A Bosphorus Home Redefined Through Quiet, Timeless Luxury

Overlooking the legendary Bosphorus, this Istanbul home has been reborn as a refined expression of quiet luxury — a residence where texture, light and intentional living take precedence over excess. Led by architect and founder Ayşe Kubilay, Istanbul-based studio Ayşe Kubilay Architecture approached the project as a deeply personal transformation, reworking a 1990s structure into a timeless contemporary home inspired by the spirit of the historic yalı.

The homeowners had previously collaborated with the firm on a hotel project, but this residence required a very different sensibility. Designed as a full-time, year-round family home, the focus shifted from hospitality to comfort, flow and emotional connection — creating spaces meant to be lived in, not merely admired.

Situated on a hill with sweeping views of the Bosphorus, the design draws strength from its extraordinary setting. The architectural concept is shaped by what Ayşe Kubilay describes as “the poetic balance between the Bosphorus’s untamed nature and the refined rhythm of urban life.” Changing light conditions, the dialogue between sea and greenery, and the layered history of Istanbul became guiding forces in shaping a home rooted in sustainable elegance.

The renovation was both intensive and liberating. “The most demanding part of the project was stripping the house back to its bones — keeping only the columns, beams, and main structural frame,” Ayşe Kubilay says. What could have been a limitation became an opportunity for complete spatial reinvention. “Reimagining the plan was like choreographing movement; every step and transition had to feel effortless.”

That choreography is evident throughout the home’s three levels, which span approximately 1 000 square metres. The entry floor is dedicated to invitation spaces, with formal living and dining areas opening directly onto uninterrupted sea views. The living room unfolds in two distinct zones — one centred around a fireplace, the other designed for television — while the wood-clad dining room connects discreetly to the kitchen through a hidden passageway, allowing for seamless hosting during large gatherings.

Daily family life unfolds on the lower level, where a relaxed living room opens onto a vast garden and infinity pool overlooking the Bosphorus. A few steps above, a marble-clad bar takes advantage of the site’s changing levels. “Due to the difference in floor levels, the area a few steps above the living room has been designed as a stylish bar clad in marble,” Ayşe Kubilay explains. This floor also accommodates a guest suite, gym and cinema room, blending leisure with practicality.

Private quarters occupy the upper floor, where bedrooms are designed for calm and retreat. The main suite commands panoramic Bosphorus views and includes a dressing room, bathroom, relaxation areas and a private terrace — offering a sense of sanctuary above the city’s constant motion.

Materiality and tone underpin the home’s quiet sophistication. According to Ayşe Kubilay, the palette embraces “timeless sophistication,” built from soft neutrals and gentle shades of light that allow the surroundings to take centre stage. Sustainably sourced wood, marble and natural stone introduce warmth and tactile depth, while bespoke furniture and iconic design pieces add contrast and character without disrupting the calm.

Light is treated as a design partner, amplifying textures and enhancing the natural finishes throughout the day. The result is a home that feels both grounded and fluid — contemporary yet deeply connected to place.

“Our aim was not merely to create a serene atmosphere, but a space that feels lived in — where the traces of touch, memory, and craftsmanship can be felt in every corner,” Ayşe Kubilay says. “This home bridges past and present, city and nature, structure and soul — offering a serene sense of belonging along the shores of the Bosphorus.”

In its restraint and richness, this Istanbul residence captures the essence of quiet luxury — an architectural escape where history, landscape and modern life flow together with effortless grace.

Credits

Interior design: Ayşe Kubilay Architecture, Instagram: @aysekubilayarchitecture

Photography: İbrahim Ozbunar / 645 Studio, Instagram: @ibrahimozbunar