A Reimagined Contemporary Heritage Residence in the Swiss Fores

A REIMAGINED CONTEMPORARY HERITAGE RESIDENCE IN THE SWISS FORES VILLA ZOLYNO BY LIQUID DESIGN SOLUTIONS

“The overall project goal was to increase the luxury project value and create a contemporary, modern look that would appeal to potential buyers, whilst still being livable for the family.”

The Villa Zolyno project is located in the area of Swiss forest in Vilnius city regional park, located in Lithuania. The twenty five year old heritage residence spans over five hundred square metres and is steeped in cultural history. Liquid Design Solutions were required to revoke the dated look of the villa’s interior and instead, replace it with a design that was contemporary and modern. In order to do this, the team were asked to completely change the heating system, main windows, doors, flooring, lighting and furniture. The objective was to raise the interest of the residential property among the targeted audience of potential buyers, via creative design elements and contemporary design scheme.

It was essential that the design would accommodate the inherited family, as they still desired to live and enjoy the property for a few more years before they wanted to put the property on the market. The family understood that some personalised home decor solutions would have to be replaced. In addition, exterior work was already in progress to ensure the property would reach the maximum result of value upgrade.

The property was developed twenty five years ago when Lithuania became an independent country by an order of the German expat, who moved to the country with his family. The architectural project was initially ordered by the Polish embassy, but finally completed by the German owner. Following his passing, this old heritage villa was overtaken by his son and redesigned. The overall project goal was to increase the luxury project value and create a contemporary, modern look that would appeal to potential buyers, whilst still being livable for the family.

The Villa Zolyno project has seen Liquid Design Solutions shortlisted for three categories, Interior Design Scheme - Europe, Residential £2.5-5 Million (Property by Value) and Luxury Residence - Europe, in The International Design & Architecture Awards 2020. Speaking about the Awards, Simona Heinsohn, Principal of “Liquid Design Partners” studio/ Owner of the property company “Vilniaus turto valdymas, Ltd, commented “It is very important for the recognition of the design studio as well as for the property market. We believe it will help to sell the property for proper market value, so we are aiming to win an International Design & Architecture Award.”

Leading into the property, one is greeted by an extensive foyer and living room, which feature particularly high ceilings and represent the heart of this interior design project. Guests are greeted by the symmetrical style foyer wall, which is comprised of digital art pictures which illustrates tech and practical functionality.

The villa’s previous formal dining area has been transformed into an informal setting lounge, with a strike of colour contrast and art deco items. The room is decorated in a neutral grey colour scheme, offset by the distinct deep violet seating and warm yellow lighting which is surprising and beautiful. There are various different sizes of leisure seating to choose from in this space, manifesting the visual appeal of la dolce vita life making it suitable for cocktail evenings, or even serving as home working space. The result is an authentic atmosphere which visually exposes the elegant and trendy attraction.

In addition, the villa’s living space is situated to the left, which can be entered through the archway. The exquisite living space features a leather corner sofa, luxurious tencel carpet, panoramic windows which open out to a scenic view and make the design of the villa truly exclusive. Moreover, a key element of this room is the feature TV wall which is decorated with art wallpaper and acts as a background for a symmetrically built-in bookshelf with glass doors. There is also a fireplace incorporated into the space, which is finished with a black granite sheet to improve its previous shape. Despite the room being minimalistic in its presentation, emphasis is added through the large windows which look out towards a forest, allowing natural light to flow in and creating an atmosphere of minimalistic luxury and comfort.

Stepping through to the kitchen, it mirrors the grey and white decor which adorns the villa’s other rooms. The kitchen maintains the minimalist characteristics of the property and features a kitchen bench and luxury kitchen island, creating a private booth effect. All the built-in furniture was made by Lithuanian craftsman and was designed specifically for this project. In addition, the team wanted to ensure each area of the home was easily accessible, hence the stairs leading up to the room which highlight the distinct residential styles and ensures an organic flow.

The staircase leading to the second floor was created with a new structure and designed with a sculptural look and special detailing. Bright, natural and white materials were used for the finishing of the floor. The stairs were covered with natural black limestone and contrasting shiny tiles. To reinforce the design’s cohesive flow, the same natural black stone material was used later for the outdoor terrace and facade decor.

Liquid Design Solutions stated that the aim of the design was “to remodel the space functionally and to create a visual balance between straight and curved lines, as some of the architectural structures had to remain.” The Interior Design firm have done just that, with their redesign solutions making a huge difference to the overall feeling of each space within the property. The team have ensured that there is a cohesive flow throughout the property, incorporating archways to access social areas, such as the kitchen, living room, and the informal lounge, and ensuring each space feels open to the rest of the property.

Liquid Design Solutions have designed an interior that is sympathetic to the building’s history, whilst ensuring it has a refreshed and more contemporary feel for the inherited family who can enjoy the property before they put it on the market. The property is luxuriously understated inside, with its minimal decor and surprising pops of colour, it is sure to catch the eyes of many potential buyers. The Lithuanian Interior Design team began this extensive interior design renovation project in 2017 and completed it in 2019 after feeling that they had created the epitome of comfortable, luxury living in Villa Zolyno.