There are interiors that are designed to make an impression right from the start. This one was meant to be different – to draw the eye gradually and reveal its character as you explore it further. The flat was designed for a young couple who have two French bulldogs. Both work remotely and spend a large part of the year outside Poland. Travelling is an important part of their lives – they bring back not only memories but also inspiration: fragments of architecture, interesting materials, items found at local markets, or details that have particularly stuck in their minds. They were keen to create a place that would serve as their constant point of reference – a space to which they could return not only physically but also emotionally.
The original layout of the flat offered great potential, but required a thorough overhaul. The property was almost completely remodelled – to improve the proportions, make better use of the light and create a more natural flow between the different parts of the interior. From the outset, the key factor was not the number of design solutions employed, but their consistency and interconnection.
Rather than an interior based on spectacular effects, the designers were interested in a space whose appeal unfolds over time. One that does not require an excess of expressive elements, as its strength stems from the appropriate combination of materials, light and proportions.
“We weren’t interested in an interior built on spectacle. We were much more drawn to the idea of a space that becomes increasingly interesting over time. One that doesn’t require many expressive elements, because its character arises from the relationship between materials, light and proportions.” – explain Diana and Gutek
The architecture of this flat therefore extends beyond the traditionally understood concept of walls. Individual surfaces intermingle and draw the eye deeper into the interior. The walnut veneer is not confined to the kitchen alone – it flows seamlessly into the adjoining rooms, creating a visually cohesive whole. Recesses, breaks and bends have been deliberately incorporated into the design, establishing its rhythm and ensuring that each successive perspective reveals the interior from a slightly different angle. Instead of a single dominant view, a sequence of successive experiences unfolds.
The combination of materials also plays a significant role here. From the outset, they were treated as one of the most important elements of the design. Walnut warms the space and lends it a sense of softness, whilst brushed stainless steel introduces precision and a more contemporary touch. The materials do not compete with one another – on the contrary, they mutually emphasise each other’s qualities. The contrast created in this way is distinct, yet remains subtle.
Variety is also evident in the use of stone. Rather than standardising all the spaces, we decided to give the kitchen, bathrooms and the fireplace surround their own distinct character by using different types of stone. What matters here is not only the stone’s natural pattern, but also the type of finish. Matt, brushed and polished surfaces react differently to light, causing the interior to change its appearance depending on the time of day.
“Most of the furniture was custom-designed specifically for this flat. We did not treat it merely as furnishings, but as an integral part of the architecture. Its proportions, soft curves and details were tailored to the geometry of the interior. As a result, the boundary between furniture and built-in elements becomes almost invisible,” they add.
The most important aim, however, was to create a space that offers tranquillity and does not overwhelm with its presence. An interior in which no single element vies for attention, yet every element has been carefully considered and serves a purpose. After all, the best spaces do not need to impress from the very first moment. Their value lies in the fact that they stay with us for the long term and allow us to discover something new with each passing day.
DESIGN: Diana Żurek, Gutek Girek / Furora Studio / https://furora.studio
FLOOR AREA: 80 sq m
LOCATION: Kraków
PHOTOGRAPHY: ONI Studio / https://oni.com.pl/
About the studio:
Furora Studio – An independent design studio run by architects Diana Żurek and Gutek Girek. In our studio, we strive to create spaces that are comfortable yet unexpected – with a touch of whimsy. Drawing on a blend of classic solutions, modern restraint and a hint of playfulness, we craft sophisticated illusions. We seek wholesome uniqueness and focus on distinctive, bold ideas that lend interiors a personal character and a timeless quality. Our palette consists of art, authenticity and a blend of various architectural styles, which we incorporate into the finest details, focusing not on trends but on our clients’ needs and feelings. In our designs, we draw on unusual forms, textures and colours, which we use to adorn the surfaces and furniture we design. We ensure that every piece of furnishings is unique – not by resorting to off-the-shelf solutions, but by delving into refined decorative elements and the cohesive accents of the objects we create. The whole becomes a fluid, cohesive space. You can find out more about the studio here: https://furora.studio
A RETRO-STYLE FLAT IN A KRAKOW TENEMENT HOUSE
INTERIOR OF A HOUSE IN LESSER POLAND.
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