A 75-square-metre flat has been created in Warsaw’s Praga district, eschewing simple classifications. The project is the result of the owner’s collaboration with the Mistovia studio, which attempted to reconcile minimalist austerity with a distinct aesthetic. The owner, a man in his sixties, was looking for a space that would at the same time be a functional base and a place conducive to relaxation after numerous journeys.
The new functional layout
The flat was purchased in development condition. Initially, the interior layout was based on small, enclosed rooms. The investor’s priority was to create an open and spacious living area here, so most of the walls were removed. The only element that remained intact was the reinforced concrete pillar that served a structural function. The element was stripped of its plaster and supplemented with an openwork glass partition, and a painting by Zbigniew Olszyna was hung on its surface. The concrete ceilings and parts of the walls were also left exposed. The floors, on the other hand, were covered with micro-cement, which in effect created a coherent, raw base for the remaining furnishings. The process of removing the plaster was time-consuming and required appropriate technical facilities, but the result of the work completely fulfilled the designer’s expectations.
A flat in Praga and thoughtful juxtapositions
Originally, a limited palette of colours and materials prevailed in the project, which focused on greys and concrete. During the course of the work, however, the space began to gain more intense colour accents and varied textures. This was helped by meetings between the client and the designer and direct inspection of the materials. Hard surfaces were juxtaposed with soft furniture forms and noble claddings, such as the chequered veneer and textured, green Mutina tiles with a fine pattern. Electrical fittings were also carefully selected. At least five types of switches were used throughout the flat, which were matched to the wall and furniture finishes.
A return to the past
An element of integration between the different areas of the flat is the presence of vintage-style details. In the kitchen, the focus is on the island made of steel and natural quartzite, supported by oval yellow legs inspired by Eero Saarinen’s designs. Above it hangs a green crystal lamp, crafted by the owner’s daughter. Each of the dining chairs has a different pedigree and history. A maroon Pantone Chair designed by Verner Panton stands next to a chrome hocker and a German Mikado 1800 model from the late 1970s and early 1980s. The juxtaposition is completed by contemporary accessories such as coffee tables by NG Design or an aluminium piece of furniture from Six Dots Design.
Balance between privacy and openness
The functional layout of the flat implies a great deal of flexibility. The kitchen has been opened up to the living and dining area, and the hallway leads to an additional bathroom. Behind the reinforced concrete pillar, there is space for a bookshelf and the owner’s personal items. A seating area has also been designed in this zone and space has been provided for a future armchair. The bedroom, connected to the main bathroom through an arched doorway, is kept in muted colours and devoid of austere concrete walls. The simplistic interior is complemented by an Artemide lamp designed by Vico Magistretti and a graphic design by Przemek Bizon. The panelled doors lead to the most formally complex space – the main bathroom. This is where different colours and textures meet: terracotta Rosso Francia tiles, blue onyx-like facings, walnut veneer and a concrete washbasin juxtaposed with pink mosaic. The whole is rounded off by a hanging cabinet designed by Patricia Urquiola in checkered veneer.
A flat in the Praga district open to change
The project envisages the possibility of future transformations. The space can be divided up and adapted to the changing needs of the user. As the designer emphasises, the aim was to create an interior that combines everyday functionality with individual aesthetic expression.
Project: Mistovia
Photos: ONI studio
Read also: Architecture in Poland | Warsaw | Apartment | Interiors | Polish designers | Furniture
