This Remodeled Home Stuns With the Most Incredible Shapes and Colors We've Seen
Adrienne Breaux
·14 min read
Designer Fitore Syla and her partner, Arianit Fazliu, renovated this apartment, and share it with their son, Ben. "Arianit and I share the same love for colors and new ideas in our home. He fully trusted me to bring our home to life with joy and coziness," she explains. "This shared passion for design and architecture enriches our conversations and ideas." Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
"The six handmade decorations above the sofa represent the traditional Albanian 'plis' hat, a symbol of our national identity," Fitore begins. "The sculpture above, from a young artist in Prishtina, HayAtelier, also depicts a person wearing the plis. The painting on the left, by Vala Blakcori, a friend and artist, adds to the space's character." Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
"The 'Smile at me' rug from our first collection with Muza Rugs, made of 100% New Zealand wool, fits perfectly in the apartment," admits Fitore. Credit: Bubulinë SylaCredit: Bubulinë Syla
"The metal armchair in the living room, a piece I designed and had locally crafted, stands out," Fitore continues. "The TV drawer, another creative use of MDF wood, is eye-catching. We used the same MDF texture in the bedroom, with irregular-shaped knobs tying the look together." Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
Fitore says that they had no belongings from their family homes, and since this was a new place, basically had to start their decorating journey from scratch. Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
"My first tip is to explore antique shops for unique vintage pieces to add personality to your space," she advises. "Secondly, consider designing something special for your apartment that's one-of-a-kind, like a custom armchair or lamp." Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
Their apartment is located on the 15th floor of the building, and they describe their small balcony as "cozy, vibrant space, with cabinets for storage." Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
"It's our favorite spot for summer nights and winter days, sometimes even for meditation, with a view of the sky that feels like an extension of the living area," she admits. Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
What’s the oldest thing in your home?"The oldest item in our home is likely the wood used in the coffee and dining table legs, which is around 100 years old." Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
"Additionally, we have some antique furniture pieces, such as the armchair in Ben's room, the bar stools on the balcony, and the stool in the bedroom, but I'm unsure of their exact age," Fitore continues. Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
"My favorite area in the apartment is the kitchen," Fitore admits. "It's not just visually stunning, but it also serves as the heart of our gatherings." Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
"We enjoy cooking together, and the open layout allows us to stay connected with everyone in the living area. One of the best moments is watching the sunset from our 15th-floor view as the shadows gently fill the kitchen." Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
"In the kitchen, we innovated with plywood for the cabinets, cutting it into stripes for a unique effect. This pairs well with the rich yellow of the other MDF cabinets and the standout hood," she continues. Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
"The nostalgic 10x10-centimeter yellow tiles balance these elements. The wiggly oak bar and arched stools in the kitchen create a cozy corner. Every piece in the apartment is custom-made by a skilled local carpenter in Kosovo, Kolos, who paid attention to every detail." Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
"The concrete ceiling adds a subtle, special touch, enhancing the space unobtrusively. Our love for wood, especially oak, is a constant in our design, bringing a cozy feel everywhere," she continues. Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
The dining room pendant light is a prototype that Fitore is working on. "Gourds have a long history in our culture, once used for carrying water, and now as decorative pieces. I plan to grow and use them as sustainable, unique lighting fixtures," she writes. Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
"They're not only a prototype but also quite unique – made from gourds, which are essentially plants that can be grown and harvested. They have a very organic and ecological feel, and I envision them as a potential product, especially for lighting purposes." Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
"The piece that inspired the entire decor of our home was the corridor's yellow color and the curved high doors connected to it at every edge," Fitore explains. "When designing the apartment, I began with this color and architectural feature, as it gave me a sense of how the space would look and feel. It remains the most attractive aspect of the apartment's design." Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
"The hallway, with its calming yellowish tones and curved cabinets, offers a peaceful welcome. The salmon color doors add the perfect contrast. Visible from the living area, it brings a sense of closeness and safety," she continues. Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
An item that holds significance to the couple is the sculpture of a woman in the hall. "We purchased it during the early days of our relationship while visiting Florence on a two-week Euro trip," she begins. "Despite its fragile material, we bought it for just 20 euros and took great care to protect it during our travels, wrapping it in our clothes. Over the years, it sustained some damage, but we couldn't bear to part with it. Instead, I designed a special spot for it in our home." Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
Are there any design rules that you’ve broken in your home and why? "I intentionally broke the design rule of creating a space with a continual design throughout my [936-square-foot] apartment." Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
"While the norm would have been to maintain consistency to avoid overwhelming the small space, my partner and I wanted to inject boldness and authenticity into our home," she continues. Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
"Each room was approached with a different design philosophy, utilizing varied colors, shapes, materials, and forms to create a diverse yet intriguing atmosphere." Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
"Though there were moments of skepticism, I remained steadfast in my vision, and after nearly a year of living here, I can confidently say it was worth it," Fitore admits. Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
The washer and dryer are tucked away behind a curtain in a bathroom. "The laundry-WC, though small, is stylish and practical, with dark wallpaper and ornamental floor tiles. The handcrafted raw stone sink and RGB LED lights create a retro style we love," she writes. Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
The couple call their bedroom "the Cherry Blossom room," because it is "filled with passionate touches. This cherry blossom wallpaper creates a serene atmosphere, perfect for relaxation." Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
"The room's green theme, including the wardrobe with plywood stripes and green knobs, adds energy and tranquility. The curtains bring elegance and coziness. A painting by Veli Blakcori, featuring our national hero Gjergj Kastrioti 'Skenderbeu' and his wife Donika, holds a special place in the room." Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
"We even created our version of the Ultrafragola mirror by Ettore Sottsass for a fun, creative touch. The handmade tapestry with red frames was crafted by my mom when she was young," Fitore explains. Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
"It used to hang in her bedroom for as long as I remember, and it's the one thing I really wanted to bring to my apartment. It brings back nostalgic memories of my childhood." Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
What’s your home’s dirty secret?"In our bedroom, I found a clever spot behind the wobbly wood near our bed where I stash extra pillows and sheets." Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
"It's actually the biggest storage space in the room for this stuff, but unless I point it out, it's impossible for someone to find because I've covered it with flowers, and the windows make it hard to spot," Fitore writes. Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
Fitore says they designed the bathroom to have an '80s spirit, and it has "wavy violet cabinets above the toilet and a concrete sink by Konkret.handcrafts." Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
"Friends have even suggested using high stools in there for a cozy, bar-like feel," she continues about the bathroom. Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
"The shower's arch door and the colorful wiggly mirror add a maximalist touch." Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
Fitore says they didn't limit themselves to any one style in this space. "We used different textures, colors, and materials to create a space that feels welcoming and lived-in," Fitore explains. Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
"We mixed elements from retro, '70s - '80s, and industrial designs, but always kept it modern. I really enjoyed combining old and new items, a practice often successful in design for its authentic feel." Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
Ben's room was designed around an animal theme, and "features vibrant animal wallpaper (CHANGE IS GOOD BY MICHALSKY) for a maximalist look," she writes. Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
"We made it parent-friendly, with space for an armchair and a depiction of the solar system above it." Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
"We chose a larger bed for Ben, anticipating nights when he wants us close," she continues. Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
"The room is designed to feel like his own space, with the 'Love Me' rug from our Muza Rugs collection adding to its charm." Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
If your home had a zodiac sign, what would it be and why?"Pisces! They're known for being the most creative, imaginative, intuitive, empathetic, and a bit mystical compared to other signs." Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
"Pisceans are definitely soulmate material. That's why we named our project 'Soul,' and it just so happens that both Arianit and I are Pisces!" Fitore explains. Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
For the past seven years, designer Fitore Syla and her friend, architect Njomza Havolli, have been cofounders of Muza, an interior design studio focused on “creating beautiful interiors in Kosovo,” Fitore begins. “Each project lets us play with shapes, colors, and forms in new ways.”
However, 2024 has brought change with her own studio, called Fitore Syla, focusing on interiors and products. “I see design as a way to live harmoniously and authentically. My journey with design has taught me valuable lessons and led to personal growth, making it an ongoing part of my life. Design allows for the expression of emotions, passions, and personality without the need for words,” Fitore explains. “Designing my own apartment was an exciting new adventure.”
"The dining and coffee tables, with their handcrafted legs, add a natural touch, showing the beauty of leaving some things in their raw state. The dining chairs are handcrafted masterpieces from the Philippines, inspired by Alessandro Becchi's Toscanella chair." Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
When Fitore and her partner, CEO and cofounder of software company Kutia, Arianit Fazliu, bought this 936-square-foot apartment in Prishtinë, Kosovo, it was still under construction, “so we could customize the layout as we wanted,” she begins. “We focused on improving specific areas to match our needs and preferences. We renovated the entire apartment at once but prioritized the most important areas.”
“We planned everything using 3D software, then budgeted and ordered furniture. The construction process started with defining walls, then installing electricity and plumbing, followed by plastering and adding gypsum where needed. After that, we laid down natural parquet flooring and began bringing in furniture, doors, and final decorations. The whole process took three months before we could move in,” Fitore describes.
Two elements in our apartment always make me happy. First, there's the wiggly mirror in the bedroom, crafted by our talented carpenter, inspired by the famous ultrafragola mirror. Credit: Fitore SylaCredit: Fitore Syla
While the couple has lived in the home for one year, they’ve actually owned it for longer than that. “We originally bought the apartment in 2016 with plans to move in by 2017, but the delay ended up being five years long!” Fitore admits. “During those five years, I revised the design three times.” The delay actually allowed them to save more money for the renovation.
“Despite the difficulty of waiting to move in, we still had many memorable moments in our rented apartment. We got engaged, married, and celebrated our son Ben’s 3rd birthday. In the midst of these five years, the pandemic hit and gave us time to reflect and grow,” Fitore explains. “It changed me in a positive way, allowing me to discover new opportunities within myself. It’s true what they say — some things happen for a reason. The final design of our apartment truly reflects who we are.”
“Reflecting on our lives, we feel deep gratitude,” Fitore explains. “Arianit and I experienced war as children, shaping our perspectives and choices. Our parents’ struggles during those times inspired us to be our best selves. This duality of war and freedom gave us strength and influenced my career choice. Many homes were damaged in the war, and now, 23 years later, we’re part of renewing them, creating spaces with history and stories. This opportunity to do good for our people, sharing a story of resilience and appreciation for better days, is profound. In interior design, we communicate without words, evoking emotions through spaces. We’re always learning, evolving, and honoring our past, bridging the worlds of then and now.”
Correction: An earlier version of this article mistakenly reported that the couple have lived in the home for three years; they have actually only lived in it for one year.
OpenAI's video generation tool Sora took the AI community by surprise in February with fluid, realistic video that seems miles ahead of competitors. Shy Kids is a digital production team based in Toronto that was picked by OpenAI as one of a few to produce short films essentially for OpenAI promotional purposes, though they were given considerable creative freedom in creating "air head." In an interview with visual effects news outlet fxguide, post-production artist Patrick Cederberg described "actually using Sora" as part of his work. Perhaps the most important takeaway for most is simply this: While OpenAI's post highlighting the shorts lets the reader assume they more or less emerged fully formed from Sora, the reality is that these were professional productions, complete with robust storyboarding, editing, color correction, and post work like rotoscoping and VFX.
