The historic port city of Thessaloniki makes an ideal refuge for relaxation and renewal, and it is here that the striking Luscious Apartment can be found. Created by the design team at Urban Soul Project for a family who use the flat as a secondary, occasional home, the apartment embraces an adventurous, playful interior. With bold, confident choices and a clear nod to mid-century style, brilliant blocks of color take center stage throughout the space.
Entering the apartment feels like stepping into a colorful, optimistic world where references to the 1960s and 1970s are reinterpreted for contemporary living. Large swathes of deep green and cheerful pink set lively backdrops, while golden yellow accents add warmth and joy. These strong colors are balanced by neutral areas finished in soft gray and crisp white that prevent the palette from becoming overwhelming and give the eye places to rest.
One of the apartment’s most distinctive features is a series of graceful metal arches that punctuate rooms and circulation areas, introducing sculptural rhythm and a subtle sense of enclosure. Opposite these curves, entire walls of custom wooden cabinetry provide generous storage and create a dramatic, textural backdrop. The combination of shaped metalwork and warm timber gives the interior both personality and practicality.
The plan is thoughtfully arranged for a family that spends much of their time away: a compact, highly efficient kitchen, long corridors that lead to private bedrooms and bathrooms, and an open lounge-dining area for convivial gatherings. The lounge strikes a relaxed, holiday-like tone with simple, comfortable seating in neutral tones so the vibrant surrounding colors remain the focal point.
Color is deployed with intentional contrast: dark green and bright yellow form bold backdrops in places, while measured doses of black—lighting fixtures, small accents—anchor the palette and introduce modern contrast. The kitchen is a standout, combining a pink tiled backsplash with warm wooden cabinets and a flexible island that supports both food preparation and casual dining.
Bedrooms are deliberately calmer, often finished in light gray and white with minimal detailing to promote rest. Bathrooms adopt the same approach to color as the rest of the home: compact and modern, they use pink tiles and touches of dark green to maintain coherence with the overall scheme while remaining functional and contemporary.
Lighting and finishes are chosen to reinforce the apartment’s blend of retro inspiration and contemporary clarity. A black pendant light adds a touch of modernity and contrast, while varied finishes—matt paint, warm timber grain, tiled surfaces—create a layered, tactile environment that rewards close inspection.
Overall, the Luscious Apartment is a carefully balanced study in color, form and storage. It celebrates the warmth and optimism of mid-century influences while meeting contemporary needs for efficiency and comfort—an inviting, joyful retreat tucked into one of Greece’s most atmospheric cities.
Photography: Kimberley Powell