Tolis Koumparos of 2nd Floor architecture and design, transforms a 235 m2 apartment into a spacious one-bedroom residence, for a client with a strong focus on original design, art and craftsmanship.
The apartment is located on the Aristotelous Square, one of Thessaloniki’s most emblematic early 20th-century landmarks.
Originally arranged in the typical style of its era, the apartment consisted of multiple enclosed rooms. With the layout opened, daylight now travels through a sequence of larger volumes, highlighting the tall ceilings and the clarity of the restored structure. The main inspiration of the design plan comes from historical building’s curved fascade and arcade. 2ndfloor shaped the interior around this new openness, with curved custom closets, cupboards and a fully curated collection of furniture and lighting design icons.
The living area forms the heart of the residence. Four Lounge Chairs by Charles and Ray Eames in santos palisander by Vitra gather around a Detour coffee table by Gebrüder Thonet Vienna beneath an iconic Verner Panton FUN 8DM chandelier, creating a distinct focal point within the residence. Wood flooring reinforces the warmth of the composition.
Furniture and lighting plays a central role in defining the apartment’s atmosphere. Selected icons like the Eliptical coffee table, Cork and Eames stools, and Eames wall clocks, set the timeless design presence that aligns with the client’s interest in modern icons. The brass Architectural Collection designed by Michael Anastassiades provides the general lighting of the apartments by providing a unique atmosphere inspired by previous century.
USM Haller storage runs through the apartment and is used primarily to organise the owner’s extensive vinyl collection. The units also provide surfaces for lighting pieces by Michael Anastassiades, Tom Dixon, &Tradition and DCW Editions, as well as Vitra and Fritz Hansen miniatures and other collectables.
The carpeting is custom series by CC Tapis, produced exclusivedly for Grandeur project.
The kitchen is designed custom as a concealed volume combining the stainless steel with Rosso Levanto marble. When closed, it blends seamlessly with its surrounding cabinetry, becoming almost invisible. This approach reinforces the clarity and openness of the new layout. The corian island, envisioned as a place for gathering rather than cooking, is paired with FAT stools by Tom Dixon in natural wood and white bouclé. Suspended above the island Michael Anastassiades’ Mobile Chandelier 3 serves as both lighting and sculptural artwork. Its thin rods and balanced geometry introduce a subtle sense of movement even at rest.
The bedroom is designed custom by creating closets combing the solid oak wood with Viennese wicker totally inspired by 1930’s Thonet creations. The queensize bed in nubuck provides an extra comfort and elegance in relation to bedside tables designed by Muller Van Severen and hanging lights designed by Michael Anastassiades. Undoubtedly the masterpiece of the bedroom is the original Calvet Armchair designed by Antoni Gaudi.
Tolis Koumparos curated a wide list of international artworks. A selection of paintings and sculptural pieces from Kim Soo Young, Lindokuhle Khumalo, Hector Frank and Cesc Abad is integrated throughout the home, placed against neutral walls of the apartment, give each work room to breathe.
Grandeur Apartment
Architecture – Interior Design by Tolis Koumparos (2nd floor Architecture + Design)
Lighting – Furniture – Accessories – Carpeting supplied by 2nd floor
Architecture + Design Construction – Consulting by Nikos Dimtsas (Archigraph)
Photography Stefanos Tsakiris
