A studio flat in Stara Sadyba. Danish minimalism and furniture with a history

·3 September 2026

Designer lamps, 1950s furniture, Danish minimalism and a garden outside the window – this is what this small studio flat in Stara Sadyba looks like. A complete refurbishment of the flat has opened up the interior, allowed more light in and brought out the full potential of this property, situated in a historic housing estate.

The owners were immediately taken with the flat and its private garden. The property is situated in the Społem housing estate, built 100 years ago to a design by Oskar Sosnowski as part of the Czerniaków garden city. Before the renovation, however, the interior was dark and divided into two separate rooms. Architects from the Bran&Pine studio were responsible for its transformation. Their first step was to open up the studio flat’s space. As part of the renovation, they also enlarged the terrace window and restored its proportions in line with the building’s original design. In the 1980s, it had been unlawfully reduced in size. The larger opening significantly improved the amount of natural light and allowed the greenery to ‘flow’ inside.

The second key element of the design is a mirrored cube. Its surfaces reflect light and the garden, creating an effect that changes with the time of day. During sunny hours, reflections appear on the walls and ceiling. The mirrored structure conceals the kitchen and the entrance to the toilet. Behind the glass panes, there is also a cobalt-blue recess designed for storage and coffee preparation. Everyday appliances and accessories remain discreet, and the form of the wooden kitchen is not disrupted in any way.

The minimalist base is complemented by art from young artists, old linocuts, furniture from the second half of the 20th century and, above all, the lighting. For the designers, lamps are more than just a source of light – they treat them as objects that can set the tone and character of the entire interior. The studio flat features designs by renowned creators. Hanging above the table is the ‘Frisbi’ by Achille Castiglioni for Flos; there is also a piece by Mario Bellini and a blown-glass lamp by Ingo Maurer. Various forms and materials have been combined with simple wooden fitted furniture, giving the interior a light yet expressive feel.

One of the designers’ favourite finds is a table from the 1950s, spotted at an antiques market. The dining area has been arranged around it. Chairs from the same period were chosen to go with the table – their search led them to discover unique models designed by Egon Eiermann in 1952. The furniture was made to special order for a German parish in Pforzheim. The unusual curve at the top of the backrest was probably intended for resting a prayer book. It’s a very interesting detail and further proof that second-hand furniture is the soul of an interior.

Kawalerka na Starej Sadybie

Given the limited floor space, it was particularly important to create a sleeping area without building another wall. Instead, a curtain made of soft, natural fabric was installed. When drawn, it ensures privacy, whilst when opened, it maintains the flat’s open-plan layout. The designers also found space for a home office. A bespoke wooden cabinetry unit houses a desk and the necessary storage space – this is how the work area has been discreetly integrated into the design. The result is that this studio flat in Stara Sadyba can serve several purposes without feeling cluttered. Every element has its place here, from the lamps and period furniture to the cobalt-blue alcove hidden behind the mirror.

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About the studio:

The Warsaw-based studio Bran&Pine was founded by architects Joanna Otrębska and Weronika Pariaszewska, graduates of the Faculty of Architecture at the Warsaw University of Technology. The duo specialise in designing private, office and commercial interiors; they also create their own furniture and assist clients in selecting art and vintage items. In their projects, the architects place great emphasis on detail, proportion and functionality.

design: Bran&Pine
photography: ONI Studio