A family of four commissioned a new home in the Hamburg region, entrusting interior designer Arzu Kartal with its interior architecture—a natural choice, given her successful design of their previous residence. The client's vision was clear: the expansive two-story villa, spanning roughly 500 m² of living space, had to form a unified, organic whole that would nurture the family's well-being. Kartal's reputation for authenticity and atmospheric design made her the ideal partner for this vision. Having been brought into the project from its inception, Kartal wielded considerable influence during both the planning and construction phases. This early involvement allowed her to define precise spatial requirements for built-ins and carefully position openings—each decision calibrated to harmonize perfectly with the envisioned interior design and finishes.

The ground floor is the heart of family life, with rooms flowing logically from one to the next, each tailored to support the household's unique rhythms and needs. From both the garage and covered entry, visitors pass through a vestibule framed by expansive glass panels—immediately revealing sweeping views of the welcoming entry hall with its spectacular custom steel staircase, the dining area, and the garden beyond. Generous openings throughout the home serve a deliberate purpose: to frame the landscape, blur the boundary between interior and exterior. Kartal paid meticulous attention to these thresholds, ensuring that each interior space maintains its own distinct character while remaining visually and spatially connected.

The dining zone—which rises through two stories—opens to the kitchen on one side, separated by striking dark-framed glass sliding doors, and to the living area on the other. Terraces extend from all three spaces. Floor-to-ceiling openings, including corner glazing, slide away to create an almost seamless flow into the garden. Throughout, the interiors reveal exceptional craftsmanship: custom storage solutions, a fireplace, curated textiles and furnishings in soft, harmonious tones, distinctive lighting, lush greenery, artwork, and striking wallpapers—every detail considered with care. The result is a home suffused with genuine ease. Living areas feature parquet flooring, while the foyer, kitchen, and adjoining utility spaces are finished with large-format grey tiles.

The wellness sanctuary—accessed directly from a hallway—stands out as a standout feature. Within its 130 m², the family finds everything they desire: an indoor pool that transforms into an open-air retreat when the glass wall slides open on fine days, plus a solarium and sauna. Comfortable loungers invite relaxation at every turn. The owners have embraced their new home wholeheartedly, expressing it simply: "Every day here feels like a holiday."

www.arzukartal.com

Photography:
Mirjam Fruscella

(Published in CUBE Hamburg 03|24)