In the Marcelin district of Poznań, close to a nearby forest, an apartment has been designed for a young couple expecting a baby. Paweł Danielak of Studio Danielak has created a space that blends the urban setting with the tranquil atmosphere of a home. Earthy tones, natural materials and soft lighting form the basis of the design, and the whole has been conceived as a safe, peaceful place to live.
Right from the start of the collaboration, it became clear that the aesthetic intuition of the clients and the designer were aligned. A common ground emerged in the search for a balance between function and emotional response, simplicity and warmth, light and matter. The project developed smoothly, in an atmosphere of trust and thoughtful dialogue.
The play of light
The original layout proposed by the developer did not make use of the potential of the 86-square-metre corner flat. The key decision was to demolish one of the walls, which allowed the interior to be opened up and created free-flowing transitions between zones. The result is a living area of almost 40 square metres, bright and airy, where light moves freely across the surfaces, emphasising their form and proportions.
It is precisely this light that has become one of the most important elements of the design. During the day, it softly filters through the sheer curtains, creating subtle reflections on the walls. It changes the character of the interior depending on the time of day, building atmosphere and highlighting textures.
Materials that soothe
The architect opted for natural, muted materials. The matt microcement on the floor introduced cohesion and visual lightness, whilst its seamless surface provided a neutral backdrop for the wooden joinery. The walls were finished with textured paint, whose delicate texture reacts to light, adding depth to the interior. The combination of smooth microcement with subtly rough surfaces gave the space a sensual, almost tactile character.
In the living area
A sculptural composition of Tacchini fibreglass lamps hangs at the centre of the living area. They are positioned above a table with soft, rounded lines, crafted in a Spanish workshop and finished with microcement. The table’s solid form balances the ethereal quality of the lighting, whilst the lamp bodies, slightly offset from one another, create a shifting interplay of light and shadow.
The interior is complemented by a piece by Marta Rószczka, created to individual order and tailored to the apartment’s colour palette. Wooden details crafted by Stolarni Dęborzyce bring authenticity and artisanal precision, highlighting the quality of the materials used.
From the hallway, the main visual axis leads towards the kitchen island finished in quartz sintered stone with a delicately textured surface. This is a place for daily gatherings: morning coffee, brief conversations, and watching the afternoon light reflect off the worktop.
Form and function
The design is based on discipline, evident in both its aesthetic and functional aspects. The air conditioning and ventilation systems have been integrated into the built-in units, as have the household appliances. Wardrobes and storage units have been designed as integral elements of the architecture, ensuring the space remains tidy and serene.
Private area
The sleeping area has been designed to be clearly separated from the more dynamic living area. The bedroom is decorated in warm shades of beige and sand, which promote a sense of calm. Soft carpeting enhances comfort, and behind the glass doors lies the master bathroom, which is consistent in terms of materials with the rest of the flat.
In the entrance area, the eye is drawn to a composition of natural wood and grooved tiles, complemented by Aromas lighting and a round mirror. A spacious shower with a comfortable seat has been designed into the recess, emphasising the attention to the everyday comfort of the occupants.
Studio Danielak has created an interior based on carefully chosen proportions, materials and light. There are no flashy, one-off solutions here – instead, there is consistency, thoughtfulness and a pursuit of timeless quality. The flat, immersed in the greenery of the nearby forest and based on a natural colour palette, becomes a peaceful backdrop to everyday life. This approach is in line with the studio’s philosophy, in which context, material coherence and care for the user experience are key.
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About the architect:
Paweł Danielak, the studio’s founder, is a graduate of the Faculty of Architecture at Poznań University of Technology, from which he graduated with distinction. He completed his master’s thesis under the supervision of architect Marian Fikus. He gained experience at renowned Polish firms, including PL.architekci, CDF Architekci and NMS Architekci. He has won over twenty awards in Poland and abroad.
In his work, he focuses on designing spaces based on natural light, carefully selected colour schemes and minimalist forms. His designs, inspired by nature and tailored to the needs of users, are characterised by elegant simplicity and a pursuit of balance and tranquillity.
design: Studio Danielak
photos: Migdał Studio
image: Marta Rószczka
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