Vintage Remix

An Innovative Interior Design by Julian Piperov

The Vintage Remix design, created by renowned designer Julian Piperov, is a testament to the current progressive trends of upcycling and reusing old furniture in a contemporary setting. This interior project for a new 130 m2 apartment showcases the perfect blend of vintage charm and modern aesthetics.

The centerpiece of the design is the acquisition of two vintage French cabinets from an antiquity store. These cabinets are strategically placed in the living/dining area, creating a captivating contrast with two custom-made sculptural steel pieces - a bar/screen and a bookshelf. The juxtaposition of warm aged wood with intricate intarsia and the industrial feel of the dark steel structures adds a refreshing tension between old and new.

The custom pieces, the Harmonica Bar and Overhang, and the Harmonica Shelving Unit, are produced using advanced technology. The 3 mm laser-cut steel plates are folded in a steel workshop and assembled on-site. The shelves for the Harmonica Shelving Unit are made of 16 mm MDF with stained oak veneer, cantilevered from the steel structure by gravity alone.

The Harmonica Bar and Overhang serve as the heart of the kitchen and a focal point of the entry zone. The graphite silhouette of the bar is reflected in the mirrored back of the tall glazed cabinet, creating a visually stunning effect. The structure also acts as a screen, separating the living area from the access to the master bedroom and the concealed doors of the master bathroom and powder room. The inhabitants of the apartment constantly experience the porous sculptural volume of the bar in their daily routine.

The Vintage Remix design project was executed in Sofia, Bulgaria, between 2017 and 2018. Throughout the process, the design team faced challenges in creating a working prototype and finding the right producer for the custom steel structures. The limited length of the perforated steel bands that could be machine folded also influenced the overall dimensions of the final product.

This innovative design has received recognition in the form of the Iron A' Design Award in 2022. The Vintage Remix design was awarded for its well-designed, practical, and innovative approach, meeting professional and industrial requirements. It integrates industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, contributing to a better world.

Photos: Alexandra Doleva