Bauhaus Brilliance: Stunning Budapest Apartment Merges Modern Style with Historical Nod

Nestled in a 1930s Bauhaus-style villa in Budapest, a 970-square-foot apartment has been expertly redesigned by interior designer Sarolta Huttl as a tribute to her family’s history. Originally part of a larger property, the space has been converted into a bright, modern residence for Huttl and her family of three, expertly marrying historical appreciation with modern living requirements.

The renovation kicked off with the building’s facade. The exterior, originally built in 1932, underwent a detailed restoration to preserve the architectural essence of the period villa. This philosophy of honoring the past while embracing modernity carried into the interior design, where Huttl, alongside her partner, film director Luka Kostil, drew inspiration from Bauhaus design principles tailored to contemporary lifestyles. Their vision was to craft a dwelling that felt historically grounded yet vibrant and contemporary, achieving a balance where aesthetic appeal meets practicality without seeming austere.

The apartment now boasts a cohesive layout, with its rooms seamlessly interconnected. The combined kitchen, dining, and living space stands as the core of the home, fostering family interaction and togetherness. A standout feature in the primary bedroom is a large, restored original window that bathes the space in natural light, which is cleverly diffused into the kitchen through an internal glass panel set within a bespoke wall-to-wall wardrobe. This setup not only maximizes light but also creates a glowing effect in the evening, adding a cozy, intimate vibe to the apartment.

In the kitchen, the decor sets a lively tone for the living area with teal green base cabinets and sharp white square tiles that extend up to the ceiling. The dining area features muted reddish-pink chairs around a rectangular &Tradition table, accented by a single sunny yellow chair at the head. Above, four mirror-backed yellow shelves showcase a colorful collection of vintage Hungarian glass and porcelain, injecting cheerful hues against the clean white walls.

The flooring of locally sourced hardwood parquet adds a timeless warmth to the overall ambiance, complemented by handcrafted cement tiles and marble elements that introduce a subtle textural contrast. The cabinetry, made from Valchromat—an environmentally friendly, vibrantly colored MDF alternative—brings a playful vibrancy to the minimalist decor, proving that modern design can embrace bold colors.

In the living area, the color scheme continues with a Marset Dipping Light and an ABRA rug in rustic hues, anchored by a dark navy Mags Sofa by HAY. A walnut Eames Turned Stool for Vitra provides additional seating and enhances the space’s warmth.

This project holds a special place in Huttl’s heart. Influenced by her grandparents’ summer home, characterized by its striking metal-framed glass facades, and her grandmother’s expertise in Bauhaus as an architectural historian, Huttl developed a deep respect and passion for the Bauhaus movement. This apartment is a celebration of those influences, blending them elegantly. It stands not only as a homage but also as a living embodiment of Bauhaus ideals, integrating them into the fabric of everyday life in a manner that is both heartfelt and joyous.