The flat, located in a historic building in Warsaw, is a story of modernist architecture, details and the exceptional sensitivity of the author of the interior concept, Joanna Kulczyńska. After comprehensive revitalisation, the building from 1913 has become one of the most desirable addresses in Śródmieście. It hides a lot of history, having once been home to figures such as the composer Karol Szymański, the conductor Kazimierz Wiłkomirski or the Olympic champion Janusz Kusociński. In a space full of personal traces from their journeys, the classics meet the rhythm of the inhabitants’ everyday life, creating an intriguing whole.
In the 160 m² flat, designed by architect Joanna Kulczyńska of the Kulczyński Architekt studio, every element creates an intricate composition of textures, colours and moods – sensual, unobvious and attracting attention from the threshold. The admiration for this interior, however, goes far beyond its prestigious downtown location or the charm of an old Warsaw tenement – it is a space with soul, consciously designed for a family of three. This time, Joanna Kulczyńska decided to break conventions – instead of fashionable minimalism, she proposed vivid colours, contrasts and bold combinations of styles: from vintage to contemporary, combining classic elements with artistic nonchalance. The result is an interior full of character – coherent in its diversity, elegant, warm and everyday friendly.
Living with artistic nonchalance – harmony of colours and forms
In the living room, attention is drawn to two contrasting sofas – a deep navy blue one with a quilted texture and a simple velvet one in a graphite shade. Their elegant form is contrasted by a chaise longue in black and white stripes, complemented by geometric coffee tables. The spaciousness of the flat is emphasised by the high windows, which let in plenty of natural light. Combined with light-coloured walls and long, beige curtains, they create the perfect backdrop for the bold furniture and accessories. The character of the décor is built primarily by the carefully selected details. On the wall above the sofa, a woven, colourful tapestry and many travel souvenirs catch the eye. Also eye-catching are the unusual lighting forms; the floor lamp with its unusual form and the spectacular braided ceiling lamp.
Subtlety of materials, strength of composition
The focal point of the kitchen is the work island of impressive size, made of light marble. Its minimalist form and subtle grain blend harmoniously with the white of the walls and the golden accents of the fittings. The high, simple hockers add lightness while allowing you to comfortably celebrate shared moments. A warm atmosphere is also achieved through the natural wood – the distinctive parquet flooring laid in a decorative pattern and the veneered fronts of the lower cabinets.
The walls of the kitchen are decorated with an extensive collection of paintings. Portraits, landscapes, urban scenes – each brings a different emotion, memory and context to this flat. They give the space character and a personal touch. Connected to the living room, the interior also hides a functional surprise – a small pantry, hidden behind a classic door. This is a practical solution that keeps the space tidy and aesthetically clean, while increasing the comfort of daily use. The whole is complemented by carefully selected accessories – a decorative table lamp with a sculptural character, golden crockery, fresh flowers and herbs, which bring additional colour to the composition. The dining area, located by the windows, encourages communal meals and conversation. The wooden table is surrounded by pastel chairs in powder pink, adding lightness to the space.
Secret garden
The wallpaper used by Joanna Kulczyńska, in mesmerising shades of dark blue, turquoise and indigo, creates in the bedroom the atmosphere of a mysterious garden enclosed within four walls. The focal point of the arrangement is the highly original bed – rounded, almost sculptural in form, with velvet upholstery in a shade of dark blue. The walls are covered with wallpaper with a texture reminiscent of hand-painted canvas. Gilded floral motifs, touched by the light of the setting sun, introduce a subtle contrast and add depth to the whole. The juxtaposition of the modern, rounded bed with the classic, richly ornamented solid wood sideboard shows that good design can unite seemingly disparate worlds. The soulful furniture brings warmth and history to the interior, while providing the perfect backdrop for ceramic sculptures, flacons and books. Attention is also drawn to the details – the vintage-style upholstered armchairs, the elegant white doors with classic stucco, or the minimalist lamps, reminiscent of closed flower buds.
Bathrooms with character
The first of the three bathrooms is dominated by a terazzo-based concept. The floors, part of the walls and the tops of the wash basins are made in light tones, juxtaposed with contrasting dark and beige accents. It is these that provide the aesthetic backdrop for the rest of the arrangement – minimalist but full of flavour. The focal point of the bathroom is the free-standing bathtub with its classic, soft lines. It is accompanied by two washbasin tops – massive, supported by light, metal structures, which ensures that they do not overwhelm the interior. The mirror is also a delight – large, simple, integrated with LED lighting. Industrial accents in the fittings, reminiscent of water valves, add a bit of rawness and loft character to the bathroom. There is no lack of art here – an expressive painting above the bathtub, depicting figures relaxing by the pool, introduces an element of surprise and brings the whole composition to life. In the second bathroom, the symmetrical arrangement of washbasins and cabinets is accompanied by marble surfaces. The third room, the toilet, stands out thanks to its deep navy blue shade and decorative tiles with a structured form. The dark colour scheme, combined with the wooden countertop and gold-finished details, gives the room a luxurious and theatrical expression.
The whole is not just an aesthetic composition – it is a story about the dialogue between past and present and conscious design that can bring out the emotions in a space. This was greatly helped by the openness of the investors, who did not require following fashionable trends, appreciating unusual and surprising solutions. Once again, Joanna Kulczyńska showed that her interiors can be a carrier of history, but also a stage for everyday life – diverse, full of the rhythm of the inhabitants’ lives. In this flat, design does not play a prominent role – rather, it coexists with people, their needs and imagination. And that is precisely why it remains memorable. How do you like the flat with artistic nonchalance that the architect has designed?
photos: BUDZIK STUDIO / https://www.budzikstudio.com/
Read also: Architecture in Poland | Polish designers | Apartment | Art Deco | Eclecticism | Vintage | Warsaw
