DIY Love Pays Off in a Small Prague Apartment

When designer Jaroslav Kašpar purchased an apartment in Prague, he had no idea it would become a massive DIY project. By way of instance, he found that an original hardwood flooring under the carpet, but it was not salvageable; he discovered a cool brick wall, but it had a heavy dose of refurbishing. Kašpar decided to collaborate with his girlfriend at the time, architect Lucie Faturíková. “There was lots of confrontation at the conversation between us — architect and designer — but in the end we both benefitted from that experience,” Kašpar states. The result is a spacious-feeling yet cozy open-concept residence, with uncooked industrial components like an exposed brick wall and ceiling beams. “The greatest joy for us was the adventure in searching for the heart of the apartment,” Faturíková states.

in a Glance
Who lives here: Jaroslav Kašpar
Location: Žižkov, Prague
Size: Around 50 square meters (538 square feet)

Martin Hulala

The kitchen and living space was two rooms. Tearing down the wall welcomed in a good deal more natural light.

Kašpar and Faturíková refurbished the structural beams and mended the brick wall, leaving the beams vulnerable. “We watched handwritten notes from building employees on the beams,” states Kašpar. These architectural and industrial components work perfectly with all the modern and budget-friendly Ikea kitchen.

Countertop: habit laminate, organic aida walnut finish

Within a few seconds, the upper part of the kitchen worktop slides to create a dining room area.

After eliminating the present carpeting and PVC flooring tiles, they discovered original hardwood floors. “Sadly, it was not feasible to keep it,” Kašpar states. In its place they found hardwood flooring.

Before Photo

BEFORE: This is the current state of the newly discovered brick wall.

Martin Hulala

Martin Hulala

AFTER: It took great effort to renew the brick wall, but they made the most of it, especially with some of the holes that they discovered. Kašpar’s passion for collecting and refurbishing old and secondhand furniture pieces served the total design. The red chair in the preceding photo is still waiting for a makeover.

They created two wine storage nooks out of concrete blocks found at Kašpar’s grandmother’s home.

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Kašpar works from home, so that he paid particular attention to creating his workplace inviting by anchoring it in planters filled with soil and Zamioculcas zamiifolia (aka ZZ) plants.

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Kašpar utilized more hevea wood to create a windowsill along with a custom cover to the radiator.

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“In one of the initial theories, we were considering having the bedroom partly shut, but ultimately we decided to make it airy and open,” states Faturíková.

With limited storage alternatives, Kašpar put his bed on top of a custom-made dresser.

Sconces: Lampetta nástěnná, Rendl Light Studio

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Small shelves under the bed hold a library and twice as measures.

Before Photo

BEFORE: This area was a part of the living room and bathroom.

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AFTER: The few included the space, adding a sliding frosted-glass door as yet another space-saving element.

Kašpar discovered the classic radio and stand in a flea market.

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This classic vacuum cleaner came from a flea market, too.

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Aqua tile and ipe lapacho timber, a Brazilian walnut, create contrast in the restroom. The timber was initially designed for a dining table, but Kašpar found it too heavy to move, so that he made use of it around the bathtub.

Tiles: Tribeca Azul, Keraben

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When a construction worker accidentally drilled a larger hole in the tile was needed, Kašpar and Faturíková set up this glass “shower” circle to cover the hole and save money.

Martin Hulala

A slit at the mosaic tile vanity handily and dispenses toilet paper.

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