Nikiszowiec is one of the most characteristic workers’ settlements in Silesia. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century for the workers of the “Giesche” mine and is still distinguished by its unique atmosphere, with brick facades, rhythmic arrangements of windows in red niches and arcaded passageways. This unique atmosphere has attracted artists and architecture enthusiasts for years. One of Mat Kubaj’s latest projects is a flat in Nikiszowiec. It was created in a local historic building to combine the function of a private living space with the role of an art and design gallery.
The interior designer Mat Kubaj has succeeded in creating a space in this more than 120-square-metre flat where typical classics meet modernity, and objects with a history function in symbiosis with works by contemporary artists. Large windows, arranged on several sides of the flat, provide access to natural light for most of the day, which allows the furniture and art that the owners value to be perfectly displayed. The woodwork has been replaced with new, classically made wood and in accordance with the recommendations of the conservation officer, as Nikiszowiec is on the register.
The floors made of light, natural planks are reminiscent of Silesian interiors from a century ago and give the space a lightness, while the white walls are the perfect background for the sophisticated furnishings. The flat includes an original Wassily armchair designed by Marcel Breuer, a marble table from the 1980s and an antique art deco buffet from the 1930s made in Krakow. Manne. One of the more unique pieces of furniture is a bar from the 1920s, bought at a French auction. The interior is also enriched by decorative objects, such as ceramics from the 1960s designed by Wiesława Gołajewska in Pruszków. The artworks also include paintings and sculptures by contemporary artists, including works by Iwona Kobryń, Marcin Kozłowski, Monika Dąbrowska-Picewicz or the interior designer himself, who presented his own ink-painted abstraction here.
The living space has been organised into several functional zones. In one of them, a black piano by W. Hoffmann has been placed. Deep inside the flat is a study with a library, separated by a folding door. The character of this interior is defined by elements inspired by space-age and op-art styles, such as the Carl Nason lamp for Mazzega or the Kovona sofa upholstered in Kirkby Design fabric. The whole is complemented by a collection of faience from Wloclawek. The bedroom is kept in subdued colours with a predominance of linen in natural colours. The artistic accent of this interior is the metal sculpture “Identity” by Karol Wycisk. An Italian Madre lamp by Foscarini is placed on the bedside table.
In the dining room, a table from the 1930s is juxtaposed with mid-century modern chairs from the 1960s. Above the whole hangs an orange Foscarini MyLight Chouchin lamp, corresponding in colour with a glass compote set designed by Lucyna Pijaczewska in the 1970s. A French Christofle Gallia service from the 1920s was placed on the side table. The hallway is decorated with Oskar Zięta’s metal forms – Tafla C 4.5 and Kamyki Inox – accompanied by the ‘Aurora’ lamp designed by Grzegorz Hasik.
The flat in Nikiszowiec designed by Mat Kubaj combines the heritage of the historic place with the individual passions of the owners. The space is at the same time functional, personal and full of references to the history of art and design, fitting in with the character of Nikiszowiec as a district that is increasingly becoming the backdrop for conscious and bold interior design projects. We wrote more about this historic and extremely interesting estate HERE.
Design: Mat Kubaj(instagram)
Photos: ONI Studio
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