For weary urbanites, home is often a sanctuary from the madcap and manic city. Stepping across the threshold and into a warm apartment, shedding that sodden coat and shaking off the ravages of a cold winter’s day, we close the world behind us. Our first instinctive gesture is to reach for the light switch, brightening our shadowy surroundings. And we feel immediately at ease, the light banishing what remains of a gritty, city day.

Bucharest-based Miso Architects have created a cosy, contemporary apartment in the heart of the Romanian capital. Located in Bucharest’s modern Vernescu Residence, the abode’s open-plan environment has been cleverly zoned in order to make good use of the space: kitchen, dining, lounge and office areas are both discrete and harmonious. With only one window in the room, a light and neutral colour palette are applied throughout; furnishings and flowers are used to add warmth.

Working with the apartment’s varied zones, Miso Architects have carefully considered several lighting options, incorporating pendants, a floor lamp and integrated lighting. Indubitably, the high point is LZF’s Spiro pendant. Designed by Remedios Simón, Spiro’s distinctive form perfectly complements the neutral backdrop.

In Spiro, Remedios Simón references the 1960s era of op art (optical art). A kind of abstract art, op art employs the careful use of pattern to give the optical illusion of movement, with patterns seemingly emerging and overlapping. The Spiro light’s wood or acrylic outer frame contains a mass of irregular wood veneer spirals, so producing its visual op art-like aspect.

The Bucharest apartment’s splendid Spiro pendant is crafted with white acrylic and handmade natural wood veneer spirals. While appearing rather gallant and respecting its surroundings, Spiro does nevertheless shine with an entirely irresistible charm.

Written by: Gerard McGuickin