In the heart of Gdańsk Wrzeszcz, in one of the old tenement houses, a 60-square-metre flat has been created where classic meets modern. The space consists of a kitchen, living room, bedroom and bathroom. The designer set herself the goal of creating an interior that is visually coherent, but above all functional. As the designer emphasises: “When working on this flat, I was keen to create a space that was visually coherent, but at the same time very functional.”
Functionality and aesthetics in one
The narrow kitchen required a considered approach to every centimetre. The cabinetry was designed so as not to overwhelm the space, while still providing maximum comfort. Warm wood tones and subtle, natural materials dominate.
The designer opted for birch veneer stained in warm tones, which she juxtaposed with cool, greenish natural quartzite. The whole is complemented by vertical tiles, which rhythmise the wall and optically elevate the interior. “I wanted the place not to lose its style, which is why I decided on a chequered floor.” – adds the architect
Softness of forms and character of details
The tall kitchen cabinets have been designed to gently curve around the bathroom room. This gives the space a lightness and softness. One of the most distinctive elements of the design is the stainless steel encased hood, custom-made to the author’s design. “It’s an element that acts as an absorber as well as a decorative feature,” says the designer It is details like this that make an interior unique and memorable.
Bathroom in a consistent rhythm with the living area
The bathroom repeats the motifs familiar from the kitchen and living room – the same chequered floor, birch veneer and stone appear. This solution introduces continuity between the rooms, while emphasising the harmony of the entire project. The designer admits: “The whole is kept in calm tones, but broken by details – the form of the lamps (Embassy interior), the ceramics or the oval mirror, which add softness to the interior.” The restored ceiling colour, in keeping with the original shade from years ago, evokes the spirit of the townhouse and highlights its history.
A play of contrasts – warmth and coolness in harmony
The design of this flat is a harmonious play of contrasts. The warmth of natural wood is juxtaposed with the coolness of stone, and modern solutions complement the classic accents. As a result, the interior combines functionality with timeless aesthetics. “I wanted the flat to be not only practical, but also cosy and full of details that, over time, become the hallmarks of the place.” The end result is a space that is cohesive, elegant and full of character – a perfect example of how a consciously designed interior can combine tradition and modernity, creating a place where you just want to be.
About the studio:
Pracownia EM2 – a studio founded by Ela Sawicka. “Born in Gdansk in 1985, she graduated from the Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning at the Gdansk University of Technology. She develops her studio Em2 throughout Poland and is also open to foreign collaborations.
She willingly mixes different architectural styles, disregarding trends. In her projects, she focuses on uniqueness and timeless aesthetics that go hand in hand with usefulness. Working with people and creating personalised cosy living spaces for them is her greatest pleasure.”. More about Ela’s work: https://www.instagram.com/em2_pracownia/
Photos: Hanna Połczyńska / www.kroniki.studio
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