Some homes begin with drawings. Others begin with conversations. This Limassol penthouse belongs firmly in the latter category — a project that unfolded slowly, shaped by time, trust and an attentive reading of how a family truly lives.
The clients were known to the designer long before the project officially began, through shared friends and casual encounters, with no expectations attached. When they first met to discuss a potential penthouse in central Limassol, it was little more than a sketch-meeting — a conversation around references, working styles and possible directions. At the time, the developer had an in-house designer, and the collaboration was paused. As the designer reflects, some projects simply “need time to mature”.
Six months later, the clients returned — this time with clarity, readiness and trust. Joining the project during the construction phase allowed the interior to be shaped not around a formula, but around the family’s real rhythms. Located in the heart of Limassol, the penthouse enjoys a rare duality: the convenience of city life below, and expansive rooftop views above — sea and skyline on one side, mountains on the other. This contrast became foundational to the home’s atmosphere.
Working alongside a large development company brought both opportunity and complexity. While the developer offered a wide range of finishes, every decision required careful negotiation. Yet this stage also made it possible to rethink the layout meaningfully. A sauna was added to the roof, technical provisions were made for a built-in grill, and the terrace evolved into a true extension of the home — conceived for hosting, movement and long evenings spent together.
Within a compact footprint, the rooftop now accommodates an outdoor kitchen with island, dining and lounge areas, a pool, a waterside relaxation zone and a full bathroom. Materials were chosen with the Cypriot climate firmly in mind: practical grey-beige tones that cope well with dust, paired with teak outdoor furniture from Indonesia that settles naturally into its surroundings.
At the heart of the project is an energetic family with two young daughters, always in motion. Their initial brief was simple: “We want everything light, and no colour.” But as conversations deepened, a different narrative emerged. When asked to gather images they were instinctively drawn to, white interiors were notably absent. Instead, there was wood, stone, depth — and the sea. Yachting, regattas, wind and water surfaced repeatedly. Colour, it became clear, was already part of their lives; it simply needed to be invited in.
Blue entered first, quietly and almost imperceptibly. Over time, the design moved away from sterile white towards dark wood in the kitchen and black stone surfaces. Flooded with daylight thanks to its south-facing orientation, the kitchen–living area easily carried richer materials, which added warmth and balance rather than weight. High ceilings preserved a sense of airiness, while integrated technical solutions — including an extractor built directly into the cooktop — kept the lines clean and uncluttered.
Certain elements were non-negotiable: a fireplace, a large television and a piano played by the daughters. The TV and fireplace wall demanded millimetre-perfect planning, accounting for every technical requirement. The result is a space that allows togetherness without friction — where each family member can share the room while moving at their own pace. Wood takes on a sculptural role here, with volumetric panels replacing traditional slats to add texture and depth. Furniture was sourced from Greek brands, while natural wood-and-stone coffee tables were brought in from Spain. Lighting unfolds in scenarios — ambient, accent and technical — designed not merely to illuminate, but to accompany daily life.
A sculptural wood-clad fireplace wall anchors family life, designed for music, movement and shared moments
One of the children’s rooms became a particularly honest expression of personality. The accent wallpaper was chosen by the child herself, without guidance, allowing intuition rather than design theory to lead — a moment of genuine authorship within the home.
In the main bedroom, the language of wood and natural tones continues, creating a space for privacy and recovery. Lighting is layered with intention: headboard illumination, curtain lighting, pendants, reading lights and a central ceiling scheme all contribute to a calm, restorative atmosphere. All furniture — from bedside tables to wardrobes — was custom-made, as were the kitchen units. The bed, like much of the home’s core furniture, comes from a Greek brand.
The sea finds its most expressive moment in the main bathroom. A chance encounter with a blue porcelain stoneware slab sparked the direction. Where the developer’s plan proposed a solid shower wall, the designer suggested glass instead, allowing the space to breathe. With 3.2-metre ceilings and uninterrupted sightlines, the bathroom feels light, expansive and quietly dramatic.
Ultimately, this penthouse was not built from a catalogue of solutions, but from observation, dialogue and mutual trust. Lively yet minimalist, dynamic yet calm, it mirrors the family it was designed for. As the designer reflects, it is one of those rare projects where the lasting feeling is not exhaustion, but a sense of rightness — and quiet satisfaction in a home that truly fits the lives within it.
Credits
Designer: Alesya Seydak
Photographer: Ilia Tyryshkin
Stylist: Diana Mukhtarova
PR agency: IFB, @ifb.agency
