The atmosphere of a former flat in a historic tenement building can stay with you for a long time. Over time, however, a family’s needs begin to set a new course – more space and proximity to nature become just as important as city life. The owners of this flat faced a similar choice when they found a home overlooking a lake and a forest, one that combines panoramic views with the convenience of everyday living.
The new home was to retain the atmosphere of their beloved, pre-war Wrzeszcz, whilst embracing contemporary comfort. The Magma studio responded to this expectation with a design in which a vintage spirit meets modern functionality. The reorganisation of the layout allowed for a clear separation between the living area and the private area, so that the communal space naturally fills with the bustle of everyday life, whilst the private area remains a haven of tranquillity.
Panoramic light
From the moment you enter, the flat evokes images of a seaside landscape. The terrazzo floor resembles sand mixed with small stones, flowing seamlessly into a classic, dark herringbone pattern of natural wood. The bright, spacious base has allowed for the use of rich, refined materials that lend depth and elegance to the interior.
The design concept is most fully realised in the living area. Natural wood, stone and soft fabrics create a tranquil backdrop for a view that changes with the time of day. The boundary between the interior and the landscape blurs, and light becomes one of the key elements – not only does it brighten the space, but it also defines its atmosphere.
Custom-designed elements
The centrepiece of the living room is a sculptural bookcase designed specifically for this interior. Its Rosso Lepanto marble base lends the piece a distinctive character and emphasises the nobility of the material. This is an example of an approach in which unique elements are created with a specific location in mind – if moved elsewhere, they would lose their meaning.
The dining area is complemented by a subtle lamp, whose light form brings to mind a kinetic mobile, introducing a delicate sense of movement and reflections of light into the interior. Although the kitchen remains open to the living room, its character has been deliberately softened. Viewed from the dining room, it resembles an alchemist’s laboratory rather than a traditional kitchen – an effect created by the large-format artistic glasswork by Edyta Barańska. This part of the flat also features touches of Polish design: The Good Living chairs and a cobalt-blue Lexavala lamp.
Private area
The private area of the flat comprises a walk-in wardrobe and an en-suite bedroom. At its centre stands a bed by the Polish brand Tamo, complemented by bespoke built-in furniture. Particular attention is drawn to the monolithic wardrobe with a pull-out worktop – a discreet space for working or quiet reading. Such unusual pieces of furniture are one of the studio’s hallmarks.
The main bathroom has undergone a spectacular transformation. Once dark and enclosed, it is now flooded with natural light thanks to the removal of a partition wall and the installation of artistic glass panelling. The predominant wooden panelling gives it a more homely, almost living-room-like character, whilst the blue paired with Calacatta marble in the shower area introduces a subtle colour accent that enlivens the calm palette of materials.
A space designed to last
The ‘Flat with a View’ is an example of a project where urban elegance meets the soothing presence of nature, and bespoke design and craftsmanship become the vehicles for everyday experiences. In projects such as this, interior design ceases to be merely a composition of materials and forms, becoming instead a story about people, their needs and a place that, over time, truly becomes a home.
design: Pracownia Magma
photographs: Hanna Połczyńska / kroniki
See also: Gdańsk | Flat | Interiors | Detail | Furniture | whiteMAD on Instagram
