There are two ways to look at the so-called blank canvas for house design. You can either keep things simple and adopt a clean, minimalist look, or you can roll up your sleeves and start filling empty spaces and blank walls with bold and exciting interior design ideas.
Muza’s co-founders, interior designer Fitore Syla and architect Njomza Havolli, are definitely the team’s great idea. Their latest project, a new building in Pristina, Kosovo, is full of inspiration to add character, texture and color to your home. Fitore showed us around and gave us tips on how to turn a blank canvas into a work of art.
1. Extend the tile beyond the fireplace for a custom finish
(Image credit: Fitore Syla)
If tile is an important part of your living room ideas, be sure to turn it into a strong style statement that goes beyond just updating your fireplace. Here, bold checkered tiles extend across the entire chimney breast and up to the shelf next to it, contrasting with the simpler, textured handmade tiles on the wall behind the TV.
By combining tiles in these different styles, Fitore brought texture, color and pattern to the room, creating a bespoke finish that balances maximum appearance with a calming area. “I love the look of this tile wall,” she says. “The handmade tiles behind the TV are by Patricia Urquiola and are absolutely stunning. They give the space a real sense of calm and serenity.”
2. Complement your design theme with quirky details in your furniture
(Image credit: Fitore Syla, Muza)
Bold tile treatments, along with scalloped and wave details are a recurring theme throughout this home.
A sculptural, statement chair, like the Solos wavy chair, adds personality to this plan. When considering coffee table options, consider one made of wood with solid details. “This table from Koros Interiors has a beautiful contrast between the winding elements and the wood, making it both functional and practical,” says Fitore.
3. Customize a unique dining table with tiles
(Image credit: Fitore Syla, Muza)
The impressive dining table is the focal point of this home’s family room and is the first thing you see from the arched doorway. Designer Fitore knew the dining table needed to be special, before settling on a handcrafted tabletop with dramatic legs adorned with Punto tiles designed by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. , I thought long and hard about my dining room furniture ideas.
“That table is really attention-grabbing. A talented local carpenter named Koros made it from old wood and lovingly carved it,” says Fitore. “Sitting at this table puts you in the center of both the kitchen and living area, capturing the essence of the space and making the dining table a true focal point.”
The rug, chair and pendant lamp are all from Solos Studio
Fitore Sila & Njomza Havori
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Designer and architect, Musa
Designer Fitore Sila and architect Njomza Havori co-founded interior studio Muza in Pristina, Kosovo eight years ago. Their exciting projects across Kosovo explore new shapes, colors and designs. The two worked together to build the house right after the pandemic. “After such dark and isolating times, people were looking for something bold and expressive.Creating this home, with unexpected surprises around every corner, was both challenging and believable. It was as exciting as ever,” Fitore says.
4. Liven up your kitchen with playful shapes and textures
(Image credit: Fitore Syla, Muza)
Why choose plain white kitchen cabinets when you can transform the look with fresh shapes and textures all in one? That was Fitore’s playful kitchen idea.
The mix-and-match kitchen cabinets combine upper cabinets with a stylish wave-relief design and striking richly colored wooden undercounter cabinets with smooth cupboard knobs as a finishing touch. “A lot of care and time went into the design, which gives it a stylish and unique look,” says Fitore. “We used curved shapes throughout to add softness to this unexpected space. We love the backsplash tiles. It looks like something out of a sci-fi movie, so cool and balanced. In fact, this kitchen, with all its details, truly defines the home.”
5. Consider thicker prints for a cozy yet dramatic hallway.
(Image credit: Fitore Syla, Muza)
Think your hallway has to be bright at all times? Think again. Sometimes a rich tone and a pleasant atmosphere are just as good. Patterned wallpaper in dark fall colors works well here, as there is a bright family room and sight lines to the dining space.
“We boldly introduced a truly immersive wallpaper experience into the hallway,” explains Fitore. “The design creates a magical feeling, as if you have stepped into a lush jungle. It makes me want to explore.”
The wallpaper is from Kosovo’s Boston Group, and House of Hackney’s Foris Magna will have a similar effect.
6. Splatter on the tiled walls of your bedroom.
(Image credit: Fitore Syla, Muza)
If you’re looking for a bedroom idea that defies convention, like the owner of this home, how about a tiled feature wall?While not for everyone, Fitore customers love the space’s quirky details. I am. “They love the contrast of the textured blue walls, concrete-style ceiling finish, and funky white and black checkered tiles behind the bed,” she says. “We boldly and confidently mix different eras and influences to express individuality and passion.”
The unique bedhead, featuring light and dark wood stripes, was custom made by Kolos Interiors.
7. Use unusual textures and colors to stimulate the imagination
(Image credit: Fitore Syla, Muza)
While the master bedroom is playful and bold, this room, owned by the owner’s four-year-old son, is the height of delicate sophistication. Children grow up so fast, but this room’s warm, earthy color scheme never gets old. Fitore consciously chose a design scheme that would interest young people and be acceptable to teenagers, avoiding common mistakes in small children’s rooms to create a more versatile and flexible space. .
That said, there’s a lot to love here for 4-year-olds, with interesting textures, shapes, and prints to stimulate young imaginations. “We designed it to be spacious and playful, with everything a child would need,” says Fitore. “We chose a beautiful monkey wallpaper to bring the outdoors feel and a monkey wall lamp by Ceretti.”
The muted green textured paneling borrows the wavy theme from elsewhere in the home and pairs perfectly with the teak wood hues and stylish crib.
“We are committed to creating rooms full of imagination and wonder, where their dreams can take flight,” adds Fitore.
8. Emphasize strong lines and warm textures
(Image credit: Fitore Syla, Muza)
It may be part of the guest suite, but this dynamic space is all over the guest bathroom essentials. Bold yellow tiles with a rustic textured finish make a strong statement, paired with light and dark wood stripes around the custom mirror frame and large drawer pulls.
“All these details add up to create an energetic, organic atmosphere,” says Fitore. “In the bathroom, as in the rest of the home, bold, maximalist elements are balanced by gentle, smooth textures, creating a playful, unexpected space of peace.”
Interior design and architecture: Muza
Photo: Fitre Sila
