Casa Azul Residence, Vilnius | Lithuania

In Vilnius, which is well-known as the “Rome of the north”, if you enter the Casa Azul Residence in the middle of this city, the work of the architect, Vaiva Andriusyte, hits you right in the eye. With its thematic and stylistic connections to the Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo, whose works have been declared the national cultural heritage of Mexico by its government, you are surrounded by an aura of the intangible, of the mystical in her work. Inspired by this pathos, the Casa Azul lets its visitors sense the inspiration and passion of this world-famous icon of the 20th century and experience the breath-taking roofs of the city from its windows.

Up a stone staircase that is steeped in history you find yourself under a dome that is flooded with light, where an elegantly-carved entrance door awaits you. The tiles run seamlessly up to the arched windows, enveloping work surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom, gracing the shower wall and washstand, and are reflected in some pieces of furniture. Further recurring elements combine into a range of themes, with spaces enclosed by glass, golden highlights, round opal light fittings, frameworks of oak, arches, mirror elements and, finally, the main element of the Casa – the dark walls and doors that lend a dreamlike evening atmosphere to its inner world. The bright ceilings are artistically decorated with plaster forms, creating a contrast which does not upset the overall picture.

Frida Kahlo’s life and work permeates the entire colour, decoration and interior design of the residence. Replicas of Kahlo’s well-known self-portraits, that are displayed in numerous museums including in Paris and New York, embellish the smoke-coloured walls. Plants provide an eye-catching setting for the colourful paintings. Plain, functional furniture contributes to a timelessly calm atmosphere. The blue velvet sofa in the living room provides a special focus that harks back to the Blue Casa Azul house in Mexico where Frida Kahlo was born.

A magic journey into the richly colourful world of Frida Kahlo also determines the lighting management. The Casa Azul Residence is fitted with the classic JUNG LS 990 design in anthracite which, as a flat switch with narrow frames, harmoniously completes the programmatic design of the walls.