2023 | Budapest
Interior Design: Kata Pler, Tamás Szén Molnár
Photo: Csaba Barbay, Photo Styling: Ildi Szűcs
Living room above the city
This unique two-level apartment in Buda is located in a quiet, green residential area of Budapest, within a contemporary building constructed ten years ago. The home was created by combining two separate units, resulting in a custom floor plan and spacious layout that allowed us to continue the building’s signature curved architectural language throughout the interior design.
A standout feature of the upper-level living room is the floor-to-ceiling glass wall, offering a breathtaking panoramic view over Budapest. The city becomes not just a backdrop but an integral part of the interior atmosphere. A centrally designed internal staircase connects the two levels: the lower floor includes the bedrooms and a bathroom, while the upper level features the open-plan living room, kitchen and dining area, pantry, walk-in closet, another bathroom, and a small gallery-level study – ideal for a home office.
The project was guided by clear client goals: reimagining the living space and modernizing the staircase. Early in the design process, the idea of creating a gallery emerged — a spatial and functional solution that became a key element in the final concept. The resulting home office is subtly separated yet fully integrated into the upper level.
To achieve a refined and spacious living area, we intentionally minimized the visual presence of the kitchen. Appliances were hidden in sleek, built-in cabinetry, and a clean-lined dining area replaced the previous island. This created more open space and allowed the panoramic view to become the focal point of the entire room. A contemporary, multi-seat sofa was placed to emphasize this visual axis, ensuring that the city view is present from every angle.
The staircase was also reimagined both aesthetically and functionally, with new surfaces, lighting, and railing design that integrate it into the living space as a sculptural element. Throughout the apartment, we carefully selected proportions, materials, and details to balance comfort, elegance, and clarity — a blend of functionality and minimalist design.
The result is a modern, elegant duplex in Buda, where panoramic views, architectural form, and interior design merge into a unified spatial experience. This apartment is not only highly functional, but also emotionally engaging — a home that reflects the rhythm of contemporary living in one of Budapest’s most desirable neighborhoods.