Some living spaces win you over immediately. One such is the four-room show apartment designed by Maarja Metsa for the Tihase development located between the leafy low-density residential district of Kristiine and the busy city centre. Upon entering, you’ll find yourself in a contoured, streamlined environment with a soft colour palette, adding up to a calm, timeless and lasting home.
Balance is at the heart of this interior. A neutral colour spectrum, high-quality materials and carefully selected forms form a whole that doesn’t depend on the fashions du jour and lets the future homeowner add their own personal touches to the interior.
Apartment: Sõpruse pst 26-21
Interior design: Maarja Mets
Photographs: Märt Lillesiim
A neutral background that lets the home grow with you
The point of departure for the interior design was to create a home suited to different lifestyles and tastes. To that end, the interior architect chose a calming colour scheme: white, light grey, darker beige and pastel green, counterpoised against timeless and striking chrome details.
The colour combination doesn’t impose restrictions but rather creates opportunities. The home can be altered through the use of textiles, art or smaller furnishing elements without requiring a makeover of the whole interior.
Rounded forms that make the interior seem softer
A leading motif in this apartment is the flowing forms, which are seen in the kitchen island, custom furniture, mirrors, luminaires and decorative items.
Besides aesthetic value, these touches have a practical reason. Contoured edges make it easier to move around in the interior and reduce the risk of bumping against sharp corners. It can be seen particularly clearly in the kitchen island, where rounded corners make the feature visually less heavy and improve movement paths in the open living area.
The details of the custom furniture were also designed with this in mind. Massive handles are not just decorative but also convenient to use when your hands are wet or otherwise occupied. They lend personality to the furniture and, in conjunction with the facades, create an integral composition.
When materials speak the same language
One of the secrets of a calm(ing) interior is the consistent use of materials. A tonal idiom and finishing recurs in different rooms, making the kitchen, living room and bedroom work together as a natural suite.
A good example of this principle is the living room carpet commissioned from Alp Carpets, where the colour was chosen precisely to complement the pastel green of the kitchen furniture. Small details – ones that may not be noticed at first glance – help to create a harmonious and purposefully designed space.
Clever solutions for everyday life
A good interior design is far more than aesthetically pleasing, but makes everyday life easier as well.
The major conversation starter in the living room is the minimalist suspension lamp OK by Flos, which is fastened between the floor and ceiling on a thin steel wire. Almost invisible, it leaves the impression of floating in the air. The height and the beam direction can be changed as needed, making it a good fit for various activities and moods.
The living room’s Woud Arc coffee table, which has a storage space under the revolving tabletop, carries the same practicality. Remotes, magazines or laptop accessories can be stowed here while remaining easily retrievable, and keeping the living room tidy.
Design classics that never go out of style
The show apartment uses a number of internationally acclaimed classic design elements that shine in their timeless proportions and quality execution.
In the living room, the interior is graced by an iconic Flos Taccla table lamp, while in the bedroom, the mood is set by Danish design icon Verner Pantoni’s 1971 Louis Poulsen Panthella 250 and one of the world’s best-known designer chairs, Vitra Panton Chair, a symbol of 20th century industrial chic has found its place next to a dressing table.
All not just famous names, but a testament to the fact that good design is timeless.
European quality and the handwork of Estonian masters
The furnishing of this apartment represents a marriage of international design brands and Estonian manufacturer know-how. The custom furniture was a collaboration with Aunman, while the upholstered furniture is from Sofaservice. Products by Elke Mööbel, Laterna Magica and Mang are also showcased in this interior.
High-quality European designer brands like Normann Copenhagen, Norr11, Nemo, Wever & Ducré, HAY, BoConcept and Georg Jensen reinforce the impression with a minimalist design, quality materials and well-thought-out functionality. The combination results in an interior that will still seem fresh and distinguished years from now.
Interior architect Maarja Mets: a home must withstand the passage of time
Maarja Mets is a licensed interior architect and the founder of the interior architecture studio KAKS TOONI. Her work centres on timeless and distinctive interiors where beauty and functionality go hand in hand. Mets says that above all, a good home is created through listening to people.
“Every project starts with getting to know the person, their habits, wishes and lifestyle. A well-thought-out home is not only beautiful but also supports everyday life and leaves room for what the person themselves creates.”
Precisely that is the philosophy of the Tihase show apartment. It is not interior design that dictates how to live in a home but has a flexible framework that every new homeowner can invest with their own personality, memories and favourite items.
Video: Mihkel Notta, Siim Kingisepp
The last 4-room homes are still available in the Tihase development (including the priorly introduced show apartment).
The 4-room homes have a floor plan that extends across the whole building with windows on three sides, giving it a real detached-home feeling without annoying obligations. On the higher floors, a quaint corner window and a large balcony accessible from multiple rooms adds spaciousness. The ground floor has high ceilings and a private courtyard (including a glass-enclosed wintergarden) with personal access to the shared courtyard.
Contact us and we’ll help you find the home that is right for your preferences and lifestyle merko.ee/tihase/en/.
