Bordeaux, marble and terracotta: a small flat in a tenement block in Poznań

·21 August 2026

This let flat in a pre-war tenement block on Łazienna Street in Poznań is a project which, from the outset, was intended to set a higher standard for this type of property. The architects from the maKa architekci practice – Marta Krzekotowska and Magdalena Bulińska – were entrusted with complete freedom by the client, taking charge of the design, selection of materials and supervision of the build. This enabled them to create an interior refined down to the last detail and fully functional.

The flat is situated in a renovated tenement house dating from the early 20th century. The wooden staircase, brass fittings and polychrome decoration, painstakingly restored by the developer, became a natural point of reference for the design. The interior subtly echoes these historical elements – through colour, texture and the choice of materials.

The interior is dominated by deep, wine-red burgundy tones, which feature on the walls and in the joinery. Dark, veneered surfaces are paired with black handles, whilst veined stone with a distinctive pattern has been incorporated above the kitchen worktop. The flooring in the kitchen area and the bathroom echoes the classic mosaics found in traditional tenement houses. The whole is warmed by the rusty, terracotta-coloured upholstery of the sofa – a colour that recurs in several places, ensuring the flat remains cohesive and harmonious.

Neurodesign as the foundation of the project

The choice of colours and materials is based on the principles of neurodesign, which forms an important part of the design process at the maKa architekci studio. Deep shades of burgundy and taupe have a calming effect, fostering a sense of security. Natural materials – wood, marble, brass – engage the sense of touch, helping to reduce arousal levels after a busy day. A carefully considered amount of storage space reduces visual stimuli, ensuring the space promotes rest and genuine relief for the nervous system.

Living area

The kitchen opens onto the living area, creating a single, functional space. Dark fitted units with marble accents adjoin the dining area, which features a table with a stone top and upholstered chairs in warm shades. In the living room, by the windows overlooking the rooftops of the Old Town, there is a sofa bed with a storage compartment for bedding – a particularly practical solution in small flats. The herringbone pattern on the floor adds a sense of lightness and balances the intensity of the burgundy on the walls. The TV unit is fitted with a sliding front panel, allowing the equipment to be hidden away whilst maintaining a tidy appearance.

A bathroom designed for functionality

The bathroom is decorated in a white-and-blue colour scheme with bold black accents. Large, almost jointless tiles make it easy to keep the space clean – particularly important in rental flats. The shower is fitted with a concealed rain showerhead, whilst the oval washbasin on a light-coloured worktop balances out the striking, dark floor. The overall effect is elegant, practical and able to withstand heavy use.

25 square metres of space

Despite its modest size – just 25 square metres – the flat offers a surprising amount of storage space. A washing machine and tumble dryer are concealed within the kitchen units, ensuring the living room retains its elegant appearance. Every element has been carefully crafted to ensure the interior is functional, aesthetically pleasing and durable.

The project proves that a rental flat can have a distinctive character whilst remaining functional. Thanks to the architects’ full supervision of the build, the design was successfully translated into reality without compromise, and the tenement on Łazienna Street has gained an interior that combines respect for the historic architecture with a bold, contemporary approach to design.

design: maKa architekci (Marta Krzekotowska, Magdalena Bulińska)

construction supervision: maKa architekci

tenement building design: a consortium of Retro-Styl and Lidenskap

photographs: Lidia Ostrowska