There is a great atmosphere here. In a pre-war tenement in the Powiśle district of Warsaw, there is a flat whose interior exemplifies a combination of the past and modern design. The flat, chosen by a young couple with a child and their beloved dog, impresses not only with its functionality, but above all with its sensual approach to arrangement, where every detail matters. The new interior design was created by the Sobkowiak Architecture studio.
The project by Warsaw-based studio Sobkowiak Architektura is a story about the search for a multi-layered, lively space, which retains a classic atmosphere despite modern solutions. The owners of the flat did not expect revolutionary changes, but rather a subtle transformation that would bring back the old charm of the tenement interior – an aesthetic with a slight mid-century modern twist. The result is a space where the building’s history comes to life through references to the past, while still fitting in with contemporary standards of comfort.
Back to the roots in a new way
Only a small part of the original décor has survived. The most valuable part was the ceiling rosette. It was around this that the atmosphere of the old building was recreated – the authors opted for handmade plaster stuccowork, which carefully replaced the popular but soulless imitations. The wooden window elements were given new life thanks to brass handles, and the floors, although contemporary, were accentuated with high plinths and marquetry made from two types of wood, which gives the interior a unique character. Every detail, from the stylised, partially glazed doors to the finishes on the stairs and the refurbished cast-iron radiators, is a testament to the attention to originality and respect for the existing material.
The play of light as a key design element
The central motif of the space is light, which, like a living being, flows through the successive zones of the flat. Thoughtful architectural solutions allow the natural daylight rays to penetrate freely into the flat, highlighting both traditional details and modern accents. A decorative glass wall divides the living room from the study, but does not restrict the flow of light – on the contrary, it gives the space a lightness and extends to connect the separate areas of the flat. A similar treatment was used to separate the private bathroom and the children’s room, where light streams in from different sides, creating variable, picturesque compositions on the walls, while subtle curtains add a touch of mystery to the whole.
History intertwined with the present
The interior of the Powiśle flat is not only a carefully recreated past, but also a space embedded in the personal histories of its inhabitants. Every piece of furnishings, from an inherited cupboard to mid-20th-century armchairs, was chosen with particular attention to aesthetics. The flat became an arena not only for design, but also for individual experiences – the owners, drawing inspiration from their travels to England or Italy, introduced elements into the arrangement that reflect the atmosphere of old houses, where every layer on the walls tells of times gone by.
An interesting accent is provided by the renovated cast-iron radiators, testifying to the technical solutions of bygone eras, which are still functioning perfectly despite the passage of time. Their presence is a reminder that, although changes were necessary, the spirit of the past remained intact and the history of the place has been integrated with modern conveniences.
Harmony of tradition and modernity
The space of the Powiśle flat is the quintessence of the dialogue between tradition and modernity. The authors of the project showed that in order to reflect the character of the place, it is not enough just to restore the old elements – it is necessary to give them new life, subtly combining classical inspirations with contemporary comfort. As Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa wrote – sometimes “you have to change a lot to keep things the same”. In this case, thanks to a balanced approach, it was possible to create an interior in which the beauty of the past harmoniously blends with modern functionality. The perfectly rendered atmosphere of the old building, enriched by spectacular lighting effects and carefully selected details, makes this place a unique testimony to architectural evolution.
interior design: Sobkowiak Architektura, https://www.instagram.com/sobkowiakarchitektura/
photos: Oni Studio
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