If the spirit of this project had to be summed up in one sentence, it would undoubtedly be “serenity in the heart of a city that never sleeps.”
Istanbul’s Galata district — known for being a main port and trading area since the 13th century — is the setting for this apartment, surrounded by historical monuments and UNESCO protected sites.
![8-phi-rd-by-oza_3-1024x683-1 A breathtaking view of the jetty and sea from the living room](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/8-phi-rd-by-oza_3-1024x683-1.jpg)
Dichotomy between Europe and Asia
Özge Öztürk and Alexandre Simeray, the co-founders of OZA Design, created the interior spaces of this project, drawing inspiration from the Turkish city.
Former capital of the Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman empires, this constantly changing megalopolis is at the crossroads between two continents — Europe and Asia — a dichotomy to which the duo wanted to pay tribute.
“Istanbul is a unique mosaic with people from different backgrounds, traditions and relationships living together,” says Öztürk. “In that sense, it’s a place that represents globalisation before its time.”
Originally from Turkey and having lived in the capital from 2006 to 2014 before moving to the U.K., Özge found this project, in a way, to be a return to her roots.
![6-phi-rd-by-oza_17-683x1024-1 Balcony with a chair overlooking the city](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/6-phi-rd-by-oza_17-683x1024-1.jpg)
Istanbul was one of the main sources of inspiration for the design.
A natural monochromatic look
Inside this contemporary building with minimalist linens, the sublime panorama of the Bosphorus is highlighted in every space. The kitchen, dining area and living room are all adjoined while each bedroom has its own bathroom.
![phi-by-oza_6-1024x683-1 Sleek black and wooden furniture in a bright apartment](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/phi-by-oza_6-1024x683-1.jpg)
To further highlight the panorama and draw attention to the home’s essential elements, Özge and Alexandre opted for natural materials.
The monochromatic color palette creates a soothing and timeless effect. The light tones, both on the walls and on the ceiling, contrast with the views and give life to shadows and light changes during different hours of the day.
![phi-by-oza_26-683x1024-1 View of a oval bathroom from the corridor](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/phi-by-oza_26-683x1024-1.jpg)
![5-phi-rd-by-oza_8-683x1024-1](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/5-phi-rd-by-oza_8-683x1024-1.jpg)
![10-phi-rd-by-oza_29-1024x683-1 An entryway table with display pieces](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/10-phi-rd-by-oza_29-1024x683-1.jpg)
OZA Design Furniture
Lighting and furniture pieces — many of which are part of OZA Design’s first collection that has just been launched — also contribute to the calm environment that helps the homeowners disconnect from the hectic pace of the city outside.
Works by Turkish artists Sinan Logie and Özde Özdal were chosen by the two architects to complete the whole.
“We wanted to invent a new visual language by mixing our two cultures,” says Alexandre.
![7-phi-rd-by-oza_18a-1024x683-1 The bedroom, with a view of the port and sea](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/7-phi-rd-by-oza_18a-1024x683-1.jpg)
East and West Heritage
A feeling of lightness and openness prevails in this place born from the combination between the old and the new, between the heritages of the East and the West, between the soul of Istanbul and the contemporary lifestyle of the inhabitants.
![4-phi-rd-by-oza_16-1024x683-1 A light-filled living room with natural furniture](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/4-phi-rd-by-oza_16-1024x683-1.jpg)
Connecting past and present through multiple aspects, this refined, welcoming and serene project is an ode to the richness of its location and the creative vision of Özge and Alexandre who gave it a strong design identity in a subtle way.