Nestled in the quiet suburbs of Tuzla, Istanbul, Tepeören House is a retreat where a dynamic couple—an academic and a computer engineer—embrace the comforts of home while fully engaging in their professional lives, often remotely. Originally designed as part of a "Country House" concept, the residence sits within a housing complex that still preserves its rustic charm due to strict exterior regulations. As such, the facade remains an homage to traditional countryside aesthetics, blending harmoniously with its surroundings.
However, the story inside is entirely different. Faced with the evolving demands of remote work, online education, and the desire for a more functional living environment, the homeowners sought a complete interior transformation. Their vision for this renovation was driven by a quest for simplicity, functionality, and a clutter-free lifestyle—an approach deeply rooted in modernist and minimalist design philosophies.
The design response was to open up spaces, creating an airy, expansive feel that encourages freedom of movement and clarity of thought. The interior palette—dominated by soft, pastel tones—elevates this sense of openness while also lending a serene and calming atmosphere to the home. Each space was thoughtfully curated with the couple’s individual needs in mind. Personal areas are distinguished through subtle variations in color and texture, providing a unique sense of ownership for each family member without breaking the home’s cohesive visual narrative.
One of the standout features of the renovation is the careful consideration given to storage solutions. Often, in modern living, the tension between the need for storage and the desire for minimalism creates design challenges. Here, however, the solution was seamless: storage areas such as closets and cabinets are cleverly concealed behind elegant, unadorned surfaces, camouflaging their volume and preserving the home’s streamlined aesthetic. This hidden storage approach not only maximizes functionality but also ensures that the minimalist vision remains uncompromised.
The living spaces, particularly the dining room and living room, were transformed into a fluid continuum by eliminating unnecessary partition walls. This open-plan concept allows natural light to flood the interior, enhancing the sense of space and creating a seamless transition between areas for dining, relaxation, and socializing. The result is a multi-functional space that adapts effortlessly to the homeowners' day-to-day activities, whether hosting intimate gatherings or enjoying quiet moments of respite.
One cannot overlook the architectural charm of the house's sloped roof, which provides a striking volume to the upper level. The renovation embraced this feature, accentuating the verticality of the space in the bedrooms and creating an elevated, airy ambiance. The pitched ceilings, paired with minimalist furnishings and a neutral color palette, give the bedrooms a serene, loft-like quality—ideal for winding down after a productive day.
By combining modernist rigor with a sense of warmth and practicality, the Tepeören House renovation achieves a balance that many aspire to but few fully realize. It is a home that caters to both the practical needs of daily life and the aesthetic desires for simplicity and tranquility, making it not just a space to live, but a space to thrive.