Design, at its best, is not decoration but problem solving. This is the approach behind the WE MAKE THINGS studio’s realisation, hidden on the third floor of a tenement house in Poznań’s Wilda district. The flat resonates as a study in functionality and aesthetics: pragmatic, economical in form, yet rich in details that give the whole its character.
The main idea behind the completed project is that good design must first and foremost be useful. The architects of WE MAKE THINGS approached the task like craftsmen and engineers of emotions – each element of the interior is supposed to solve a specific problem and, at the same time, create a coherent story. The homeowner appreciates objects with character. The interior architecture therefore had to reconcile pragmatic requirements with the need for visual purity. The result is a space tailored to daily rituals, without unnecessary ornamentation, but with a wealth of textures and colour combinations.
A flat in the Wilda district with a clear division
The starting point became the pretext for a bold intervention: all partition walls were removed, installations were rebuilt and the kitchen and bathroom were relocated. This radical change made it possible to create an open, flowing living area in which the kitchen became the heart of the living area. The rhythm of the space is marked by a dark blue wall lamp – a symbolic element that is the focal point of the flat and a visual link between all zones.
The private part of the flat, comprising a bedroom, a dressing room and a home office, has been designed in contrast: intimate, discreet and completely separable thanks to a sliding door system, giving the resident full control over when he or she wants to close off from the outside world.
A play of colours
The colour palette and choice of materials are the consequence of a single aesthetic decision – a dark blue wall sconce as a focal point. Warm tones of wood and veneer are the dominant base. These natural tones have been deliberately broken up with accents of burgundy and deep navy blue, giving the interior a distinct look without losing harmony. The materials have been juxtaposed with attention to contrasting textures: matt and polished navy blue finishes, smooth veneered fronts, and the uneven, soft texture of fabrics. Steel and chrome appear as subtle counterweights – in the radiator housing or storage systems – adding a touch of industrial precision to the interior.
The interior comes alive with bespoke, original details. From the headrest in the bedroom, to the wardrobes in the entrance, to the desk in the workspace, each element has been designed and crafted to create a unified language of forms and materials. The most visible accent is the navy blue bookcase in the living room, a piece of furniture designed specifically for this space by the architect. It sets the visual and functional rhythm: the shelves are positioned with objects of character in mind, and its deep colour corresponds with the wall lamp, unifying the zones. Handmade finishes, carefully selected fittings and precise material combinations underline the artisanal character of the design and make the interior look not like a catalogued solution, but like a story about the user’s specific needs and tastes.
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About the studio:
WE MAKE THINGS is an original architectural studio founded by Michal Kościuk. Our designs are a precise synthesis of function, context and aesthetics. We eschew momentary trends in favour of timeless quality, artisanal detail and durable materials. Our aim is to create spaces that are background and naturally support their inhabitants in their daily lives. The process is as important to us as the final product itself, which is a space designed by people for people.
design and photos: WE MAKE THINGS
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