Kyano: A 1960s Athens Apartment Reimagined for Modern Living

In the heart of Athens, Greece, a modest 538-square-foot apartment, named Kyano, on the 6th floor of a 1960s building in the Pangrati neighborhood has undergone a complete transformation, blending contemporary design (and the color blue) with the charm of its historic surroundings. The renovation of this compact living space, designed by Space is around us, includes a generous 215-square-foot balcony, addressing the evolving needs of modern urban living while respecting the structure’s original character.

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, a blue island featuring a black cooktop and a yellow pot, a marble countertop, and minimalist decor.

The redesign focuses on redefining the apartment’s layout, which was originally sectioned into several smaller rooms to ensure privacy – a common design approach in the 1960s. This division, while practical at the time, proved inefficient for today’s lifestyle, especially in a small apartment where maximizing flexibility and openness is key. By rethinking the flow of the space, the renovation brings a fresh, open-plan concept that fosters a sense of connection between the kitchen, dining, and living areas.

A person in motion stands in a modern kitchen with white cabinets, blue accents, and a yellow pot on the stove.

The kitchen and dining area form the core of the new layout, replacing a previously oversized storage room. Here, the boundaries between cooking, eating, and lounging dissolve, creating a multi-purpose living space that reflects the owner’s love for cooking and entertaining. A custom-made sofa anchors this area, serving both as a statement piece and a functional divider between the dining and living zones.

Modern kitchen and living area with a blue and white color scheme, featuring a blue marble dining table, blue cabinetry, built-in appliances, and a beige sofa with a glass block wall.

One of the most notable changes is the repositioning of the apartment’s entrance. The new entryway functions as a welcoming threshold, subtly separating the outside world from the interior of the home. The space, previously occupied by the kitchen, now serves as a multifunctional zone with storage, a seating area, and even a laundry space tucked away discreetly. This thoughtful use of space exemplifies the design’s attention to functionality, even in the smallest details.

Modern living room with a minimalist design features a beige sofa, flat-screen TV, blue pendant light, glass block wall, and large sliding glass doors with sheer curtains.

Solid blue kitchen cabinet with integrated oven and drawers, adjacent to a wall of glass blocks.

The vibrant blue theme, which defines the project’s identity – aptly named “Kyano” after the Greek word for blue – draws from the intense colors of the apartment’s original decor. The blue hue flows through the space, uniting the kitchen, bathroom, and other key areas, while minimizing visual clutter. In the bathroom, glass blocks in the shower area pull natural light from the living room, enhancing the apartment’s sense of openness.

Modern living room with blue and white decor, a gray sofa, a person in motion, a blue pendant light, and glass block wall. Minimalist kitchen in the background.

Modern living room with a blue accent wall, a sleek pendant light, and a minimalist gray sofa. A glass block partition and a small table with a plant and decor complete the scene.

A key inspiration for the renovation came from the nearby Kallimarmaro Stadium, a symbol of the area’s historical and cultural heritage. This influence is reflected in the choice of materials throughout the apartment, with white Dionysos marble and lacquered wood featured prominently in the kitchen, while custom-made stainless steel furniture complements the raw concrete structure of the building.

Modern living room with a gray sofa facing a wall-mounted TV. A blue pendant light hangs above, and large windows provide natural light. Minimalist decor includes a small table with a vase.

A person in a white robe relaxes on a balcony chair, basking in the sun. The room has a sofa, a small table with decor, and a TV. A window shows an urban view with buildings and antennas.

A minimalist bedroom with a neatly made bed with gray and white bedding, two bedside tables, hanging pendant lights, and an open book on the right side of the bed.

Minimalist white bedroom with a bed, pillows, and a bedside table. Closed wardrobe doors and an open door with glass block walls are visible.

Modern bathroom with a gray concrete sink, wall-mounted faucets, and a large mirror. Blue tiles and a white towel hang in the background. A single flower in a vase is on the counter.

Two white towels hang on a wall next to dark teal tiles and glass blocks. Nearby, two bottles are placed on a shelf.

A minimalist alcove with a white coat hanging on hooks, surrounded by light-colored walls and ceiling, featuring a raw concrete beam above.

A rooftop balcony with a blue table and chair set, potted plants, and city views under a clear sky.

The outdoor space, nearly half the size of the apartment itself, has been transformed into an extension of the living area, complete with an urban garden and a water feature. The enlarged opening from the sitting area to the balcony not only connects the interior and exterior spaces but also frames views of Athens’ Hymettus and Lycabettus mountains.

Modern balcony with a blue sectional sofa, round wooden table holding mugs, potted plants, and a view of city buildings and mountains in the background.