casa bēju

In Cholargos, Athens, we were commissioned to transform a compact 43sqm apartment in a 2004 building into a serene, contemporary home. With no architectural elements worth retaining, the project became a full redesign centred around the concept of affordable luxury, as envisioned by the owner.

The original layout lacked structure: furniture was scattered, the kitchen merged abruptly with the living room, and there was no space allocated for dining. Working within the constraints of the small footprint, we introduced both a dedicated dining counter and a permanent home-office area—essential for the owner’s remote-working lifestyle.
While preserving an open-plan feel, we created a subtle yet effective boundary between the kitchen and the living area through a multifunctional dining counter. It incorporates kitchen storage and space-saving stools that slide seamlessly underneath.

The bathroom was reconfigured to accommodate a comfortable shower, while in the bedroom, a previously awkward wardrobe was redesigned with an integrated niche. This new element functions as a seat, luggage spot, and everyday hanging area, transforming the wardrobe into a versatile, multi-use feature. At Space, rethinking conventional spatial solutions is a defining part of our design approach.

The aesthetic concept, Casa bēju, draws from soft earthy tones—beige, warm woods, textured ceramics—and embodies calmness, grounding and timeless simplicity; bēju in Japanese means beige. Japanese culture is characterized by simplicity and purity, and architecturally it emphasizes clean lines, neutral tones, and natural materials. Linen drapery, a velvet headboard, handcrafted ceramics by Sofia Nikolaidou (so ceramic), and beige tile surfaces compose a cohesive palette of natural warmth. This collaboration is part of Space’s new initiative to support emerging artists and integrate bespoke art into architectural work.

To maximize storage, the kitchen cabinetry reaches the ceiling, while a beige ceramic countertop visually unifies the kitchen with the dining area. In the living room, walnut and honey-toned woods add subtle warmth through the coffee table, TV console, and custom built-in workspace, which blends seamlessly into the overall composition.
Tactility plays a key role in the bathroom, where textured ceramic tiles elevate the sensory experience. The bedroom’s existing parquet was restored, revealing its original tone, and paired with wall-mounted walnut bedside tables for a clean, airy result.

The balcony was refreshed with new tiles and large planters made from recycled materials by Ecopots, introducing a sustainable dimension to the project. A compact wooden dining table completes the outdoor area.

Casa bēju reflects the evolving needs of contemporary living, where micro-living, remote work, and multifunctional spaces converge. The project proposes a cohesive, calm, and highly functional interior identity designed to elevate everyday living within limited square meters.

Photography:  Vasso Paraschi
Construction: Konstantinos Tsouroulas
Decoration: Myran, Sofia Nikolaidou (so ceramic)
Model: Dora Psarrou
Bakery: Kora bakery
Loose furniture: Kave Home, Zara Home
Plant pots: Ecopots
Curtains: Sarlas Contract