Athens Comic Book Flat signals space use with color

To create space in a 80m2 flat for a growing family, John Karahalios erased conventional distinctions like floor/ceiling/wall and created vertical divisions between rooms using only color. With their 2D monochrome, the bright-blue kitchen and an all-red foyer appear painted into a comic book setting, while the birch-encapsulated dining room seems to float like a wooden boat.

When Lena’s parents gifted the couple half their apartment (her parents still live next door), they sought help from Karahalios to create something modern that would fit them and their two children comfortably. Using radical hues to divide the open living section into 2D-feeling subspaces, Karahalios continued his “graphic drawing” in the private area: a chalkboard-paint black box unifies the sleeping section of the home, housing the bathroom and closets for both children, while serving as dynamic mural space.

[TamaraJoy]

“Nothing is more than what is needed”. Bravo! This is design excellence in every way. I do love using colour to designate different areas. There are many fantastic small space ideas. I could happily live here.

[BradThePitts]

These are the most honest, and un-pretentious home tours on YouTube!

[RamblinAround]

I think it's an impressive design. I do believe the master bedroom could use a bit of style though. It just seems like it was left out of the renovation.

[-xx]

This was very interesting. Always
enjoy seeing what people create
in small spaces. Charming family.
Thanks Kirsten.

[TrindyForce]

I love how far the concept is taken. Each detail is realized as if it were the most important detail, and everything has been considered. Very fascinating to see the way European architecture and interior design moves into the future while occupying the space of centuries worth of decisions that cannot easily be undone.

[betsyolsson-mackowski]

I love the concept and it is a very effective and beautiful use of color. I especially love the contrast of the warm and bright dinning area with the darker, more dramatically colored kitchen. Beautiful!

[TheWhoreculture]

I LOVE Greece & Athens; I've designed multiple houses apartments there; am always fascinated by others solutions to similar problems, this is a triumph. Thank you for another gem: wishing you&yours a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR, enjoy👋🌟✌

[justinhpaccha]

This apartment seems to look amazing based off the thumbnail! And thank you for giving us this amazing content Kristen!

[ricromrec]

Great camerawork. Wonderfully realized renovation. Kinda wanted to see a floor plan on this one.

[tangocash]

Here in Southern Europe we prefer to have parents as close as possible. At certain point of life we do not need them and they do not need us but as soon as we get our own kids we need them and they like to be around grandkids. Later they need us and we become their caretakers ... This could be strange for Americans or Northern Europeans but I like our ways.

[alindasue]

Nice use of space. Designating rooms by color allows the public areas to be open without feeling tunnel like. I like the appliances in the cupboard solution in the kitchen.

[DrAdnan]

It has a cool futuristic minimalist vibe

[NLADIES]

I wish my home looked like that. Kudos to the architect.

[deniseokanlawon]

This apartment is absolutely gorgeous, and so cleverly done.

[panayiotiskarahalios]

The owner of the apartment told me that his wife, his kids and himself are enjoying it, and loving it.
Visitors admire it.

[victorylee]

Very nice, i like the seamless and clean lines, and the lighting makes a big difference !

[Thenuma]

These little episodes are completely addictive! To see the way different people use space and storage in unique ways and the way that they interpret their own space is very interesting.

[menpee]

It feels like those IKEA showrooms where I was able to follow a route through the whole structure.

[liszaf]

I live in Greece and it's refreshing to see design in a small space, something we do not see often, thank's for sharing! Let's hope it catches on!

[wwiinnggnnuutt]

I love your channel. All the amazing locations, and ideas people have for housing and space issues. Thank you.