A flat in Old Mokotów. It is decorated with mementos of my grandmother

In Old Mokotów, there is a 39-metre flat in which family heirlooms from the grandmother have been skilfully combined with contemporary design. The Bureau29 studio has breathed new life into this interior, whilst respecting its historical spirit.

An apartment in Old Mokotów steeped in family history

From the very beginning, this 39-metre flat held great personal significance for the owner. It is a space inherited from her grandmother, containing objects linked to family memories and her childhood. The designers at Bureau29 could not bring themselves to remove them. They approached this interior almost as a curatorial project, preserving the most important traces of the past and finding new places for them. A family tapestry depicting a dramatic horse-back chase during a long-forgotten war now hangs above the bed. The original inspection door of the chimney has also been retained, and today serves as one of the subtle details.

A fresh take on communist-era inspirations

The interior is complemented by objects associated with Polish design from the second half of the 20th century. Chairs from Zakopane and a vintage leather sofa are paired with new, bespoke furniture. The glossy cabinet fronts are reminiscent of furniture popular during the People’s Republic of Poland era, whilst the colourful glass handles draw on the tradition of Polish glassmaking. In the bathroom, meanwhile, an oval mirror hangs on the wall, evoking the style of old dressing tables. Between the hall and the bathroom stands a partition wall featuring glass blocks, so familiar from post-war residential architecture.

39 square metres without feeling cramped

A large number of striking items could easily overwhelm such a small space. The designers therefore created a calm backdrop for them: the walls are a shade of eggshell, whilst the floors are finished in smooth, white microcement. Now, family heirlooms and furniture are clearly visible, and the flat does not resemble a cluttered storeroom or an open-air museum, retaining a sense of lightness. A glass desk, a fur-upholstered armchair and steel kitchen units lend the interior a relaxed, contemporary feel. This monochromatic colour scheme helps to maintain visual balance.

A ‘new-old’ flat in Stary Mokotów

Bureau29 did not set out to create a stylised retro flat here. Vintage motifs have been reworked and combined with simple, contemporary forms. The interior in Old Mokotów serves as the young owner’s private space, whilst family heirlooms have been given a new lease of life. In this 39-metre flat, objects from the past have not been consigned to display cabinets. They remain part of everyday life and can help create new memories.

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