Natural materials, layers of texture, and a soft color scheme perfectly blend this forest home with its surroundings both inside and out

Nestled in the lush neighborhood of Kemer Country, Göktürk, on the European side of Istanbul, this rural escape was planned to be a seamless part of this beautiful landscape. Both the homeowner and the design team, Istanbul-based studio Escapefromsofa, wanted the home to effortlessly blend into its surroundings both on the outside and the in.

This indoor-outdoor concept was at the heart of each design decision and the result is a home that feels very much part of the natural setting. But designing a modern home to blend into a rural landscape, that balances style, comfort, and practicality was no easy task. Here the design team behind the project – Mahmut Kefel (the architect), Kerem Erçin (the interior architect), and İrem Başer (the interior designer) walk us through the project and how they created this chic modern cabin immersed in nature.

The homeowner was keen on having a home that was comfortable and liveable, stylish, and yet also practical. The brief was to create a modern home, for modern-day living but to effortlessly blend it with the beautiful natural surroundings of the forest.

'This space was designed for a young single man and is located right in the heart of the forest,' explains İrem. 'The project aimed to create a comfortable and sophisticated living area that aligns with the homeowner’s modern lifestyle.'

Given the location of the project, blending indoor and outdoor living was inevitable. The design of the home, both on the inside and the out needed to fit with the surroundings and almost feel like a natural part of the woodlands. This was something the team considered at each step of the design process from the exact materials to use on the outside of the home, to the color schemes used on the inside.

But this balance of designing a contemporary home, that still very much felt part of the landscape didn't come without challenges.

'It was a big challenge to create a home that seamlessly integrates with the natural surroundings while ensuring the new project feels like it has an established, timeless presence,' states Mahmut. 'Balancing the modern requirements of a comfortable living space with the need to respect and enhance the natural environment was a complex task.'

'One significant aspect of this challenge was selecting materials and finishes that would not only blend with the forested setting of Kemer Country but also age gracefully over time, contributing to a sense of history and continuity. We aimed to design a space that feels like it has always been part of the landscape, creating a story that appears to have evolved naturally over the years,' adds Mahmut. 'So to overcome this challenge, we focused on using natural, sustainable materials that harmonize with the surrounding environment.'

Add of course, it's not just about the exterior of the home, the interiors wanted to reflect the surroundings too. 'The use of natural materials such as wood and stone throughout the interior was another key element in blending the indoors with the outdoors,' İrem tells us. 'These materials were chosen for their organic textures and colors, which harmonize with the landscape outside. The wooden beams and flooring, along with stone accents, create a rustic yet sophisticated ambiance that mirrors the natural environment.'

'And we paid special attention to the color palette and textures, opting for earthy, muted tones, enriched with elegant touches and various textures, that reflected the natural beauty of the environment. The earthy tones and muted colors were chosen to reflect the hues of the forest and landscape outside,'

'Additionally, the architectural design, with its high ceilings and large windows, was carefully planned to invite nature into the living space, enhancing the overall experience of being immersed in the forest. They add to the sense of openness and strengthen the connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces. These design elements allow for ample natural light, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere,' adds Kerem.

'To accentuate the outdoor views, we carefully positioned furniture and designed open-plan layouts that direct attention towards the windows and the vistas beyond. By ensuring that sightlines are unobstructed and that the layout encourages engagement with the views, we made the natural beauty of the surroundings a focal point of the interior design,' explains Kerem.

No matter how challenging a project, there's always a favorite element, something that's a thrill to see come together. And for the Escapefromsofa team that was the open plan downstairs living space.

'The downstairs space was the most enjoyable part of the project. The combination of high ceilings and exposed wooden beams creates a striking architectural feature that immediately captures attention. This structural design not only enhances the sense of space but also adds a rustic charm that aligns perfectly with the natural surroundings of Kemer Country,' explains the team.

'And the integration of the living room and kitchen into one open-plan layout was particularly exciting. This design promotes a seamless flow between the spaces, making it ideal for socializing and entertaining. The use of warm, wooden tones throughout the kitchen cabinetry and flooring contributes to a cohesive and inviting ambiance.'

'In this project, we chose to really highlight the architectural structure and the interior design elements. The main idea was to create a space where the beauty of the architecture and the carefully selected materials take center stage,' says Kerem.

The final home achieves the initial brief to perfection, it feels welcoming and cozy while remaining chic and sophisticated, and both inside and out it's an homage to its beautiful natural surroundings.