Sarikaya Enlists Ennis Karavil, Half of Istanbul-Based Design Studio Sanayi313To realize his vision. “Serene was specific about what she was looking for – maximalist and dramatic elements against a serene backdrop – and it perfectly matched our idea for the project,” says Caraville. “Their preference for open and flowing living spaces influenced the overall design.” By removing walls and false ceilings, he unified the space, revealing exceptionally high rooms and structural columns that created a loft-like volume, which now opens onto a light-filled sunny courtyard.
Anyone in the public eye will tell you that they need to divide life into what’s private and what’s shareable, and Serene Sarikaya’s home is designed to deliver in this regard. Connected by an attractive spiral staircase, the upper level is her workspace, set up for fittings, meetings and collaboration with her team; Below is where the actress keeps her hair open.
“I wanted it to be my own space, my own living area,” Sarikaya says of the latter. “When we were planning this part of the house, I said to Ennis, ‘I want my friends to come over here, cook something in the kitchen, make music and enjoy it like I do.'” As a result, this level Envisioned as a multi-functional space surrounded by a large, double-sided sofa, upholstered in a sassy Leopard print“I don’t know why, but I was obsessed with the idea of keeping everything else plain and only this sofa as my signature — almost like an artwork in the middle of the house,” she says. “As soon as I get home, I find myself on it.”
On one side of the sofa is the bedroom, which is furnished with floor-to-ceiling curtains instead of traditional walls, which serve as flexible space dividers. Caraville explains, “This allowed us to enhance the spatial and visual interplay and, with the translucent fabric, create a sense of intrigue, perfectly capturing the film-noir atmosphere we wanted to achieve.”
A Retro-futuristic kitchen The court, on the other hand, is decked out in stainless steel from head to toe. Serene envisioned this space as a lively gathering place where she could entertain friends,” says the designer. “She also wanted famous chefs to cook for her guests, so we achieved the look and quality of a professional kitchen.” Contrasting elements like leather-clad chairs, ash wood-covered walls and glossy black floors soften its raw, industrial appeal. A salute to Istanbul’s multicultural soul, antiques and Antiques from markets around the world Add another layer of sophistication.
“From my perspective, my home has a cool grandeur, a party atmosphere, and at the same time, it feels like I’m in my safe zone,” says Sarikaya. “I love it when friends come to visit for the first time and say, ‘This is so Serene!'”
This story was originally published AD Middle East October/November 2024 Issue.
