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Inside the Assouline Lounge at Four Seasons Bosphorus

Designer and creative director Irem Kinay's latest project brings to life an intimate retreat where books, design, and conversation seamlessly converge.

 

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The Assouline Lounge at the Four Seasons Bosphorus.

Welcome to Istanbul's newest cultural haven: the Assouline Lounge at Four Seasons Bosphorus, a space where books, music, and elegance connect. Celebrating Assouline Turkey's 15th anniversary, this thoughtfully designed space represents the vision of designer Irem Kinay, who has served as Assouline's exclusive Turkish partner for over a decade. 

"The idea was to create a place that embodied the essence of Assouline: a world where books, design, and conversation can coexist in an intimate, luxurious atmosphere," said Kinay. "I wanted it to evoke a sense of discovery, as if stepping into a collector's private library filled with treasures from around the world."

The Assouline Lounge at the Four Seasons Bosphorus.

Kinay approached the design with mathematical precision, describing every space as "a sudoku puzzle, where all elements must fit together seamlessly." Drawing inspiration from Istanbul's layered history was paramount for Kinay, who sought to reinterpret the city's heritage through refined, modern library objects. The library features jeweled bookends and objects from Madame Malachite—Kinday's design studio—which are inspired by Byzantine culture, reminiscent of the treasures once housed in Constantinople's palaces and churches.

The Assouline Lounge at the Four Seasons Bosphorus.

The lounge showcases exceptional artistry throughout, including handcrafted glass objects and lighting fixtures by Turkish designer Sema Topaloğlu, whose organic forms redefine artistic and functional possibilities. The statement grand piano adds sophistication and emotional depth, allowing the atmosphere to evolve seamlessly throughout the day. The bar offers distinctive creations like the Bosphorus Rakitini, a sophisticated martini with a Turkish twist that captures Istanbul's spirit. Inspired by the popular Assouline Travel Series title "Bosphorus Private," this signature cocktail blends gin with raki, cucumber, passion fruit, vanilla, coconut, and citrus.

"Creating the Assouline Lounge at The Four Seasons was a chance to materialize a beautiful concept, blending my passion for books, craftsmanship, and immersive spaces," Kinay said. "Seeing guests walk in, pick up a book, sip on a cocktail, and lose themselves in the experience is the most rewarding part."

The Assouline Lounge at the Four Seasons Bosphorus.

Discover Turkey

The Classics Collection Four Seasons
Regular price
$120
The Classics Collection Bosphorus Private
Regular price
$105
The Legends Collection Golden Opulence: 500 Years of Luxuriant Style
Regular price
$250

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