The interior of a flat in Warsaw’s Powiśle district was designed by architects from Colombe Studio. It is an attractive space in a historic tenement from 1936 designed by the modernist architect Stanisław Rotberg. Less than 60 square metres of space and an impressive height of 3.15 metres give the space a unique character. Large, south-facing windows open up a panoramic view of the park, which is not only an asset but also an invitation to enjoy natural light throughout the day.
The concept was inspired by the modernist legacy and the main reference was the Pilsen designs of Adolf Loos. Collaboration with the investors began with a clear resolution that the interior should draw on its modernist roots, but at the same time allow for experimentation with more saturated materials. Three elements played a key role: a dark floor in classic fir by Chapel Parkett, walls finished in Emente paint with a deep matte finish, and panelling and joinery made of teak. The choice of teak, both for practical reasons – its resistance to harmful substances and water-resistant properties – and for aesthetic reasons, emphasising the warm colours and modernist character, exemplifies a thoughtful approach to detail. In addition, the overall composition was complemented by brass and copper elements and colour accents such as ultramarine and coral.
A tailor-made flat in Powiśle
The flat is characterised by an open, amphitheatre arrangement of space, with the spacious living room playing a central role. This zone connects the remaining rooms – bedroom, corridor and kitchen – emphasising the axial layout of the arrangement. The living room is dominated by details that bring a modern yet classic touch to the interior. The carpet from the new &Tradition collection, featuring a linear pattern, subtly guides the eye, while the deep navy blue sofa, complemented by patterned cushions from the Elitis collection, invites you to relax. A vintage coffee table, designed by K. Kozelka and A. Kropáček, together with a thick corduroy armchair from the investors’ private collection, emphasise the unique character of the space. The entire space is complemented by designer accessories – the standing rattan lamp Gubi and the silk pendant lamp Oisoioi.
The kitchen is the heart of the home
Although the kitchen is not at the focal point of the flat, it is the kitchen that inspired the entire project. The designers embraced the idea of minimising kitchen functions in favour of a multifunctional bookcase and hiding appliances, such as the washing machine, in a dedicated enclosure with rounded corners. This practical solution contributed well to the aesthetics of the premises. The investors opted for furniture with a distinctive character – a black wooden table with geometric legs and chrome chairs decorated with an animal motif, in keeping with the aesthetics of modernism. The arrangement is complemented by a classic Semi Pendant lamp by Gubi and an original Rudolph Tegner exhibition graphic above the sink, giving the space an artistic depth.
The bedroom, which is the only room that allows complete enclosure, was designed to maximise usable space. Furniture enclosures, including wardrobes for clothes and places for storing books, organise the space in a functional and discreet manner. To introduce an element that breaks up the monotony, an alcove in intense ultramarine was designed in the entrance area for the planned painting, which works harmoniously with the Vitra desk lamp, a Jean Prouve design, located on a classic vintage desk under the window. The bed headboard made of discontinued fabric by Etro, combined with an abstract print by Henryk Płóciennik and Flowerpot wall lamps by Werner Panton, creates a space conducive to tranquillity and comfort.
Bathroom
The most colourful accent of the project turned out to be the bathroom, where geometric patterns were introduced using Mutina tiles from the Mattonelle Margherita collection by Nathalie du Pasquier. These offbeat materials not only gave the space a colourful dynamism, but also broke up the rather serious character of the rest of the flat. A classic white glossy mosaic was used in the shower area, while a basin cabinet made of teak provides a cohesive reference to the rest of the décor. The unique Azul Macaubas Imperiale stone, with its delicate blue tint, and the classic decorative faucets, fixed in a form typical of modernism, complete the composition, creating a space full of contrast and finesse.
In the Powiśle flat, no detail has been overlooked. Brass doorknobs inspired by Wilhelm Wagenfeld’s designs, milled brush-painted plinths, classic technical fixtures with mirrored light bulbs, as well as the characteristic round Bakelite sockets and rotary switches – all these elements emphasise the historicising yet innovative character of the interior. This project, realised thanks to the commitment of the investors and mutual trust, shows that attention to detail and a precise vision can transform a seemingly simple premise into a spectacular, timeless interior.
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About the studio: Colombe Studio is an interior design studio that offers clients comprehensive solutions from concept to final realisation of the space. The studio works with trusted renovation teams, overseeing every stage of the project, ensuring consistency and quality of finish. The specialised offer includes the selection of carefully selected finishing materials, such as paints, floors, furnishings for kitchens, wardrobes and doors, as well as the production of unique interior elements in dedicated carpentry, upholstery and metalwork studios.
design: Colombe studio(https://www.colombe.pl/pl)
photos: Mood Authors
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