A well-designed interior does not need spectacular flourishes or decorative excess to attract attention. Its value is revealed gradually – in the way it guides the household through the space, organises daily activities and creates an atmosphere. This philosophy can be found in a 93-square-metre, two-level flat in the Chronos development in Warsaw’s Wola district, designed by the Moderna Design studio.
From the outset, the design was based on a single premise: the two levels were to form a single entity. The aim was not to clearly separate the living area from the private area, but to establish a fluid relationship between them. That is why the most important element of the flat is not the living room or the kitchen, but the passageway leading between the floors.
A space that fluidly changes its character
The staircase, crafted by the Spark Craft studio, has become the axis of the entire composition. Their lightweight construction, the combination of wood and metal, and their openwork design mean that they do not dominate the space, but subtly organise it. It is an element that guides the eye and sets the natural rhythm of movement through the flat.
The distinctive arched passageway between the levels serves a similar function. Instead of traditional partitions, the architects opted for a more subtle solution. The archway marks the boundary between the zones, but does not cut them off from one another. Light continues to flow freely between the storeys, and the occupant intuitively senses the change in the character of the space – from open and sociable to more intimate.
Everyday life reimagined
The upper floor is dominated by tranquillity. The bedroom has been designed as a place of calm, where functional built-in furniture contributes to the interior architecture. Integrated lighting, wood and a limited number of furnishings ensure that the space is not distracting but conducive to rest. The same approach is evident in the bathroom. Large-format tiles from the Italian brand Refin Ceramiche, black fittings and vertical grooves create a minimalist interior with a distinct character. Illuminated recesses add depth, whilst the understated design allows the quality of the materials to shine through.
The ground floor has been designed as a communal living space. The kitchen, dining room and living room flow seamlessly into one another, creating a space conducive to both daily chores and socialising. The focal point is the kitchen island, which combines a functional workspace with the role of a natural gathering place for the household.
Fitted furniture that makes all the difference
Although the interior gives the impression of being extremely tidy, it conceals many functional solutions. The built-in units effectively conceal household appliances, whilst also accommodating a bar area with storage for spirits and a wine cooler. Throughout the flat, a consistent effort has been made to minimise visible objects, allowing the space itself to take centre stage.
The designers placed great emphasis on storage. They made use of spaces that are often left unused – the area under the stairs, passageways and built-in units in the private area. As a result, the flat retains a sense of lightness, despite offering a generous amount of storage space. All the built-in units and most of the furniture were designed by Moderna Design and crafted by joiners at the Moderna Home factory.
Materials that define the character
The character of the flat is largely determined by the materials used. The dominant feature is natural granite with beige, grey and black veining, used both in the kitchen as a worktop and wall cladding, and in the bathroom. Each piece of stone has a unique pattern, giving the interior its own individual character. The Pomeranian firm Kubiak Kamieniarstwo was responsible for the stonework. The raw character of the stone is balanced by the dark wood used in the fitted units, on the stairs and in the finish of selected walls. The composition is complemented by metal details and soft fabrics, which add warmth to the interior and enhance its comfort.
Light is also a key element of the design. Natural light, provided by large glazed areas offering panoramic views of Warsaw, harmonises with a multi-layered artificial lighting system. Individual light sources allow for the creation of different moods and bring out the textures of the materials, meaning the space changes with the time of day.
Chronos demonstrates that contemporary luxury need not rely on spectacular solutions. Consistency, quality and the ability to design with the long term in mind are far more important. This interior was not created to impress for a single season, but to remain relevant and functional for many years to come.
photos: Magdalena Łojewska
source: press materials
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