This is an exceptional realisation, thanks to which a neglected flat in an old tenement in Łódź has been revived. The luster of the interior was restored by the designer duo Mr and Mrs Light – Marta Zgłobicka and Adam Brzostowski. The 140-square-metre premises became both a showroom and a venue for cultural events, where modern lighting fixtures by Modular were naturally placed.
The flat is located in an 1899 Maurycy Frenkiel tenement built to a design by David Lande. Its interior is an example of how the spirit of the past can be masterfully combined with modern solutions. The Super Modular showroom project is a story about preserving historical details – original oak parquet floors, wooden panelling in the bay window, antique door woodwork – and complementing them with the latest technologies that give the interior a fresh and functional feel. The result is an interior that has been perfectly lit. But from the beginning.
Eclectic style with respect for history
The flat required a general renovation. The designers replaced part of the floor structure and half of the ceilings. This made it possible to install a central air-conditioning system to discreetly provide air exchange. However, they did not interfere with the interior layout, preserving the original walls.
In total, the premises consist of four rooms and a bathroom. One is combined with a kitchenette. An advantage of the interior is the exposure to three sides of the world, which makes the flat well-lit. Another is the height of the rooms – the four-metre ceilings are typical of representative turn-of-the-century flats.
The interior design was kept in an eclectic style, but with respect for the past. The existing historical elements dictated the direction of the changes. Even in the bathroom, the architects succeeded in restoring the unique Klein ceiling, which was subjected to an ageing method. The brick ceiling adorns the bathroom and corresponds to the original plaster stucco. The designers have skilfully combined the old with the new. A curiosity is the brass sockets hidden in the floor (so-called floor boxes), which improve the functionality of the entire space in a non-invasive way and allow the interior to be easily adapted for given needs.
Perfect architectural lighting
The central element that gives the interior its unique atmosphere is perfectly designed architectural lighting. In order to highlight historical details such as the elaborately decorated ceilings, the designers used suspended trunking with an “uplight” function. Thanks to these, the warm light directed upwards brings out all the decorative qualities, while the even distribution of light gives the space a cosy feel. The bathroom, where the renovated ceiling, mentioned above, is illuminated in a particularly impressive way thanks to the Pista Track track from Super Modular. This solution not only enhances the beauty of the original decoration, but is also an example of modern technology integrating subtly with historical elements.
Innovative solutions
Fashionable touches of contemporary design were not forgotten as part of the project either. The interior is complemented by furniture and accessories created by Polish designers – including a polished steel coffee table from the Steelwave studio in Poznań and a unique carpet from Tapis Atelier, perfectly matching the natural shades of the oak parquet floor. Natural materials such as Carrara stones (used for the window sills), a Lemurian stone worktop and steel elements lend the interior elegance and a reminiscence of Parisian chic, while remaining faithful to the historical heritage of the building. The preserved original elements, including panelling, door frames and ventilation grilles, underline the authenticity of the space, which the designers chose to complement with modern smart home and lighting management systems.
The interior design in a tenement in Łódź is a perfect example of how, through the careful selection of technological and lighting solutions, the beauty of historical details can be brought out, while giving the space a modern, functional character. Perfect architectural lighting, based on suspended rails, is the spirit of the arrangement, allowing the whole or a given fragment of the interior to be illuminated in a pleasant and eye-healthy way. Arranged in this way, the space is an exemplary example of interior lighting design. It is no wonder that the Lord and Lady of Light are planning to host cultural events, including art shows, in their showroom.
Five principles of good lighting design
If you are an architect and want to learn what an ideally lit interior should look like, a visit to this Lodz flat will be the best way to deepen your knowledge. Below, we publish the five principles of good lighting design, prepared by Marta Zgłobicka and Adam Brzostowski.
RULE NO. 1: DON’T ILLUMINATE EVERYTHING.
We know it’s tempting to flood a room with light, like in a supermarket on sale day, but believe it, this is not the right way to go. Commonly used diffused downlights may seem innocuous, but they make a space look flat, underexposed and unexciting….
In a flat, we need a stage light that adds drama. Light that can create layers and depth. By using specialised lights and focusing the lighting, not only will we have a more dynamic and visually appealing space, but we will also save energy and bring good interior design to life. It’s like giving your design a superpower without the cape!
RULE NO. 2: DESIGN IN LAYERS.
Forget about one-dimensional lighting! Lighting Desiner will always ensure depth and visual hierarchy in a project. We want to achieve uniformity, focus and visual impact! Using three to six layers of lighting, we can illuminate architectural elements, highlight textures and artworks. Guide visitors through the entire space. It’s like painting with light, creating a luxurious yet practical masterpiece. We’re talking about a space that makes you say ‘oh’ and ‘ah’ and makes you feel fantastic about your interior.
RULE #3: Design the look.
While we may think that lighting design should be about interiors, objects and people, architects are focused on the lights themselves. We need to bridge this gap and show them the value of good lighting design. It’s like convincing a unicorn that the rainbow is real! The lights we choose can make or break a space, and the best way to show their impact is through simulations done in Dialux. It is literally a moment of dazzle.
RULE #4: Design for activity.
Different areas of the home have different activities, such as sleeping, eating, cooking, resting, watching TV, reading books. Good lighting design takes all these activities into account. It’s about creating a mood, an ideal atmosphere for each space. Whether you need focus, relaxation or a cosy corner for a Netflix marathon, we’re with you. And let’s keep in mind those multi-functional spaces, such as the living room, where children play and learn. We’ll use our super-powered controls to dial in different layers at different levels, like a DJ mixing beats at a crazy party. It’s about understanding the basic needs of each space and making it shine like a solar-powered disco ball.
RULE #5: Design with control.
Options, options, options! It’s like having a wardrobe full of fashionable clothes – you’re always ready for any occasion. By controlling each layer independently, we can create multiple scenes in one space that perfectly suit different activities. It’s like having a chameleon that can change colours to suit any situation. So we’ve got you covered whether you’re hosting a romantic dinner, a yoga session or an impromptu dance party. It’s about flexibility, versatility and being the soul of a balanced event.
Lighting design is the secret recipe that brings a project to life. By following these rules, we can create a visually stunning space that is energy efficient and practical. So let’s put on some music and get ready to transform the world, one beautifully lit space at a time! We wrote more about lighting design HERE.
Mr and Mrs Light – official distributor of the Modular Lighting Instruments brand in Poland
e-mail: hello@supermodular.pl
Super Modular showroom:
Łódź, 23 Polskiej Organizacji Wojskowa Street
product catalogue: HERE
photos: Follow the Flow
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