Description Out in the Open: Üsküdar

When executed well, open-concept design has a way of making an interior feel big, bright and sociable — you only have to look at this apartment in the Şişli neighbourhood of Istanbul to see what we mean.

There's something very welcoming about the fact that no matter if you're whipping up dinner, watching TV or even working out on the cross-trainer, you can still be in the same vicinity as your fellow guests. What really makes it work, however, is the fact that there's a huge amount of natural light from the tall windows and glass doors and that this asset is allowed to flow about the space thanks to an absence of walls.

Another perk comes in the form of the private balcony, but if you want a slightly larger outdoor space, Maçka Park is only twelve minutes' walk from the front door. Elsewhere in the local area, you're spoilt for choice when it comes to restaurants, shops and historic attractions — the Atatürk Museum is also twelve minutes away on foot, for instance.

Home truths:
*There's no lift in the building to reach this single-level apartment, so it might not be suitable for guests with reduced mobility
*The second bedroom can be arranged as a single or double bed
*The building has no private parking available but Osmanbey Metro Station is only nine minutes' walk away
*Though there isn't a dedicated desk here, the dining table doubles up as a laptop-friendly workspace