Many old buildings in Krakow have been preserved, which offer the possibility of arranging an original space. One example is the attic flat in the annexe of a tenement house on Mały Rynek, which was designed by Anna Rybacka, who runs the interior design studio Head Made.
The attic flat in an annexe of a tenement house on Krakow’s Small Market Square is an example of a perfect combination of functionality and artistic expression, where every fragment of the 47-square-metre space has been thought through in terms of ergonomics and mood. The designer faced the challenge of the complicated geometry of the space – an attic full of slants, irregular windows and multi-level floors.
To begin with, it was necessary to make a profound change to the spatial division. Enlarging the bathroom and creating a kitchenette with a mini-wardrobe in the entrance area were just some of the solutions that allowed maximum use to be made of every corner. The corrected doorway connecting the kitchen and the bedroom, raised to a non-standard height thanks to slanted walls, became not only a practical solution, but also a tasteful accent to the interior.
Made-to-measure furniture
Due to the unusual shape of the room, almost all the furnishings were made to order. Each piece of furniture – from the kitchen unit, through the semi-circular headrest integrated into the roof structure, to the TV cabinet, tables, chests of drawers and the original screen – was designed not only to fulfil its function, but also to emphasise the character of the interior. The minimalist form of the furniture is broken by interesting details such as rounded corners, a stone plinth or unusual handles. The screen, which skilfully separates the lounge area from the bedroom, is a unique element of the composition thanks to its fabric-like upholstery.
Materials and colours
The central motif in the arrangement is natural wood, whose warm hue appeals from the floor made of solid planks and the visible roof truss to the furniture decorated with oak veneers. The wood contrasts perfectly with the stone – Kinawa Bianco with its graphite-grey-beige tones is used in the kitchen, while the Rosso Levanto stone, which adds a unique character to the interior with its deep burgundy hue, is used in the bedroom and bathroom. The combination of these materials creates a coherent whole, where the past meets modern interior design trends.
Light as an element of space magic
The atmosphere of the interior is enhanced by the carefully designed lighting. Due to the sloping ceilings, there is no standard ceiling light – subtle wall lamps, table lamps and floor lamps dominate. The original pendant lamp above the kitchen table gives the space a unique expression while creating a warm, cosy atmosphere. In the bedroom and in the entrance area, a combination of modern lighting solutions is used, which do not overwhelm, but emphasise the delicate proportions of the arrangement.
A loft flat full of details
The character of the interior is complemented by carefully selected accessories. Antique mirrors, used in the kitchen as a cladding for the wall unit, reflect the light without duplicating all the details, thus maintaining the harmony of the composition. In the bedroom, a large floor mirror with a semi-circular finial and muntins not only refers to antique forms, but also introduces a touch of nostalgia. Also the carpet with a chequerboard motif, textiles in neutral colours, subtle accessories in graphite and warm brown, as well as brushed nickel and brass finishes, contribute to the unique character of this space.
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About the studio:
Head Made Design Studio was founded in 2011 by Anna Rybacka, a graduate of the Interior Design Department at the Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow, who was previously active in the “bez atu” Interior and Furniture Design Studio. The studio’s track record includes many realisations of private and public interiors. In designing, she combines traditional technologies and objects with contemporary elements. She appreciates the individualism of interiors achieved through the skilful incorporation of art objects. She particularly enjoys projects in buildings with historical potential, which offer the possibility of unconventional arrangements.
design: head made interior design
photography: ONI studio
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