A flat designed with short-term rentals in mind has been created in one of Wrocław’s tenement houses, standing close to the local historical Market Square. The design by Amelia and Filip Symonowicz of the Kohlrabi studio combines the convenience of an urban location with a functionally designed interior. The architects focused here on thoughtful spatial solutions and a careful selection of materials, creating a flat in the heart of Wrocław that is tailored to the needs of guests and at the same time distinguished by unobvious details.
The tenement house in which the project was realised was thoroughly rebuilt in the 1960s. As a result of this unfortunate modernisation, the building lost its original details and decoration in favour of elements characteristic of that period, such as terrazzo windowsills. Over the decades, the building has become worn out and in need of another comprehensive renovation. The flat in question was no different. Its original layout consisted of two rooms and a separate kitchen, but in the new arrangement, the architects decided to completely transform the space. Almost all partition walls were removed, thus connecting the kitchen with the living room and creating a spacious bedroom with an atmospheric bay window. On an area of 60 square metres, a flat was created for two to four people, offering comfortable conditions and a strong aesthetic experience.
In their project, the Symonowiczs decided to save what they could. To this end, the old window frames were preserved and restored, retaining at least some of the spirit of the old times in the interiors. Due to the building’s location on a narrow street in the Old Town, in the second line of tenement houses from the Wrocław Market Square, a limited amount of sunlight reaches the interior. For this reason, it was important to plan the lighting accordingly. Warm-coloured lamps with the possibility of creating atmospheric scenes were used here, which has a very positive effect on the atmosphere and creates an almost mystical ambience.
The flat also features original and unusual solutions to surprise its guests. These definitely include the bedroom with a wardrobe finished with patterned wallpaper, hidden behind a mirrored door. The bay window plays a key role in this room and is another interesting element – it has a mirror on the ceiling. Through this treatment, an additional reflection of precious light was achieved, as well as a visual replication of the curtains and a decorative light fixture from local brand Rondin. A section of the street is also reflected in the mirror, which symbolically brings visitors closer to the atmosphere of the local beautiful Old Town.
The flat in the heart of Wrocław is kept in a muted, natural and very pleasing to the eye colour scheme. The palette is dominated by beiges, yellows, reds and greens. The floors are laid with a classic herringbone wooden parquet and expressive stoneware tiles. Great importance was attached to the functionality of the kitchen connected with the living room, which is fully equipped and useful despite its small size. The fronts of the standing furniture of the annex are made of a chechotte veneer, with a stone worktop in a shade of dark green placed above. This is complemented by elegant dining and living room furniture and patinated brass details present in the finishes and lighting fixtures.
The bathroom presents the same warm and cosy style as the rest of the flat. The marble-patterned floor tiles continue those in the hallway, while part of the room’s walls are tiled with small tiles in a chequerboard pattern. The white countertop washbasin and tripartite mirror add elegance to the bathroom and are its most distinctive accent.
About the studio
Studio Kohlrabi Architektura Wnętrz is an intimate Wrocław-based studio founded in 2017 by architects Filip and Amelia Symonowicz. The couple specialises in designing interiors characterised by functionality, aesthetics and consistency. Kohlrabi focuses on creating unique, thoughtful spaces tailored to the needs of clients. It is the ideal choice for those looking for an experienced interior design studio that combines modern design with a feast “for the spirit and the senses”.
Design: Kohlrabi
Photography: Stan Zajaczkowski Photo
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