Flat in old tenement blocks have great potential. One such flat is situated in a tenement block in Sopot. Its multi-level layout, varied ceiling heights and consistent aesthetic create a space with a unique character – elegant, warm and tailored to the everyday needs of its residents. This spacious flat was designed by Roksana Dobrzyńska, who runs the Norstudio design studio, and Agnieszka Jelnicka.
Right from the very first discussions, the clients emphasised that they wanted a timeless, natural and expressive interior. The designers quickly found common ground with the owners, ensuring that the entire process took place in an atmosphere of trust. The result of this collaboration is a flat that makes the most of the tenement’s unusual layout – from the grand living area to the cosy private zone.
The high-ceilinged living area
The entrance area combines the hall, kitchen and living area into a single, impressive space with a ceiling height of over three metres. The central feature is a kitchen island with a Mont Blanc stone worktop, around which the household’s daily life revolves. For this reason, the clients deliberately opted against a traditional dining table – the island has become the place for shared meals, conversations and get-togethers.
Adjacent to the island is tall built-in furniture made of natural oak, which organises the space and subtly separates the entrance from the kitchen. An ARCH STRAIGHT lamp by Oblure hangs above the worktop, emphasising the contemporary character of the design. Natural materials and a warm colour palette, combined with deep navy blue, burgundy, shades of rust and powder pink, dominate throughout the flat.
A living room stretching to the roof ridge
The most spectacular feature of the flat is the living room, which opens right up to the roof ridge – approximately five metres high. The impression of spaciousness is enhanced by the ‘Dancing’ lamp from Audo Copenhagen, which serves as the main decorative feature in this part of the interior. Stairs lead from the living room up to the mezzanine, where a home gym and exercise area have been designed. This solution made it possible to utilise the flat’s vertical geometry and create an additional level without interfering with the building’s structure.
An intimate private area
Descending to the lower level, one enters the private area, where the ceiling height is approximately 2.2 metres. This deliberate design choice creates a completely different atmosphere – one that is more intimate and conducive to tranquillity. Here, you’ll find two bathrooms, a study, the daughter’s room and the clients’ bedroom with an en-suite bathroom.
The bedroom is decorated in a deep navy blue combined with light-coloured fabrics and natural wood, which lends it an air of elegance and creates a sense of tranquillity. The daughter’s room is the most cheerful part of the flat – a bespoke mezzanine has made the most of the room’s height, creating a space for both play and rest.
Bathrooms with a consistent aesthetic
Both bathrooms follow the same design style, yet each has its own character. Natural materials, wooden fronts and stone worktops form a common foundation, whilst the colour scheme gives them their own individual character – ranging from subtle blues to warm shades of terracotta and powder pink. The consistency in materials has helped maintain the harmony of the entire design, even though the individual zones serve different functions.
The result is an interior tailored to the residents’ lifestyle. Varying ceiling heights – from five metres in the living room to 2.2 metres in the sleeping area – have been used to create atmosphere and emphasise the functions of each level. Thanks to consistent design choices, the result is an elegant, warm flat full of individual character. There’s great power lying dormant within these old walls!
design: Roksana Dobrzyńska, Norstudio, and Agnieszka Jelnicka
photography: Magdalena Łojewska
See also: Sopot | Flat | Interiors | Tenement | Eclecticism | whiteMAD on Instagram
