In this Gdańsk apartment, designed as the designer’s primary living space, every element has been created with everyday comfort, durability and a precise fit to individual needs in mind. This is an interior that was not created ‘for the market’, but as the logical realisation of years of observation, dreams and ergonomic requirements stemming, amongst other things, from the owner’s tall stature.
The greatest challenge proved to be the coordination of a dozen or so independent teams. Each specialist wanted to be the last to work, and the project, lacking a single main contractor, required constant supervision and precise planning of the sequence of tasks. The kitchen was particularly demanding, as all its elements were made to order and had to fit together perfectly.
Inspirations
From the outset, the owner knew he wanted to work with natural materials in their original colours. Woodwork, timber, stone and metal became the foundation of the entire composition. Plastic and glossy acrylics were avoided in favour of surfaces that age gracefully. Graff products were used in the bathrooms to avoid the ubiquitous chrome sheen.
The kitchen features a theme the designer describes as a “home version of a premium commercial kitchen”. Metal finishes, a symmetrical arrangement of cabinets and two columns on either side create a tidy, professional space. A Mito Volo lamp hangs above the table. It is a model the owner remembered from a visit to friends’ home and had wanted for years. A kitchen designed in this way is sure to appeal to fans of minimalist architecture.
Constraints as part of the design
The height of the flat posed a major challenge. After demolishing all the walls and rebuilding them, a height of 2.69 m was achieved. This is slightly more than the developer had anticipated, who had planned for the installation of air conditioning. The layout of the rooms was dictated by the windows and shafts, which required precise planning. The designer deliberately opted against extensive ceiling lighting. Instead, directional light was used, reflected off the walls and positioned so as not to be glaring.
The design process
The owner began work on the project by drawing up a list of his own requirements: wide and tall doors, comfortable passageways, ample space between furniture, a bed suited to his height, and a spacious bathroom with a large shower and bath. To achieve this, he dispensed with a second bedroom, gaining a comfortable bathing area and enlarging the main bedroom. Maintaining visual order was of great importance, which is why closed storage systems dominate throughout the flat. The only items on display are those the owner wishes to showcase – paintings and books arranged on a shelf visible as soon as one enters the flat.
Stone, wood and metal are used consistently throughout the flat. Every detail has been chosen so that it does not dominate the others, but contributes to a harmonious whole. The bedroom is more subdued: light oak on the floor, white, shades of blue on the bed upholstery and palm-patterned wallpaper, which adds a delicate, calming touch.
Original solutions
Each room has a distinctly different character. There is no television in the living room; instead, a projector has been installed, allowing for the creation of a large home cinema. The modular sofa, consisting of three sections, can be arranged in any configuration depending on the gathering. In the kitchen, the width of the island worktop has been tailored to the dimensions of a commercial ice cube maker. In the small guest bathroom, elements typically associated with hotels and clinics have been deliberately incorporated – utilitarian dispensers and accessories lend it a distinctive, austere tone.
In the study, the walls were originally white, but were eventually painted matt black, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of an elegant, dimly lit office. The shape of the cupboards above the desk echoes the geometric acoustic panels, which serve both an aesthetic and practical function (improving the acoustics).
The owner emphasises that his greatest satisfaction comes from the fact that the finished project fully matches the original plans and visualisations. It is a flat where he feels at home every day and which meets all his needs.
design: 761.studio, Karolina Koryniowska – Madde Studio
photos: Katarzyna Seliga-Wróblewska, Marcin Wróblewski / Fotomohito
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