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A Prague Rooftop Apartment Inspired by the City’s Skyline

ByMyProperty Life

In the heart of Prague, where historic facades tell tales of centuries past, a unique rooftop apartment has emerged as a modern ode to the city’s layered history. Conceived by the team at OBLIQO, this 1,808-square-foot home blends classical elegance and contemporary functionality, nestled atop a building dating back to 1893.

A modern kitchen with dark cabinetry, wood flooring, and a person holding a knife partially visible through an open doorway.

This project began with an evocative question posed by its new occupants, a couple transitioning into retirement: how can a home embody the emotions and memories of a lifetime, while embracing the future? Their answer lies in a space that masterfully intertwines the grandeur of Prague’s architectural heritage with sleek modernity and artisanal touches.

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Minimalist kitchen with dark cabinets, a matte black wall, and two ceramic bottles on the counter.

A person ascends a staircase in a modern, minimalist home interior with stylish lighting and decor.

Upon entering, the apartment’s design welcomes visitors into a light-filled, open-concept living area. Here, the entryway effortlessly transitions into dining and lounging spaces, underscoring a sense of expansiveness and unity. Anchoring the aesthetic are works by Alina Shupikov, whose textured pieces incorporate soil and sand from places significant to the homeowners – a poignant reminder of their shared journey.

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Modern interior with a staircase, dark decorative table items, and hanging glass pendant lights.

Minimalist interior with a gray staircase, herringbone wooden floor, white walls, and a textured metallic panel on one side.

The kitchen occupies a central position in both layout and narrative. Its stone countertops and oxidized steel panels create a striking dialogue between old-world charm and cutting-edge design. Functionality remains paramount, with a concealed butler’s pantry offering additional practicality. From this nucleus, a staircase ascends to the rooftop terrace, an outdoor haven complete with bespoke furniture and a customized kitchen – ideal for hosting gatherings for family and friends.

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A modern open-plan living space with a dining table, blue chairs, a kitchen area, and a cozy seating area. Large windows and skylights provide natural light.

Modern living room with a plush white chair, wooden round table with books, and a dining area featuring blue chairs and pendant lights. Brown cabinets are seen in the background.

Throughout the home, an eclectic yet cohesive palette of materials tells a story of time’s passage. Oxidized steel and stone juxtapose with ceramic tiles that echo traditional stoves, while local artisans from TON and Javorina contributed wooden elements like chairs, tables, and the primary bed. These collaborations underscore the apartment’s deep connection to its cultural and geographical context.

Modern living room with dark wall, wall-mounted TV, minimalist fireplace, black cabinetry, and wood flooring. Stairs in the background; round coffee table with books and black bowl.

A hallway with wooden herringbone flooring, metal panel walls on the left, and abstract art on the far wall above a bench.

Modern bathroom with two oval mirrors, two sleek sinks, and black fixtures against a dark, textured tile wall. Two pendant lights hang between the mirrors.

The apartment’s private quarters are a study in serenity, where soft gradients of color contrast with clean, white surfaces to evoke calm. A walk-in closet connects to the primary bedroom, which features a custom-designed jewelry cabinet crafted with painted veneer. Beyond, two bathrooms and a multifunctional home studio – designed for both jewelry-making and as a guest room – illustrate the thoughtful versatility of the space.

A neatly made bed with a dark headboard against a textured wall. Circular lights are mounted above the headboard, and a blue blanket covers the bed.

Minimalist bedroom with a dark tiled wall, a black nightstand holding a plant, and a neatly made bed. Light wood herringbone floor and white curtain on the left.

Minimalist room with light wood herringbone floor, a blue chair near a white wall with black handles, and a blue side cabinet.

Minimalist bedroom with a double bed, white bedding, and teal accent wall. Flanked by white built-in cupboards, the headboard is dark green, and two wall lights are above it.

Minimalist workspace with a black desk, light blue chair, white lamp, and large windows. Books and a plant rest on the desk beside a tablet and smartphone.

A rooftop terrace with a white sectional sofa, a round fire pit, two glasses on a table, a potted plant, and a dining set in the background. Rooftops and spires are visible beyond the railing.

Rooftop terrace with beige and green cushioned seating, a modern lantern, and a view of city rooftops and a tower in the distance.

A minimalist kitchen with green cabinets, a sink, two glasses on a shelf, and oranges. A towel hangs on the door, and two lanterns are placed on the floor.

To see more work by OBLIQO, visit obliqo.cz.

Photography by Václav Beran.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.

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