A cramped 731-square-foot apartment perched high above Ljubljana, Slovenia, has undergone a dramatic transformation that breathes new life into 1980s architecture. The renovation, completed by alto design studio, showcases how bold design choices and strategic planning can turn a dark, compartmentalized space into a vibrant home that doubles as a personal art gallery.
The apartment belongs to an award-winning visual artist and graphic designer who originally moved into the space as a teenager. At that time, the home displayed all the typical characteristics of 1980s design: closed-off rooms separated by unnecessary walls, heavy dark wood finishes, and muted color schemes that made the interior feel oppressive and gloomy. The renovation's primary goal was not to completely erase this architectural history but rather to liberate the space from its restrictive layout while celebrating certain vintage elements.
The design team's first major decision involved removing several doors and walls to create an open floor plan. This strategic demolition allowed natural light to flood the previously dark hallway and establish better circulation between rooms. The improved flow completely transformed the apartment's atmosphere, replacing the heavy, compartmentalized feeling with brightness and openness that makes the small space feel significantly larger.
Budget constraints required the designers to work strategically, carefully deciding which original elements to preserve and which to completely reimagine. The existing oak parquet flooring, though marked by years of wear and use, was meticulously sanded, oiled, and darkened to create a rich foundation that provides warmth and visual continuity throughout the space. This decision to restore rather than replace saved money while adding character.
The kitchen received the most dramatic makeover, beginning with the installation of four massive marble slabs sourced from Marmor Hotavlje, a renowned Slovenian quarry known for its exceptional craftsmanship. Installing these heavy stone pieces became an adventure in itself, as the building's small elevator couldn't accommodate the slabs' dimensions, requiring creative problem-solving and considerable physical effort to navigate them into the apartment.
The finished kitchen strikes a perfect balance between monumental elegance and playful personality. The classic black-and-white checkerboard floor pattern provides a timeless foundation, while peach-toned cabinet fronts and a bold cherry-red faucet inject vibrant color and contemporary flair. This combination creates a space that feels both sophisticated and whimsical, reflecting the owner's artistic sensibilities.
The entire design philosophy revolves around deliberate contrasts between different materials, textures, and styles. Natural elements like the restored oak parquet, cork flooring, and dramatically veined marble surfaces are intentionally paired with artificial materials including glossy plastic chairs, sleek Reform cabinet fronts, and the apartment's centerpiece: Archizoom's legendary Superonda sofa upholstered in electric red vinyl.
This clash between organic and industrial, warm and cool, timeless and avant-garde creates visual tension that keeps the space dynamic and engaging. The design team extended this contrast principle beyond just tactile materials to include bold visual elements throughout the apartment.
One of the most striking features is a custom storage wall that functions as both practical furniture and graphic art installation. Bold black-and-white vertical stripes cover the entire surface, broken up by spherical knobs placed in seemingly random positions that add an element of playful unpredictability. Soft curtains filter natural daylight into gentle folds, while bright pink-painted pipes spanning across walls transform typically hidden functional elements into happy decorative features.
The living area serves as the apartment's creative heart, embodying the space's artistic spirit most vividly. The room is anchored by the iconic Superonda sofa, a revolutionary 1960s design piece that can be reconfigured into various arrangements including traditional seating, beds, or elevated platforms. This flexibility allows the space to function like a constantly shifting art installation that adapts to different needs and moods.
Artworks created by the owner line the walls throughout the apartment, while additional sculptural pieces rest on pedestals, reinforcing the impression that visitors are walking through a carefully curated private gallery rather than a conventional home. This integration of personal artwork with functional living spaces creates a unique environment where daily life and artistic expression seamlessly blend.
The bedroom continues the apartment's creative aesthetic with striped bedding that echoes the bold pattern of the storage wall, creating visual continuity between spaces. Bright pink pipes anchor one corner of the room, maintaining the playful use of industrial elements as decorative features that add personality without overwhelming the intimate space.
The Onda Apartment demonstrates how thoughtful design can successfully balance preservation and innovation, creating a home that honors its 1980s origins while embracing contemporary artistic expression. The project showcases alto design studio's ability to work within budget constraints while delivering a bold, highly personalized result that perfectly reflects the owner's creative lifestyle and professional identity as a visual artist.
