Elegant, balanced and thoughtfully composed – this, in a nutshell, is how one might describe the flat in Warsaw’s Wola district, designed by Ada Skwira and Małgorzata Liebhart of WZ Studio. The architects have created a space that combines timeless classicism with a modern sensibility for colour, fostering an atmosphere of tranquillity and refined cosiness. It is an interior that is a carefully considered composition based on proportions, materials and details.
A contemporary classic with a modernist flair
The starting point for the project was the need to organise the aesthetic intuitions of the clients – a young, active married couple who already had a clear direction in mind but were seeking a coherent interior design language. WZ Studio proposed a contemporary interpretation of the classics, in which white architecture forms the basis for bolder colour accents and sculptural forms. European interior design served as the inspiration, and the colour palette – burgundy, greens, navy blue and warm wood tones – played a key role.
The building’s architecture – well-lit, with well-proportioned rooms – allowed for the introduction of bold colours and classic wall divisions. As a result, the interior gained elegance without losing its contemporary character. Each room has its own distinct character, though the overall design remains stylistically consistent.
A fluid functional layout
The layout of the flat has been subtly adjusted to better suit the residents’ lifestyle. Upon entering the flat, the hallway leads to the bathroom, study and bedroom, before opening out onto the living area. The living room, dining room and kitchen form a single composition – a multifunctional space conducive to both relaxation and socialising.
Comfort is ensured by numerous bespoke joinery units. The wardrobe by the entrance, the built-in units around the television, the wardrobes in the study and bedroom, and the individually designed furniture allow practical functions to be concealed whilst maintaining a sense of visual lightness. The bedroom also features a small make-up area, whilst the study has a sofa bed for guests.
Materials, colour and light
The design is dominated by natural materials: wood, stone and high-quality fabrics. These are combined with matt-lacquered surfaces on the built-in furniture, creating a contrast of textures – smooth fronts meet the grain of the wood, soft fabrics and a striking rug. The materials have been selected for their durability, ensuring the interior ages well and retains its elegance for years to come.
The colour palette is based on a neutral foundation of beige, cream and light wood, complemented by deep accents – green, burgundy and navy blue. Daylight brings out their intensity, whilst the layered lighting design – technical, task and decorative – allows for the creation of various moods. The design features lamps with sculptural forms that subtly evoke a vintage aesthetic.
Signature details
The character of the interior is defined by wall mouldings, brass accents and carefully designed bespoke joinery. Many elements were created specifically for this flat – from the low-level built-in unit in the hallway concealing the telecoms box, to the mirror in the bathroom adjoining the bedroom, which was made to order and consists of three parts. The bathroom also features a bath with built-in speakers, whilst the double doors with fluted glass add a touch of elegance and lightness.
The centrepiece of the living area is the kitchen island – both functionally and visually. The colour of the kitchen units was chosen in accordance with the clients’ wishes, as was the requirement to create built-in units around the television, which helps to keep the living room tidy. In the hallway, tiles featuring the ‘Warsaw corset’ pattern have been used – a contemporary nod to local design.
This flat in Wola is an example of a design where a classic foundation meets bolder accents, and elegance harmonises with functionality. WZ Studio has created a harmonious, comfortable space, refined down to the last detail – one that remains timeless whilst retaining a distinct identity.
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About the studio:
WZ Studio is an interior design studio run by Ada Skwira and Małgorzata Liebhart – graduates of the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw. The studio has been operating since 2014, carrying out projects for flats, houses, offices and commercial spaces. The team is guided by the principle of conscious choice, in which attention to detail and a balance between functionality and aesthetics form the foundation of every project.
The studio’s expertise is evidenced by numerous features in leading interior design magazines and websites, as well as regular appearances on television programmes, where the architects act as experts. The portfolio showcases selected projects that reflect the character and quality of WZ Studio’s work.
design: WZ Studio – Ada Skwira & Małgorzata Liebhart / www.wzstudio.pl
styling: Eliza Mrozińska
photography: Kąty Proste / www.katyproste.pl
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