This Bright, White Duplex in Lithuania Showcases Art With Amazing Views

Apartment B9 is a top-floor duplex in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius that looks much larger and loftier than its 1,077 square feet thanks to the clever use of white surfaces and glass panels.

Text by

Michele Koh Morollo

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Ema Butrimaviciute, co-founder of Lithuanian studio Utopium, designed this brilliant white home for her boyfriend and herself. Housed on the top floor of a modern high-rise near a park and Vilnius' old town, the project echoes the simplicity of the building’s neat, white facade.

Butrimavicuite's goal was to create a clean, airy, light-filled space where she and her partner could showcase the works of art they’ve recently begun collecting.

The living lounge opens to a small balcony.

Butriaviciute says that the apartment’s architecture was inspired by minimalist gallery spaces, where sculpture and artwork take center stage.

Sunlight enters the apartment from the east and west.

A compact study, three bedrooms, and a bathroom are located on the calm and tranquil lower level.

Mountain prints bring a little nature into the bedrooms.

The master bedroom features a a muted, grey color scheme. A four poster bed is backed by wallpaper with mountain prints that visually expand the small space.

A modern white staircase connects the two levels.

A hanging steel structure makes the stairs visually lightweight, while glass railings reflect natural and artificial light.

A white steel and glass staircase leads to the upper level where the open plan living, kitchen, and dining areas are located.

"The white, floating steel staircase adds to the sense of space and serenity. On the lower floor, polished concrete floors reflect the white of the walls, which in turn provide the ideal backdrop for displaying vibrant artwork," says Butriaviciute.

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Wood and leather add warmth to the minimalist interiors.

Large windows bring in plenty of sunlight.

The open plan layout floods the living areas in natural light from large windows on the building’s eastern and western facades.

A bathroom is the only enclosed space on the upper level.

The only closed space on the upper level is a second bathroom. Even this room does not feel cloistered, as it is visually connected to the sculptural staircase through a Smart Glass wall.

A Smart Glass wall in the upper floor bathroom.

The apartment is set under the eaves of the building, resulting in an upper level with dramatic sloping ceilings. "Because of the sloping ceilings, the open-plan living, kitchen, and dining areas have an intimate feel that off-sets the committed minimalism of the decor. Small sculptures have their own dedicated places in alcoves," says Butriaviciute.

Display nooks for the couple's objects d'art.

Texture was a key consideration in Butrimaviciute’s choice of materials and finishes. Set against the sparkling white walls, floors, and ceilings, the sofa and tables in warm halftones combine with indoor plants to imbue the interiors with an earthy coziness. Industrial brushed steel and exquisite marble surfaces add a touch of luxury to the apartment, which is otherwise streamlined, pure, and an ideal canvas for showcasing the couple's growing art collection.