‘Ochra’ is a thoughtful, budget-conscious renovation project in Athens by Space is around us

Situated on the 4th floor of a 1970s apartment building in the vibrant and youthful neighborhood of Pangrati, this renovation highlights the potential for originality and authenticity, even on a modest budget. The 70 sqm space was reconfigured to create a functional connection between the kitchen, dining, living room, and office. A wall between the kitchen and dining area was replaced with a pass-through, improving the flow and natural light into the kitchen. The apartment’s name is inspired by the yellowish hue of Ioannina marble, which was preserved and restored throughout the space, particularly on the floors of the kitchen, hallway, and balcony. The design’s color palette was built around this marble, pairing it with complementary green and brick-red tones. In the kitchen, green cabinetry was matched with wall paint to keep costs low, while the countertop was finished with small-format tiles that harmonized with the marble. The same tiles were used to cover the base of the central exposed concrete column, helping to visually unify the open-plan layout. The bedrooms feature custom multifunctional furniture in place of traditional wardrobes. In one room, a long wardrobe was replaced with a recessed desk and mirror, while in the second, an open storage unit served as both a nightstand and a clothing rack. The original parquet floors were preserved in the bedrooms, while the living room was given new wooden flooring. Large windows were unified with curtains for both privacy and visual consistency. ‘Ochra’ is a good example of how small, thoughtful interventions can radically transform a space.