The Avant-garde Flower Apartment is a space that delights with its craftsmanship and deep reference to the turn-of-the-century aesthetic known as belle époque. Located in one of Sopot’s early 20th century townhouses, right on the beach, it combines old-world elegance with modern functionality. This 90-square-metre flat is a tribute to the art nouveau style, subtly intertwined with foreshadowings of art déco. The refurbishment of the interior included a comprehensive remodelling, as well as the restoration of the original window woodwork, bringing back the atmosphere of the former era.
The flat could have belonged to the literary Lady of the Camellias, the heroine of Alexandre Dumas’ novel. The space seems to be a setting for dramatic love, combining nature and art in a manner characteristic of the belle époque. The art nouveau style, prevalent during the fin de siècle, manifests itself here in organic lines, asymmetrical forms and decorativeness inspired by fauna and flora. The manifestations of Art Nouveau can be seen in every element: from the wallpaper designs by Pierre Frey and Braquenié, to the bedroom wallpaper from Ralph Lauren. These decorations introduce a wealth of floral motifs and subtle shades that harmonise with the furniture and interior finishes.
The suite impresses with its varied colour scheme. Bright, pastel colours of green and brown dominate the living room and the kitchen with dining area. Warm gold on the bathroom ceilings and walls contrasts with deep, stone-like shades of blue and navy in the bedroom and living room. These elegant juxtapositions emphasise the intimacy and warmth of the interiors, while harking back to the Art Nouveau tradition, which valued subtle colour combinations.
The focal point of the flat is the arched windows, which are reminiscent of the stained glass windows so prized during the Art Nouveau period. Handcrafted stucco, intricate window frames and wooden joinery are elements that evoke the spirit of the period. The elegant finish of the fireplace, the delicate chairs at the kitchen island or the graceful bedside tables in the bedroom bear witness to the craftsmanship of the artisans.
The material that particularly distinguishes this interior is glass – a favourite of the Art Nouveau movement. The coloured, organic forms of the glass elements add lightness and luminosity to the interior. The inspiration of Louis Tiffany – the American stained glass artist and artist who mainly created works in glass and jewellery in the Art Nouveau style – is evident here in the subtle ornamentation of the lamps and mirrors.
The flat combines elegance with functionality. Wooden built-ins conceal wardrobes and storage space, upholstered sofas provide comfort, and the kitchen with its polished table-top island combines beauty with utility. This combination of art and everyday life is reminiscent of luxury residences from the belle époque era.
Although art nouveau is the dominant style here, the flat features elements that herald the arrival of art déco. The gold stars on the blue background of the dining room ceiling, the geometric sconces or the chrome finishes of the lamps betray a fascination with the future and the industrial materials that emerged in the 1920s. This subtle fusion of two styles shows the evolution in interior art of the time.
The décor of the flat betrays a fascination with nature and art. The floral motifs entwining the interiors, the delicate bird patterns on the wallpaper and fabrics, as well as the carefully chosen colours and textures, create a space full of life and emotion. One can imagine the owner of the flat leading a guest through an amphilade of rooms, from the living room to the dining room to the cosy bedroom. Even the bathroom with its large mirror invites you to contemplate the beauty of the details.
The avant-garde flower is more than a flat – it is a story of art, history and aesthetics. It bridges the gap between the old days and the present day, where every detail of the interior is a tribute to refined beauty. It is a space created for those who appreciate creativity, originality and subtle luxury.
Design: Karolina Rochman Design
Photography: Rafał Lipski
Read also: Interiors | Apartment | Sopot | Architecture in Poland | Art Deco | Art Nouveau
