet flooring contributes to an elegant and natural atmosphere.

The arch between rooms, highlighted by a brick-red color, adds fluidity and an interesting architectural detail, while the built-in bookshelf optimizes space and maintains a clean look, incorporating the owner’s souvenirs. This feature is present both at the transition between the entrance hallway and the living room, as well as between the secondary hallway and the bedroom.

In the kitchen and hallway, the tiles are arranged in a classic chessboard pattern, with white squares and black accents. This detail adds a subtle contrast, evoking a timeless style. For the kitchen furniture, warm and neutral tones were used, dominated by light wood and white, creating an airy and bright space.

In the bedroom, the accent wall features a wallpaper with an organic pattern that imitates the texture of leaves in detail, adding depth. Minimalist nightstands with organic shapes are placed on either side of the bed, providing functionality without cluttering the space. The mirror is strategically positioned to reflect light and create a sense of a larger space. The curved design offers a pleasant contrast to the straight lines of the furniture.

In the bathroom, a walk-in shower was created, featuring an arched glass screen inspired by the same shape found in the other rooms. The choice of materials and finishes — matte floor tiles and glossy wall tiles — creates a tactile and visual diversity, avoiding monotony.

Architect’s advice:
When dealing with small-sized apartments — in this case, a two-room apartment with only 44 square meters of usable space — it’s very important to find the best way to optimize the space. Therefore, several furnished layout options should be tested before implementation. In such designs, spaces may end up merging more with each other, and hallways can play a significant role in the overall design.
I also recommend using light colors to create the impression of a larger space, especially in the living areas. The use of neutral shades and timeless design elements contributes to a design that will remain current for a long time, while color accents can be added through textiles.

Client’s opinion:
I am very pleased with the collaboration with Cristian Pătrașcu Studio, as the design process resulted in a space that fully represents me. The space optimization ideas, tailored to my storage needs, were excellent. The ceramic cladding, both in the bathroom and the kitchen, are my favorites for the personality they bring to the design. I also love the brick-red accents — a color that never goes out of style.