The country house, with a floor area of approximately 180 sq m, is a perfect example of combining regional architecture with a modern approach to design. The interior of the building was created by the architect duo: Ula Schönhofer and Mateusz Piotrowski. Their design is a response to the expectations of the owners, who wished to live in classic interiors enriched with contemporary references. The building is in keeping with the traditional style of the Warmian countryside, and its shape with a pitched roof and red brick façade refers to the local heritage.
A country house – a project tailored to the needs of investors
The property owners contacted the designers at the open shell stage, which enabled them to adapt the interiors to their own expectations without changing the wall layout. The spacious hall, reaching two storeys high, provides an impressive entrance to the house. The exposed staircase and the balustrade on the first floor have been carefully designed and painted in anthracite, which emphasises their precise workmanship and gives the whole building an elegant character.
© Hanna Połczyńska / www.kroniki.studio
Traditional interiors with a modern twist
The floor in the hall and kitchen is decorated with a striking pattern of solid-coloured stoneware tiles. The inspiration for the old floors of the manor houses in East Prussia finds a contemporary interpretation here. Double glazed doors lead into the living area, which features a spacious living room and dining area suitable for family gatherings. The focal point of this space is a large oak folding table, designed especially for this interior. A characteristic leitmotif is the plaiting, referring to traditional handicraft. This element manifests itself in the unusual layout of the floorboards, the pattern of the tiles and in decorative accents such as wicker lamps and baskets.
Bright kitchen combined with dining room and living room
The dining room connects to the kitchen through a three-wing glass door, which, together with the fireplace and the door from the hall, forms a key element of the long living room wall. The ‘goat’ type fireplace has been incorporated into an unusual portal with a recess, which further emphasises its decorative character. The second entrance to the kitchen leads from the hall, where the architects decided to use a glass door in black metal frames with an arched fanlight. The kitchen, despite its traditional layout, stands out with its large windows and green cabinets, a dream come true for the investor.
Natural elegance and attention to detail
In the other rooms, care was also taken to consistently refer to tradition in a modern way. No artificial ageing was used in the interior design, but a natural elegance was achieved through the selection of materials and details. Notable among the elements used are the door handles designed by Walter Gropius in 1923 and the bedside lamps in the bedroom from the 1930s. In addition, many of the decorations and crockery are second-hand or were made in Polish craftsmen’s workshops.
The result – a country house with soul
The fruitful cooperation between architects and investors resulted in a house that combines tradition and contemporary comfort. The high quality of the finishes, the carefully selected materials and the involvement of regional craftsmen meant that every detail of the interior was worked out with masterful precision. With the passage of time, these interiors will become even more refined, emphasising the authenticity and timeless value of the project.
About the authors
Ula Schönhofer is an interior architect and painter living and working in Gdansk. She graduated from two faculties at the Academy of Fine Arts – Interior Design and Painting. She gained her professional experience in renowned Tricity studios. Currently, she runs her own interior design studio operating throughout Poland. In her work she puts emphasis on an individual approach to projects, good communication and the highest quality of implementation.
Mateusz Piotrowski is an interior designer with many years of experience, operating in the industry since 2004. He worked with Magdalena Adamus’ LOFT-MA studio for over a dozen years, participating in prestigious projects such as the Mera SPA Hotel in Sopot and the interiors of the World War II Museum in Gdańsk. Known for his attention to detail and angelic patience. Passionate about interwar modernism and a lover of mountains.
interior designers: Ula Schönhofer(ulasch.com, instagram: ula.schonhofer), Mateusz Piotrowski(pracownia2lf.pl)
photographer: Hanna Połczyńska(kroniki.studio, instagram: kroniki)
Also read: Single-family house | Interiors | Mid-century modern | whiteMAD on Instagram
