Smart and Elegant Design: Forest House by Ofist

Project: Forest House
Designers: Ofist
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Year: 2020
Photography: Ali Bekman

Forest House by Ofist

Creating a balance between the surrounding nature and the bustling, busy urban lifestyle of the family, the Forest House was designed by Istanbul-based interior design studio Ofist using simple, familiar materials and careful execution.

One of the wooden houses in Kemer, Istanbul, the Forest House was heavily renovated, detached from its surroundings, and lost connection with the local environment. Ofist's involvement began at the start of the pandemic when clients had to move in very quickly—just one month. Naturally, Ofist's approach was to avoid excessive intervention in the infrastructure. Instead, focus was placed on smart details and personalization of the home for the new residents. The goal was to create a balance between the surrounding nature and the fast-paced urban lifestyle of the family.

As owners of one of Turkey's leading ready-to-wear businesses, the Yilmaz Family always follow the latest trends and have extensive knowledge about fabrics, colors, and textures. Having worked with them several times before, Ofist became accustomed to the colorful and exciting journey.

This time, emphasis was placed on warming up this over-designed, remote house and creating a connection with its surroundings while maintaining urban ties. To create a bond between the house and garden (and forest) and bring them closer together. In addition to existing whites and grays around the house, a more elegant palette of colors, textures, and furniture was chosen to create a refined feeling in the main living area, as well as a cozier and warmer atmosphere on the garden level.

Ofist's design approach, as they say, is again simple, clear, and practical. Smart ideas with good execution. As in the example of the fireplace intervention, white wood that harmonizes with the soul of the house is installed through a metal system suspended from the wooden ceiling and supporting the TV and shelving unit.

Simple and familiar materials, smart and elegant design, high quality, and careful execution. We can say that this description sums up Ofist's overall approach to design. Thoughtfully designed for the user, perfectly fitting like high fashion. Not only visually appealing but also functional and enjoyable.

-Project description and images provided by PRchitect