True Value
The budget was nearly as tight as the space in this cheerful renovation of a 516-square-foot flat in Bratislava.
Cabinet Level
The centerpiece of Lukáš Kordík’s new kitchen is the cabinetry surrounding the sink, a feat he managed by altering the facing and pulls of an off-the-rack Ikea system. The laminate offers a good punch of blue, and in modernist fashion, Kordík forwent door handles in favor of cutouts. “I wanted the kitchen to be one simple block of color without any additional design,” he says.“It was quite a sad place, with yellow painted walls and a strange atmosphere,” says architect Lukáš Kordík of his home in Bratislava. “But I had a feeling it could be easily turned into a cozy and open space.” And by removing a few walls and emphasizing the 1930s flat’s existing rough-hewn charm—exposed brick walls and a ceiling of undulating concrete vaults—he’s done just that.
Now, an architect sprucing up a small, dingy apartment for himself may not be news, but it’s how targeted this modern makeover is that makes Kordík’s reorganization of the space so remarkable. For just a little more than $23,000, he transformed his home from a thicket of small rooms into a continuous, light-filled abode. Busting through a few walls took up much of the scant budget, but Kordík—who works for the Bratislava firm Gut Gut—also managed to redo the electrical, pipes, sewage, and heating while imbuing the place with a hip, old-meets-new vibe.
Nowhere is the overhaul more keenly felt than in the kitchen and dining room. The sharp, boxy geometry of a modified Ikea cabinet system sets the aesthetic tone, with a wall of black shelving separating the bathroom from the rest of the house. Yet for all the low-cost splash of the dining room, Kordík’s aim was ultimately more about improving his home life than sparing his bank account. “It was not about saving money,” he says, “but about saving the space.”
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really enjoyed seeing this small space, done on a budget -- thank you!
"...designed for living, not as some airless showpiece...". That comment sums it up perfectly. It's great to see what to many of us is more representative of how and where we live. A lot of the homes featured here are like looking at a wonderful art piece in a gallery - lovely to look at but you feel disconnected from it nonetheless because you know it will never be hanging on your own wall. More of this please!.
Wonderful organization in the kitchen. Very modern yet with a few cozy feel. Kudos to the designer!
Reminds me of my first apartment in New York City in 1982. And is that a Bong next to the media center? Ah youth!
Good use of materials. The black film plywood would be a great solution to a design issue I'm facing, but I can't find it locally. Anyone know where to get it?
No its not a "bong" near the sound system - its a Digerido - aboriginal musical instrument the architect's parents bought back from Australia. Loved the way you have set up your apartment - it was only in its very early stages when I saw it in 2009.
Love the space its so playful & cheery! Out of curiosity where did they get the green dish dryer rack by the sink? I love it! We always have dishes on the counter & this would help keep thinks a bit more orderly!
Thanks for your question, Kristin! The green dishrack is the Dish Doctor by Marc Newson for Magis: http://www.dwell.com/products/dish-doctor-dish-drainer.html
Im so inspired by this kitchen! I love it's simplicity and vibrant colour. I'm in the process of renovating and replacing the kitchen myself. Does anyone know how these ikea cabinets were altered to get this amazing colour? I've spoken to at least 5 cabinet makers, and no one can offer such a colour - HELP!
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