It’s not every day a project crosses our desk from Lithuania, but we must say if this sleek apartment is anything to go by, we need to see more of the local design scene. Designed by local firm AKTA, the home manages to use spatial limitations to its advantage, working from a refined, open plan design.

DESIGN AKTA | PHOTOGRAPHY Darius Petrulitis

Located in Kaunas Old Town, the original apartment had good bones but was in need of a significant contemporary upgrade. To modernise the apartment and open up the spaces, the design by AKTA divides the apartment into two seperate zones: a living space and a lounge area. The living room and bedrooms are separated by black walls that extend through the hallway and kitchen space.

Materials have also been thoughtfully chosen to add an eclectic yet decidedly modern style. Grey walls and concrete floor set the backdrop for the homes’ spaces, while elements such as stainless steel, corduroy fabrics and grey felt provide a foil to the monochrome foundations. As with any small space, built-in cabinetry is a must-have and here has been cleverly integrated to create spaces that can be hidden away and open shelving to display trinkets on or in one case act as a workspace.

If the structure of the home is as refined and streamlined as possible, then the furnishings introduce a sense of colour and play to the spaces. Royal blues and rich oranges add pops of character to the living area, while a blush pink works nicely with the matte black tapware and vanity. The furniture and objects also add a layer of personality to the space – what could have been a stylish but decidedly absent space feels like it reflects the residents’ taste and identity. From simple foundations to an expertly executed design for small spaces, this apartment hits all the right notes.

While the use of grey felt and timber flooring might seem more typical of a Scandinavian home, here these elements have been contrasted with materials like stainless steel and those striking black walls to juxtapose without jarring.