Transforming Kolonaki: A Modern Kolonaki Apartment Studio in a Historic Apartment
In Athens‘ Kolonaki neighborhood, Local Local has transformed a ground-floor apartment into their permanent studio, now recognized as a revitalized work environment. This delicate makeover preserves the apartment’s original architectural charm while adapting it into a functional workspace. With a focus on non-structural changes, the practice brightened the original wooden floors, painted the walls a crisp white, and restored the rippled-glass doors in a darker tone, retaining the historic arched entrance.
Kolonaki Studio: Innovative Design Meets Classic Features
The apartment’s L-shaped layout centers around a primary workspace and meeting room, previously a bedroom in the renovated studio. The furniture combines existing pieces with custom designs, such as a solid-cypress table crafted by architect Sofia Xanthakou’s cousin. This table became the starting point for a large co-working table and two window-facing workstations, integrating solid wood with Formica elements. Original office chairs complement these setups.
Books and innovative lighting contribute to the studio’s dynamic environment. A Vitsoe shelving system showcases Xanthakou’s library, sourced from her architectural journey through Boston and London. To illuminate the space, ceiling lights designed by Michael Anastassiades are employed. A customized perforated metal frame painted pistachio functions as a pinboard for creative endeavors, illustrating an exemplary interior design approach within this contemporary workspace.
Explore another unique blend of modern design with historical architecture in the Miami’s Sana Skin Studio, a harmonious combination worth noting.
Artful Interiors and Functional Touches
Two marble sculptures by Theodore Psychoyos greet visitors at the entrance, serving as both console and seating in the apartment. The meeting room retains its original wardrobe structure, with the doors replaced by roll-up blinds for open storage of samples and paper. A freestanding light by Anastassiades adds the finishing touch.
Every design choice—from retaining original doors to introducing new custom furniture—showcases the studio’s commitment to blending heritage with modern functionality, ensuring that the space echoes the character of the original apartment. This approach solidifies the identity of the studio as a bridge between past and present, showcasing an impressive workspace transformation.
Project Insights
- Name: Local Local Athenian Studio
- Architect: Local Local
- Location: Athens, Greece
- Photographer: Lorenzo Zandri | @lorenzozandri
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
What design elements were used in the Local Local studio?
The studio design incorporates brightened wooden floors, crisp white walls, and rippled-glass doors restored in a darker tone. Furniture includes existing pieces and custom designs, such as a solid-cypress table crafted by architect Sofia Xanthakou’s cousin. The space is illuminated by ceiling lights designed by Michael Anastassiades and features a perforated metal frame painted pistachio as a pinboard.
How does the studio blend modern design with historical architecture?
The studio blends modern design with historical architecture by preserving the apartment’s original architectural charm, such as the arched entrance and original wooden floors, while introducing custom furniture and innovative lighting. Design choices aim to echo the character of the original apartment, bridging traditional and contemporary elements to create a functional workspace.
What function do Theodore Psychoyos’ sculptures serve in the studio?
The two marble sculptures by Theodore Psychoyos in the studio serve as both console and seating at the entrance. They are key elements in the apartment that combine functionality with artistic design.