Cover The neutral-toned living room is enriched with elegant touches and various textures
The neutral-toned living room is enriched with elegant touches and various textures
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Designed by escapefromsofa, the serene residence blends contemporary luxury with its natural surroundings
For the affluent neighbourhood of Kemer Country, residents are afforded a peaceful lifestyle being some 30 kilometres away from the bustling city centre of Istanbul, as well as the lush surroundings due to its adjacent location to the serene Belgrad Forest.
While private villas in gated communities are scattered throughout the area with luxurious amenities and various social facilities, a local homeowner went one step further when he chose to build his full-time residence right in the heart of the forest.
Read more: Home tour: A historical Ottoman home with Bosphorus Coast views in Istanbul
Above The perforated wood panels that make up the front entrance door
Above These panels also enhance acoustic and ventilation for the home
The perforated wood panels that make up the front entrance door
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Comfortable, functional, and stylishly exclusive to the homeowner, the two-storey property spans approximately 1,500 sq ft. With a living room extending into the kitchen and a spacious verandah that overlooks an expansive garden and the verdant surroundings beyond, the compact residence also houses two bedrooms and baths, and a small study area.
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“The allure of working on a project that offers the feeling of being completely isolated within nature was a significant factor that convinced us to take on this project, as it resonated deeply with our design philosophy,” shares the founders of escapefromsofa, Mahmut Kefeli, Kerem Erçin, and İrem Başer, who were commissioned to assist on a tranquil escape that not only respects but also enhances its natural environment.
“It was this unique aspect of the project—crafting a retreat that offers both comfort and a profound sense of place within its surrounding environment—that truly convinced us to bring our expertise and creativity to this endeavour,” they add.
Above The living room is enriched with elegant touches and various textures
The living room is enriched with elegant touches and various textures
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Above The fireplace with a neutral colour palette
Above High ceilings and exposed wood beams
The fireplace with a neutral colour palette
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It is a complex task in and of itself, working on a new project that feels like it has always been part of the landscape with an established, timeless presence, imbuing it with a story, as though it has evolved naturally over the years.
To overcome this challenge, the Istanbul-based interior architecture and design agency focused on using natural, sustainable materials that not only harmonise with the surrounding environment, but also age gracefully over time, contributing to a sense of history and continuity.”
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Above The exposed wood beams exude rustic charm
The exposed wood beams exude rustic charm
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Above The TV area features stylish lounge chairs by Zanotta
Above Minimalist custom-designed shelving by escapefromsofa
The TV area features stylish lounge chairs by Zanotta
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This design principle is immediately apparent in the perforated wood panels that make up the front entrance door, as well as throughout the home–a highlight of the project that showcases the firm’s commitment to high-quality materials and exceptional craftsmanship.
The process began with selecting high-quality, sustainable wood that would not only look beautiful but also stand the test of time. Each panel was then carefully crafted by skilled artisans, who used precision tools to create intricate patterns, ensuring that the panels are not only visually stunning but also durable and reliable.
Read more: 6 tips for creating a living room inspired by nature
Above The open layout creates a seamless flow
Above Warm, wood tones anchor the kitchen space
The open layout creates a seamless flow
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Finished with a natural stain that highlights the wood’s grain and texture, the panels were installed in minute alignment and fixed securely to maintain the integrity of the design.
“These panels serve not only as a decorative element that add warmth and depth to the overall design, but also as a functional one, providing acoustic benefits and enhancing ventilation within the space,” they elaborate.
See also: Home tour: A modernist house without borders in Malaysia
Above The wooden staircase contributes to the dynamic flow
Above The pitched roof with exposed wood beams on the upper floor
The wooden staircase contributes to the dynamic flow
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Inspired by the home’s immersive setting, wood, stone, and other organic materials took precedence indoors to help achieve a cohesive look that connects the interior space to the outdoors.
From the small entry hall, bassano parquet flooring leads the way into the open-plan living area, where high ceilings with rustic exposed wood beams and large windows invite ample light and views of the surrounding nature into the home, enhancing the overall experience of being immersed in the forest.
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Above The bathroom with custom-designed fittings
Above The reflective design of the wood panels
The bathroom with custom-designed fittings
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A selection of natural woods and ceramic tiles in reddish and bluish hues correlates with the earthy tones of the surroundings, while a neutral colour palette, enriched with elegant touches and various textures, offers a timeless aesthetic while adding visually interesting layering to the interior design.
Cosy custom designed sofas and stylish Zanotta lounge chairs were arranged thoughtfully in the living room, providing various seating options for the homeowner’s favourite spot for socialising and entertaining.
Read more: Home tour: Industrial chic meets family comfort in this light-filled New York City loft
Above The master bedroom features a custom-designed wooden headboard
The master bedroom features a custom-designed wooden headboard
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While the staircase contributes to the dynamic flow towards the upper mezzanine and the private quarters upstairs, the warm and inviting atmosphere of the home permeates into the open kitchen, where wooden tones anchor the space through the cabinetry and flooring.
Through white, billowing curtains, the outdoor seating and dining areas in the verandah with glass-panelled windows allow the beauty of the lush surrounding to become a part of the interior decor, where the homeowner can spend comfortable, quiet moments basking in the sun-kissed tranquil setting.
See also: 5 ways to create a luxurious bedroom that promotes uninterrupted sleep
Above The iconic Roly Poly lounge chairs in the outdoor seating area in the verandah
The iconic Roly Poly lounge chairs in the outdoor seating area in the verandah
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Above Basking in the warm sun and tranquil setting
Above The outdoor dining area with glass windows
Basking in the warm sun and tranquil setting
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“Ultimately, by combining modern design principles with a deep respect for the natural environment, we were able to create a space that not only meets the contemporary needs of the resident, but also tells a story of timeless elegance and harmony with nature,” concludes the escapefromsofa founders.
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Credits
Photography: Ibrahim Özbunar
Topics
As senior writer at Tatler Homes, Celeste Goh covers architecture, interior design, luxury homes and emerging design trends. She also serves as digital content manager for Tatler Malaysia, overseeing the brand’s digital editorial strategy and social media presence across its platforms.
