Retro Palais

Hobby House for Yasmin Aryas Interiors

Rooted in a historic building in Istanbul, this design takes inspiration from the commanding presence of a magnolia tree at its center. It blends traditional architectural forms with modern lines, creating a refined and nostalgic atmosphere. A natural palette of walnut, oak, black, and white anchors the space, while green, burgundy, and cream add a retro warmth. With materials like wood, marble, and iron, a calm, balanced aesthetic emerges. High ceilings and contextual sensitivity help the project seamlessly connect past and present.

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Retro Palais by Yasmin Aryas

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Hobby House by Yasmin Aryas

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Yasmin Aryas Retro Palais

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Yasmin Aryas Hobby House

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Yasmin Aryas Designer Portrait Photo

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Retro Palais Hobby House Press Releases

Press releases for Retro Palais are now accessible in these languages: English.

Unique Properties

This design represents a magnificent connection between the past and the present, creating a spiritual atmosphere within a historical building located in the heart of old Istanbul. Between 1890 and 1960, this prestigious and valuable neighborhood was home to significant landmarks, including embassies, the Venetian Palace, and the French Palace. Today, it continues to house a consulate general. Originally built as an Italian hotel, this building has been meticulously renovated and transformed into a contemporary residence, preserving its rich history while embracing modern living.

Tags

Hobby house, Retro details, Eclectic decoration, Romantic atmosphere, Modern lines, Functional living space

Production Technology

The design of the house emphasizes natural, clean lines, with timeless colors such as walnut, oak, white, and black forming the main palette. To evoke a retro atmosphere, accents of green, burgundy, cream tones, and cubic patterns were incorporated into the accessories, textiles, and wallpapers. The blend of materials like wood, lacquer, marble, and iron creates a cohesive and harmonious aesthetic. To bring natural light into the house, glass partitions were used in certain areas. In the kitchen, which is not very large, white cabinets were chosen to enhance the sense of space and brightness. To complement the black-framed doors and black marble borders on the floor, a black countertop was selected. The architecture of the master bedroom on the upper floor promotes tranquility with light earth tones, white lacquer, and oak as the dominant materials, while colorful cushions infuse the room with energy. The master bathroom, with its breathtaking view of the magnolia tree seen from all the windows, integrates the beauty of nature with a romantic and organic design, using a soothing palette of green and beige tones.

Design Challenge

As the house is a historical building, obtaining permits for the project took a considerable amount of time. During the implementation phase, the pandemic caused frequent interruptions, resulting in delays to the project timeline. However, thanks to its prime location and courtyard, the house possessed a unique charm that evoked the feeling of being in Italy. By preserving this characteristic feature, an effort was made to blend the old with the modern.

Project Duration

The project, located in the Tomtom neighborhood of Beyoglu, Istanbul, was initiated in 2020 and completed in 2024.

Operation Flow

Designed with careful consideration of ceiling heights and location, this home seamlessly blends modern and retro elements in a harmonious eclectic style. From the very entrance, the homeowners’ art collection reflecting their passion for various artistic disciplines defines the character of the space. During the design process, the placement of these pieces was meticulously planned, and the surrounding materials and colors were carefully chosen to enhance their presence. One of the most captivating features of the house is the courtyard, where a magnificent magnolia tree and a lush garden greet you as you step out from the living area. The historic and romantic ambiance of this space is balanced with modern lines, warm walnut-paneled walls, retro hues, and minimalist design elements, creating a sophisticated and timeless living environment.

Research

This qualitative research explored how a historical building can meet modern living needs while preserving spatial identity. Using plan analysis, material selection, and user interviews, it found that blending historical texture with modern lines creates spaces that are both functionally efficient and emotionally engaging.

Inspiration

The primary inspiration for this project stems from the magnificent courtyard at the heart of the building, which evokes the timeless charm of Italy. The focal point of this serene space is a grand magnolia tree, its presence deeply influencing the design. The tree's elegance and enduring beauty became the cornerstone around which the entire concept was crafted. This project involved the creative fusion of two separate stages, seamlessly blending the spirit of the past with contemporary, modern design elements. The aim of the project was to maintain the historical essence while introducing the clean lines, open spaces, and innovative features that define modern living. By drawing from traditional architectural forms and combining them with today’s design trends, the project encapsulates a harmonious balance of nostalgia and forward-thinking style. The courtyard and the magnolia tree serve not only as visual anchors but as a source of tranquility and inspiration, enriching the space with natural beauty and timeless appeal. The design is meant to create an atmosphere that transports its occupants to a place of relaxation and connection to nature, while still embracing the comforts and sophistication of modern life.

Project Overview

Retro Palais Hobby House has been a Silver winner in the Interior Space and Exhibition Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Silver A' Design Award celebrates top-tier designs that embody excellence and innovation. This award acknowledges creations that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, reflecting the designer's deep understanding and skill. Silver A' Design Award recipients are recognized for their contribution to raising industry standards and advancing the practice of design. Their work often incorporates original innovations and elicits a strong emotional response, making a notable impact on the improvement of everyday life.

Image Credits

For design images and photos please credit Yasmin Aryas.

Silver Recognition

Yasmin Aryas was recognized with the coveted Silver A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Retro Palais Hobby House.

Yasmin Aryas Press Releases

Attention press members and journalists: We offer a collection of press releases on Yasmin Aryas and their notable work, available for your unrestricted use. Available now: 1 press releases ready for immediate access by journalists.

Yasmin Aryas' Retro Palais Wins Silver at 2025 A' Design Awards for Harmonious Blend of History and Modernity

Yasmin Aryas' Retro Palais, a meticulously renovated historical residence in Istanbul's Tomtom neighborhood, has been honored with the Silver A' Design Award 2025 for its exceptional fusion of Italian-inspired nostalgia, modern sophistication, and functional living, completed after four years of creative transformation.

Yasmin Aryas Newsroom

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