Perched high in a late-1930s Prague apartment building with views of the Vltava River, this 115 sq m residence offers a masterclass in thoughtful contrasts. Renovated in 2026 by Prokop Hartl for a young family, it balances contemporary, industrial-leaning minimalism with a playful streak – pastel accents nod to its art deco-era origins, while rich oak parquet warms things up.
The apartment is organised and optimised. Hartl has orchestrated materials and spaces with precision: built-in oak veneer wardrobes define circulation paths, marking transitions between new poured polyurethane floors and the restored parquet, while restored doors topped with new transoms draw natural light deep into the interior.
By removing a partition between two original rooms, the designers created a generous living area – the showpiece of the home – that frames the river like a living painting. Structural columns, rather than being constraints, are celebrated as dramatic focal points, while exposed concrete beams introduce industrial grit that complements the apartment’s softer touches.
The kitchen, once hidden away in a former maid’s room, now occupies the centre of the home. It’s functional yet sculptural, featuring a dark blue-stained island, natural granite countertops and oversized handles. A custom dining table in hot-dip galvanised steel and bleached pine plywood bridges the kitchen and living spaces.
Meanwhile, the former kitchen area has been transformed into a serene bedroom suite, complete with a wall of storage and a walk-in shower enclosed in glass blocks – ensuring privacy without compromising light. Custom-built furniture, bespoke pieces from studio and online store anýz and refurbished originals strike a balance between the contemporary and historical.
Throughout, furniture and decor are used sparingly and carefully. Artworks by Lukáš Koubek and furnishings and fittings from brands such as Franke, Grohe, Hay, Ideal Lux, Kluś, Rako, Sapeli, Ton and ABB reinforce the apartment’s deliberate approach: nothing is extraneous, nothing is an afterthought. The result is a veritable choreography of light, material and space.
