Bronze Interior Space and Exhibition Design · 2025
From Past To Future Residence
by Sema Yazici
- A' Design Award 2025 Bronze Winner in Interior Space and Exhibition Design
- Awarded April 15, 2025
- CLIENT: Sakura Architecture
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 12,739
- Verification code E78DC4BE07 · Verify this award
About From Past To Future Residence
From Past To Future is a residential interior design for an apartment in Suadiye, Istanbul, with a net usable area of 155 square meters. Furniture, artworks and accessories collected by the residents over many years are combined with new contemporary pieces. Marble was used in the entrance, corridors and bathrooms, and wooden parquet was laid in the rooms and kitchen. Porcelain countertops, wallpaper and crystal chandeliers complete the rooms. The fourth room was divided into a dressing area and a laundry space to improve function.
Sakura Architecture's From Past To Future Residence engages the enduring dialogue between historical architectural language and contemporary spatial sensibility, positioning this interior environment within traditions of neoclassical domestic refinement while demonstrating evolved material vocabularies and spatial transparency that distinguish contemporary practice from historical precedent. The composition suggests affinities with the restrained elegance of Georgian proportion systems, the refined material palette of French neoclassical interiors, and the spatial clarity associated with early modernist domestic architecture, yet the work transcends stylistic pastiche through intelligent integration rather than superficial quotation. The architectural envelope achieves notable compositional sophistication through its symmetrical organization tempered by functional asymmetries, establishing clear axial hierarchy centered upon the fireplace element while accommodating circulation, natural illumination, and varied programmatic zones without rigid formality. The ceiling treatment demonstrates particular accomplishment in its geometric coffering that provides visual interest and scale modulation within an expansive horizontal plane, the shallow relief creating subtle shadow play that activates the surface without overwhelming through ornamental excess. The marble fireplace surround functions as the composition's chromatic and material anchor, its dramatic geological patterning providing concentrated visual intensity and textural richness that grounds the surrounding palette restraint, the stone's natural veining creating organic linear movement that contrasts productively with the architectural orthogonals. The flanking display alcoves reveal thoughtful integration of functional storage with aesthetic presentation, their brass-lined interiors and integrated lighting transforming utilitarian cabinetry into illuminated showcases that celebrate three-dimensional form, the careful curation of displayed objects suggesting collecting sensibility and personal narrative embedded within architectural framework. Material selections demonstrate discerning eye and appreciation for surface quality, juxtaposing cool polished stone and warm burnished metal, transparent glass and opaque textiles, smooth architectural surfaces and textured upholstery fabrics, creating rich material dialogue that rewards haptic imagination. The furnishing composition balances period reference through the classically-proportioned bergère form with contemporary spatial openness through the low-profile sofa and transparent coffee table, suggesting comfort with historical vocabulary employed without nostalgic reproduction. Chromatic strategy reveals particular sophistication in its restrained neutral dominance punctuated by concentrated accent colors, the crimson and terra-cotta textile elements providing warmth and vitality without chromatic chaos, their strategic distribution creating visual rhythm and guiding viewer attention through compositional hierarchy. Lighting design appears particularly accomplished in its layering of natural and artificial sources, the diffused ambient illumination establishing overall luminous atmosphere while focused accent lighting models displayed objects and activates material surfaces, the warm-cool temperature interplay creating dimensional depth and temporal variation as daylight conditions shift. The spatial organization invites consideration of how contemporary residential environments negotiate between formal architectural expression and flexible inhabitation, between aesthetic coherence and functional accommodation, between historical reference and contemporary material honesty. The arched threshold visible at composition's left edge suggests spatial extension and circulation flow, its curved form and dark contrast providing compositional punctuation while hinting at the layered spatial sequence characteristic of thoughtfully planned residential architecture. Surface articulation demonstrates attention across multiple scales, from room-defining architectural gesture through furniture-scale material selection to detail resolution in hardware, textile patterns, and decorative object arrangement, suggesting design sensibility operating holistically rather than through isolated decisions. One might observe how the work proposes a model of residential luxury defined not through ostentation or maximal ornament but through material quality, proportional refinement, spatial clarity, and curated restraint, suggesting values of enduring elegance over fashionable excess, crafted permanence over expedient trend adoption, and spatial serenity as counterpoint to external complexity, inviting viewers to contemplate how architectural environments shape daily experience and what qualities in our built surroundings contribute to sustained aesthetic satisfaction and lived comfort across time.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The homeowners previously resided in a larger apartment in Emirgan. Over the years, furniture, accessories, and works of art (deemed valuable by the householders) was utilized, and it was desired that these items be incorporated into their new home. With the objective of designing elegant and functional spaces with modern touches, a completely new set of structural materials was employed, and the colors and fabrics of certain furniture pieces
- Dimensions & Packaging
- This apartment is characterized by a net usable area of 155 square meters. Originally designed by the construction firm as a four plus one unit configuration, it was transformed into a 3.5 room and 1 living room at the request of the homeowners by partitioning the fourth room into a vestiary and a space for laundry. Additionally, an enclosed balcony area overlooking the landscaped zone is incorporated into the design.
- Tags
- Residence, family house, artistic details, antique and modern, memory space, eclectic design, places with a story
- Production Technology
- In the corridors and wet areas, marble was selected for its timeless and understated appearance. In the rooms and kitchen, wooden parquet was utilized for its warm and natural texture. In the furniture, a combination of natural wood veneer and lacquered polished finishes was employed to achieve smooth and natural transitions. Wallpaper was applied in various spaces to infuse the place with dynamism, thereby mitigating any sense of stagnation. Crystal chandeliers were integrated with paneled wall details and antique furniture. Porcelain was used on the bathroom and kitchen countertops for its hygienic properties and modern appearance. The soft fabrics utilized on the sofas were enhanced with colorful and patterned cushions. Finally, the decoration was completed with the incorporation of artworks, accessories, and plants.
- Design Challenge
- Due to the fact that the residence's area was not particularly large relative to the needs and demands, it was required that every square meter be meticulously configured to yield both functional and elegant spaces. It was established as our primary principle to harmonize the desired furniture and accessories with the new designs in order to achieve unity in color and texture. Consequently, a warm home environment, bearing the imprints of both the past and the present, was created.
- Project Duration
- This project was completed in Suadiye, Istanbul, in July 2024.
- Operation Flow
- In the entrance, corridors, and bathrooms of the residence, black and white marble was employed for the flooring. The black marble on the entrance floor was utilized as both decoration and a border to introduce dynamism. In order to break the tranquility and stillness present in the corridors, black oval tags were chosen for the door transitions. In this manner, unity between the floor and walls was achieved, and by extending the black hue into the living room, overall harmony within the home was ensured. In the living room, a classical and elegant space was created through the use of marquetry parquet flooring, a marble fireplace, wainscoting on the walls, and crystal chandeliers, while the red chosen for the fabrics, accessories, and buffet imparted a dynamic and energetic effect.
In the bathrooms, marble was applied to the floors and wallpaper to the walls, thereby balancing warm and cool materials. While color harmonies were established through the furniture, the patterns of the wallpaper introduced movement to the smaller spaces.
The kitchen was addressed with functional and minimalist furniture. Elegant touches were added to the space through brass details, beveled glass elements, and golden marble veining on the countertop.
In the living room, a modern, striking and dynamic environment was conceived through a circular TV unit and a peach-toned wall color, while a nostalgic reference to bygone times was evoked with the inclusion of an antique piano. - Research
- This residence exhibits an eclectic design in which the cherished mementos accumulated by the homeowners over the years are combined with contemporary modern designs. The piano in the residence was produced in Germany in 1923, the decorative samovar (teapot) in the living room was produced in Russia in 1914, and the chest in the living room (an heirloom passed down from the homeowner’s mother) was produced in Diyarbakır in 1948. Accessories gathered from travels to countries such as China, Indonesia, and America were incorporated, while paintings and prints by both contemporary and traditional Turkish as well as international artists were included.
In this process, the structural spaces and new furniture were designed and implemented with the aim of achieving functionality, aesthetics, and harmony. - Inspiration
- It is the motto of Sakura Architecture that spaces imbued with a story are designed. The apartment located in Suadiye is regarded as a warm home, brought to life by its books, accessories, artworks, and furniture. Every detail (from the safe preserved from the householders' academic years in America, to the buffet imported from Singapore, and to the pomegranate painting serving as a symbol of abundance and prosperity) is imbued with a narrative. All the memories accumulated by the inhabitants are revived in this home in conjunction with our designs.
- Image Credits
- Erhan Tarlıg
Colors of From Past To Future Residence
Get From Past To Future Residence
Boutique Interior Architecture Services
We transform residential and commercial spaces with award-winning interior design that harmonizes past and present. From luxury residences to restaurants, our boutique approach creates timeless environments that tell your unique story through thoughtful details.
G0E23 Shop