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Project NameBircha
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LocationThe Paqrue
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Year of Completion2022
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Size1400
Bircha’s palette is a visual ode to nature, layering creamy whites and soft neutrals with the warmth of natural wood. The primary tones of honeyed oak, soft birch and deep teak create a harmonious interplay of patterns and wood colours that gives the space its unique character. Crisp white walls provide a blank canvas, allowing these wood tones to take centre stage, while subtle yet striking, black accents bring depth and contrast, lending a refined edge to the otherwise soft, organic backdrop. This balance of light and dark elements is designed to embrace both simplicity and drama, making the Bircha apartment an embodiment of serene yet impactful design.
The living area is an inviting sanctuary with carefully chosen furnishings that combine comfort with sophistication. Here, a plush cream sofa rests upon a warm-toned rug, adding a tactile richness that feels both grounded and airy. Its size naturally defines the living room space, creating an effortless division from the dining area without the need for a separating wall. The golden glow of the wooden feature wall for the mounted TV and a streamlined coffee table provide a sense of continuity, their light, natural tones contrasting effortlessly with black metal accents on lighting fixtures, furniture legs and decor. These black touches act as visual pauses, enhancing the room’s minimalistic elegance without overwhelming its calm, laid-back appeal. A few strategically placed potted plants at the corners of the living room bring in a refreshing touch of nature, adding vibrant green accents that breathe life into the room and enhance its serene, inviting feel.
Transitioning into the kitchen, the design shifts to a light-filled, inviting atmosphere, where wood and white cabinetry take centre stage. Birch wood cabinets introduce a sense of warmth, while matte white surfaces lend an air of crisp modernity. A black metal range hood and black appliances anchor the space with a bold contrast, complemented by a sleek black linear pendant light above the central island. This small island serves as both a practical kitchen prep area and a casual dining area, further underscoring Bircha’s functional approach to modern living. The standout feature of this space actually lies in its subtlety—Bircha’s main door is seamlessly embedded within the fluted wood panelling beside the kitchen. Blending effortlessly into the textured wall, the door creates a cohesive look, adding to the minimalist charm of the kitchen area while preserving the apartment’s clean lines and natural aesthetic.
At the heart of the apartment, a staircase with sleek black metal railings and glass panels leads up to a mezzanine level, where a dedicated home office awaits. The clean, straight lines of the railing add a touch of modern industrial style, while the glass panels keep the look open and airy. This elevated workspace provides a private, inspiring spot to work from home, blending style and functionality seamlessly within the apartment’s overall design.
The bedroom welcomes you into a serene sunlit retreat, where minimal furnishings and decor create a peaceful atmosphere. The wood panelling along the wall doubles as a headboard, creating a seamless look that enhances the room's natural warmth. The bed itself features a minimalist pallet-style frame in light wood, which harmonises with the panelling and the warm wooden flooring beneath, creating a cohesive and grounded aesthetic. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed by dark grey blackout curtains and soft, sheer white drapes invite ample natural light, infusing the space with an airy ambiance. Just off to the right, a built-in dresser extends from the wooden panelling, adding subtle storage while maintaining the room’s sleek, streamlined design. This careful layering of textures—from the wood elements to the plush grey rug—brings depth and warmth to a space that feels both modern and cosy.
With open spaces that let light and warmth permeate, Bircha’s design feels expansive and soothing, a celebration of natural light. The off-white walls amplify this light, enhancing the airy, spacious quality of the apartment while allowing the natural wood tones to shine. Through careful consideration and balance, the contrast keeps the design dynamic, balancing white and wood with bold black elements to create a space that feels simultaneously lively and calm.
The furniture selection in Bircha is equally rooted in practicality, with every piece selected to contribute to both function and aesthetic. Streamlined storage solutions, like the birch wood overhead shelving and handleless kitchen cabinets, keep the space free from clutter while preserving the minimalistic look. A dining table made from teak wood brings a touch of rustic warmth to the design, creating a seamless connection between natural materials and modern minimalism. Each item in the space—whether storage unit or decorative accent—is an exercise in simplicity and elegance, lending a timeless quality to the apartment.
In essence, the Bircha apartment is an inspired fusion of Scandinavian minimalism and industrial chic, a living space that resonates with natural beauty and modern allure. It’s a home for those who value understated elegance, where every detail—from the rich wood tones to the black metal accents—reflects a dedication to balance and beauty. Through its intentional design, Bircha offers not just a home, but a peaceful, polished retreat that feels both contemporary and timeless.