When a young married couple with children entrusted designer Julia Baydyk with creating their dream apartment, they granted her complete creative freedom. The vision was ambitious: to design a modern, ergonomic space infused with a timeless aesthetic that would endure for years to come. With her team’s expertise at Alta Idea Design Studio, Julia not only conceptualized but also brought this vision to life, masterfully blending neoclassicism with Art Deco elements to craft an interior that is both refined and functional.
The journey begins at the entrance hall, a seamless introduction to the apartment's overall aesthetic. Adjacent to the hallway, a meticulously organized cloakroom features furniture veneered in American walnut, exuding sophistication. Bespoke poufs upholstered in chic monochrome stripes add a decorative flair, illustrating how even practical spaces can embody elegance.
Just beyond, the guest bathroom emerges as an unexpected highlight. The terracotta tones of the floor-mounted sink and floor mixer create a striking contrast against the dark tiles, resulting in a bold yet balanced atmosphere. This room, the only one dominated by deeper hues, employs careful accentuation to maintain a welcoming ambience.
The open-plan layout invites you into the heart of the home, where the kitchen, dining and living areas are thoughtfully interconnected. Each space retains its unique charm, while the use of light tones, bronze accents, herringbone parquet flooring and subtle terracotta highlights create a harmonious and cohesive environment.
In the kitchen, compact yet highly functional, a central stone-clad island distinguishes the work area from the dining zone, providing both practicality and visual definition. While integrated appliances - including a refrigerator, freezer, microwave and oven - slightly reduce the living room’s footprint, they also create invaluable storage for kitchen essentials.
The dining area features a custom-designed table with a sculptural base, seamlessly marrying beauty and practicality - perfect for a family with young children. Bronze accents on the table and the bespoke dining chairs echo the apartment's design language. The Midj Lea chairs were reimagined in a specially selected houndstooth fabric, while burgundy semi-bar stools by the kitchen island inject a playful contrast, with their elongated fringe adding a dynamic elegance.
In the living room, a vivid sofa serves as the focal point, standing out against white walls adorned with handcrafted mouldings designed by Julia herself. A feature wall of large-format porcelain panels incorporates metal inserts that transition from dark to golden tones, creating a dynamic interplay of colours as the light shifts. This effect is particularly striking when illuminated by the glow of the bioethanol fireplace.
The space is enhanced with the comfort of a home cinema system and blackout curtains, ensuring an optimal viewing experience at any time of day. A home library, complemented by a luxurious rug from The Rug Company, adds warmth and sophistication to the room.
The private areas of the apartment continue the theme of elegant restraint. The master bedroom exudes serenity, featuring light tones paired with terracotta accents on the curtains and a chaise longue. An olive-green upholstered bed serves as a cosy centrepiece, while a textured panel behind it adds an ethereal lightness. Practical elements like a built-in wardrobe, a tailored dressing table with tailored lighting, and a green pouf enhance both functionality and inviting charm.
In the master bathroom, tiles from two different manufacturers harmoniously unite to create a cohesive design. Bronze fixtures and fittings contribute a layer of timeless refinement.
In contrast, the children's rooms are realms of playfulness and imagination. The son’s room showcases a whimsical mural of clouds and floating whales among ships, complemented by an earthy-toned upholstered bed and a textured desk that inspire creativity. An armchair, upholstered in fabric that echoes the wall design, reflects Julia’s meticulous attention to detail.
The daughter’s room is light and airy, adorned with soft pink tones, bird motifs and playful fringe details on the wall sconce, creating a magical atmosphere.
The children's bathroom continues this sense of wonder, featuring clay-toned walls in the shower area and a delightful mural of fish and underwater life. A round, illuminated mirror resembling a ship’s porthole completes the design, transforming the space into a charming aquatic retreat.
Lastly, a dedicated laundry room enhances practicality, equipped with a washer, dryer and a specialized drying cabinet to streamline household tasks.
This apartment stands as a testament to Julia Baydyk’s exceptional ability to harmoniously blend aesthetics with functionality. Through thoughtful zoning, personalised details and a refined material palette, she has crafted a home that is timeless, elegant and perfectly tailored to the needs of a modern family.
