Duplex
Apartment Interior
A duplex apartment is not a typical apartment. It functions more like a family house distributed across multiple levels. And that requires a completely different approach to both interior design and spatial organization. We do not hide staircases in corridors.Very often, they become the dominant feature of the entire living space.
How duplex apartment interior design works
Designing a duplex is not simply about dividing an apartment into two floors. We work with vertical space, the relationship between levels, and the way people move through them. Similarly to a family house, we usually separate the social and private zones. One level is designed for everyday living and gathering, while the other contains bedrooms, bathrooms, and quieter spaces. Instead of a garden, duplex apartments often work with terraces.
Staircases as the central feature of a duplex interior
In a duplex apartment, the staircase is not just a technical necessity. It is one of the defining elements of the interior. We do not place it in a dark corner or enclosed hallway. Instead, it often becomes the focal point of the living space, connecting both levels visually and functionally. In many cases, the staircase determines the character of the entire duplex. Through materiality, proportions, and the way it interacts with light and open space.
When to start planning the interior of a duplex apartment
Most duplex apartments are part of developer-led residential projects. And that is usually where the biggest limitations begin. If the interior is addressed only after construction is completed, many possibilities are already lost. Layout, staircase positioning, lighting, and technical relationships are often fixed too early. To create a truly high-quality duplex interior, the process needs to begin very early. Ideally during construction — and ideally with a developer willing to adapt the project. That is when duplex apartments stop feeling like standard developer units.
Duplex interiors as a combination of space and light
Duplex apartments often work with height, open views, and the connection between multiple levels at once. That is why we do not approach the interior room by room. The overall spatial relationship between levels matters more. We work with natural light, proportions, and the experience of moving through the space vertically. This is what allows a duplex to feel generous even within a relatively compact footprint.
What clients usually consider when designing a duplex apartment interior
How should a duplex apartment interior be designed
A duplex should be approached as one connected space rather than two separate floors. The staircase, movement through the apartment, lighting, and the separation of social and private areas all play an essential role.
When should the interior of a duplex apartment be planned
Ideally during construction or while the project is still in the development phase. That is when layout, staircase positioning, technical details, and the overall character of the space can still be influenced properly.
How should a staircase in a duplex apartment work
A staircase should not function only technically. Very often, it becomes the dominant element of the living space and visually connects the different levels of the apartment.
How should the layout of a duplex apartment be divided
Similarly to a family house, different functions are usually separated by floor. The social areas are typically more open and connected to the terrace, while bedrooms and bathrooms remain quieter and more private.
What limits the quality of a duplex apartment interior
The biggest limitations appear when the layout is already fixed and the interior is addressed too late. In developer projects especially, timing is critical if meaningful changes are expected.
How much does duplex apartment interior design cost
The cost depends on the size of the apartment, the extent of modifications, and the level of detail. In duplex projects, we often address layout adjustments, staircases, terraces, and technical integration as part of the overall design.
Our portfolio is not built on visualizations, but on real completed projects. This is what our completed reconstruction projects actually look like:
Read more on the blog:
— Let’s meet!
Whether you own a house, an apartment, or an interesting property in need of renovation, get in touch!