The Artful Retreat: A Journey Through Interior Design in Urla

Embracing Art and Nature in Design

In the house where the interior design project was undertaken by the RE Mimarlık team, the artworks—selected in line with the homeowners' long-standing relationship with art—play a defining role in shaping the identity of the space.

With its high quality of life, pleasant climate, and natural lifestyle advantages, Urla has become one of the most sought-after destinations in recent years—serving as a retreat for our clients, a family from Istanbul. Having completed their university education in İzmir, the homeowners explain that Urla’s proximity to the city center played a key role in their decision. Its easy access to Istanbul and Ankara via the nearby ring road, along with its vibrant gastronomy scene, also makes the location especially appealing.

The Urla house, designed by İzmir-based architecture studio Re Mimarlık, was planned to harmonize with the local atmosphere and natural texture of its surroundings throughout the seasons. The family's lifestyle habits were thoughtfully considered to ensure their comfort and enjoyment in the space. The main volume of the house, a singular mass, is divided into distinct zones. On one side of the living room lies a three-story storage area which maintains visual continuity through glass partitions, while the other side opens up into a double-height living space. This wing includes a master suite on the ground floor and a child’s bedroom above. The lowest level—the basement—houses the guest bedroom and technical rooms. The entrance façade is finished with textured concrete, and once infrastructure upgrades were completed, the decorative phase of the project began.

The living room of this five-bedroom home is divided into three separate zones. In the fireplace-centered seating area, pieces from the Roche Bobois Intermede collection—sofas and coffee tables—take center stage. A custom-designed bookshelf unit by the Re Mimarlık team provides a unique platform for displaying artworks, transforming the bookshelf into a gallery wall.

The home, deeply defined by the art it houses, takes shape around the homeowners’ guidance and existing collection. The selected pieces not only complement but also complete the ambiance of each space. The generous volumes within the home continue to evolve as the family adds new works acquired during their travels.

Reflecting on the project, the Re Mimarlık team notes that the most valuable outcome of their years-long architectural journey has been the opportunity to collaborate with clients who bring genuine inspiration into their lives.

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The Heart of the Home: Living Space

In the living room, the fireplace serves as a focal point. The white corner sofa, chaise longue, and coffee tables are by Roche Bobois. The Hippo Lounge Chair by Norr11 is sourced from Diseno. This space showcases works by notable artists like İrfan Önürmen, Ekrem Yalçındağ, Neşe Erdok, Mevlüt Akyıldız, Fikret Otyam, Ömer Uluç, and Orhan Peker.

The shelving unit in the living room was custom-designed by the Re Mimarlık team specifically for the project. Complementing the Roche Bobois sofa, pendant lights from the Gonzaga collection by Karman—sourced through Tepta Lighting—add to the room’s ambiance. Within the shelving unit, artworks by Canan Tolon, Uğur Güler, and Seçkin Pirim are beautifully displayed. The integration of art into functional furniture enhances the interaction between everyday use and artistic appreciation.

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A Sanctuary in Nature

Located in Kekliktepe, Urla, this holiday home has become a rejuvenating retreat for its Istanbul-based owners—thanks to its high-comfort design and the region’s rich connection to nature.

Production: Gökçe Burdurlu Cömert. Photography: Kıvanç Sönmez.

To ensure comfort throughout the day, outdoor seating areas have been thoughtfully placed around the garden in alignment with the sun’s path. The seating group and dining table are from the Palissade series by HAY, sourced from Diseno. An umbrella from Şemsiye Evi provides shade, enhancing the outdoor experience.

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Spaces Enriched by Art

The island kitchen on the entrance floor offers ease of use thanks to its generous square footage while also providing direct access to the dining table positioned just outside in the garden.

The entrance hall is illuminated by light-filtering translucent surfaces, creating a sense of openness. This inviting space features artworks by Kemal Seyhan, Banun Anka, Sedat Girgin, and Mithat Şen. The staircase seen in the hall leads to both the master suite and the guest rooms.

A separate stairwell near the entrance connects the garden level with the basement and upper floors, where additional works by İhsan Oturmak and Nejat Satı are displayed, further enriching the home's atmosphere.

The children's bedrooms were designed as mirrored counterparts. Challenges posed by the sloped roof on this level were overcome with custom-made furniture. The wooden pieces at the head of the beds were crafted by Ananas Woodworking, blending functionality with aesthetics.

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A Luxurious Retreat: The Master Suite

The master suite includes a walk-in closet and an elegant bathroom dominated by anthracite tones. A beautiful work by Fikret Otyam is displayed above the bed, adding an artistic touch to this luxurious space.

Aspects like this highlight the thoughtful integration of art in each part of the home, showcasing how personal style can be reflected through design choices. The blend of comfort, functionality, and artistic expression is a hallmark of the RE Mimarlık team's work.

In this sanctuary, the owners find solace. The art not only adorns the space but also tells a story that resonates with their experiences. This dwelling is more than a house; it is a home that nurtures creativity and connection.

In conclusion, this Urla residence stands as a testament to the beauty of personalized design. It captures the essence of a lifestyle intertwined with art, nature, and comfort. As the family continues to develop their collection, the space will surely evolve, nurturing new memories and experiences.

The journey of creating a home is deeply personal. It reflects the owners' identities and their inspirations. The Re Mimarlık team successfully captured this essence, resulting in a home that is not only visually stunning but also profoundly meaningful.