Introduction: A small apartment in Žvėrynas underwent reconstruction and changed unrecognizably. Architect Mantas Maziliauskas managed not only to slightly increase the apartment's area but also to abandon the claustrophobic corridor-based layout system, creating a transparent, cohesive space that accommodates not only essential functional zones. For the family of four living here - a couple with two children - a cozy, harmonious space for communication and play has opened up. Simply put - to be together… The idea of the renewed apartment reflects the spirit of the old, cozy district of the capital city, where peace and a nostalgic spirit of the past dominate, unobscured by the energetic rhythm of modern life. Magic of Space During the reconstruction of this apartment, the living room was cleverly combined with the kitchen and corridor. Many partition walls were demolished. Several bulky ventilation shaft "chimneys" were replaced with light, almost space-saving structures. A new huge window was added, reaching down to the floor. It also serves as a door leading to the inner courtyard. According to the architect's plan, the window corners of the apartment were significantly widened. This solution provides the apartment with more space and light. Traditional Žvėrynas architectural traditions also contributed to the creation of the sense of space. The ceiling height in the apartment reaches almost three meters, significantly higher than in many standard apartments, especially those from the Soviet era. According to M. Maziliauskas, in any apartment, not only functionality is important but also the geometric principles of space construction, undoubtedly affecting its residents. Therefore, many time-tested solutions were applied here. This includes the main column with an octagonal cross-section, an ordered transition of ceiling heights, reminiscent of ancient architecture. The corners where the walls and ceilings meet were also rounded off so that there is no tension or roughness in the apartment's construction. By the way, in some archaic cultures, it is still believed that the star of luck, protecting the essence of each person, is precisely octagonal… Kingdom of Silence This apartment is dominated by warm natural oak floor textures and eloquent white wall silence. It is not for nothing that when asked about the style of the apartment's interior, the architect emphasizes that it is simply a silent, laconic space occasionally filled with the rustle of Žvėrynas pines and the children's laughter. Bright interior color schemes are occasionally diversified by black, sand color, brown, and cream-colored details. Indeed, the inviting red flower chairs in the living area catch the eye. Also, a playful lamp hangs above the work desk, each of its three shades painted differently. And jars with garden produce adorn the top of the cupboard. Their delicious contents have become a cheerful, colorful interior accent. However, looking around this apartment, one cannot help but feel that the bolder color patches in its overall interior design palette have only appeared so that living here would not be boring and monotonous… After indulging in ascetic silence, it is good to feast one's eyes on rich colors that create a sense of real-life joy. Mirror Reflection One of the main spatial decisions of this apartment somehow resembles a mirror reflection. This is because after the reconstruction, a new enclosed terrace or inner courtyard was reborn. A convenient exit to the yard was opened, and a large window-door seemed to blend the indoor and outdoor spaces into a harmonious whole. According to the architect, this is a significant advantage of this apartment, allowing its residents to enjoy communication in the open air without interruption. "The apartment is like a field, and the outdoor terrace is like an extension of the apartment," says M. Maziliauskas. The association with the mirror is also evident because the outdoor terrace, like a clean mirror, will increasingly reflect the hobbies and needs of the growing family members... The new open interior of the apartment, merging with the outdoor space, can become an inspiration for everyone. It is easy to imagine that the summer games of the family's children will move to the courtyard. And here, the hosts can indulge in creativity to their hearts' content - constantly improving and changing the beauty of the beautifully landscaped terrace. Harmony of Old and New Functional, minimalist cabinets, shelves in this apartment harmoniously coexist with retro-style elements. This is exemplified by the old round table comfortably nestled in the center of the living room with dark wood chairs, covered with a white lace tablecloth. This eclecticism does not provoke, does not hurt the eye. Rather, it somehow echoes the history of old Žvėrynas. This is a district that recalls centuries, where young, active people live today. However, the old and new here usually blend harmoniously. Many pieces of furniture and details here merge with the white wall surfaces - the kitchen, the wardrobe space, the work desk. Meanwhile, the bright, playful details diversify them. There are no technological innovations that catch the eye here. Unless - a wood-burning stove with good heat distribution, thanks to which, there is no need to turn on the gas in the apartment even in severe cold. Paintings, Like Friends Artworks adorning the space speak a slightly different language. Monika's and Mantas's paintings seem to quietly echo the silence of the transparent space. Sketchy, overlapping forms, as if faded or washed by rain, blend harmoniously with the mood of this oasis of calm life. And the children's paintings burst with playfulness and energy. Their bright, cheerful heroes "agree" with the richly colored interior accents. It is often thought that the value of an apartment, and therefore the respectability of its residents, is emphasized solely by valuable works of known artists or high-quality reproductions. However, the images of these homes encourage not to be afraid to decorate with the creativity of the family's little members. It always charms with its sincerity and over time becomes an important testimony to the family's history. Moreover, such familiar, known paintings welcome and accompany the apartment's residents, like old good friends...