We wanted to share the story of Olympus Residence firsthand - Archia’s interior designer Alsu walks us through the creation of this warm, mid-century inspired home in the heart of Baku.
Olympus Residence is a 120 sq.m apartment located in the center of Baku.
Designed for a busy professional with a love for timeless design, the space reflects a mid-century modern aesthetic with a contemporary, personal twist.
We spoke with Archia interior designer Alsu to learn how this layered and expressive home came together.
Q: Alsu, how did the design concept come about for this project?
A: The client wanted a space that felt calm but not minimal - somewhere practical and expressive, where function and personality could coexist. She works long hours, so it was especially important to her that the living room included a dedicated workspace integrated, but not dominant. From the start, we leaned into mid-century modern design as a framework: elegant lines, rich materials, and a palette that feels warm and enduring.
Q: What were the key design elements that helped you achieve that look and feel?
A: We used a lot of natural wood throughout the interior to add depth and warmth, and the palette focused on burnt orange, rust, and deep burgundy accents, which give the apartment a distinct identity without overwhelming the eye. The Wassily chair a piece the client had dreamed of became a central element in the living room. It’s sculptural, iconic, and ties the concept together perfectly.
Q: How did you handle storage and visual clarity in the space?
A: Visual clutter was a big concern. For instance, the TV stand is hidden behind sliding doors - so when the TV isn’t in use, it disappears completely. This small detail has a big impact on the overall mood of the room. In the corridor, we went for a single-line design that connects it visually with the rest of the apartment, making the flow feel seamless and architectural.
Q: What about the bedroom and bathrooms? What feeling were you aiming for?
A: The bedroom is intentionally subtle and harmonious, using a soft, unified color scheme. We focused on ambience lighting to create a restful, cocoon-like atmosphere at night. Nothing stands out too strongly - the goal was to make it a place of calm. For the bathroom, we took a different approach: it’s moody, intimate, with small-format tiles that create texture and rhythm. The lighting is atmospheric, and the overall mood feels private and immersive a contrast to the openness of the living areas.
Q: How did art and decoration play into the overall concept?
A: Every artwork was selected specifically for this project. We leaned toward abstract modern pieces that reflect the home’s geometry and color palette. The art adds emotion and narrative to the space - nothing overly literal, just gestures that echo the shapes and tones around them.