Home, as Carl Jung claimed, symbolises the soul of the dreamer. The flat, which became the living space of Małgorzata Sikorska-Miszczuk, a well-known Polish playwright, exudes her personality and artistic soul, full of inspiration from the works created by Hokusai, a Japanese artist working at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries. Although designed by Monika Michałowska, this flat seems a natural extension of the artist.
The beginning of a collaboration – intuition and courage
The decision to collaborate with Monika Michałowska was no accident. The designer was recommended by the playwright’s son, Mateusz, who, fascinated by her work, followed her profile on Instagram. Michalowska’s designs, full of boldness and imagination, immediately caught the attention of Małgorzata Sikorska-Miszczuk. The collaboration began on the basis of intuition and an unspoken agreement to seek unconventional, artistic and eccentric solutions.
Hokusai as key inspiration
The primary inspiration for the interior design was the work of Japanese artist Katsushiki Hokusai, of whom Margaret is a great fan. His works, particularly his series of erotic prints ‘Kinoe no Komatsu’, defined the style and colour scheme of the flat. The dominant shades of reds, greens, pinks and greys became the aesthetic foundation, giving the interior a unique character.
Arranging the space – openness and harmony
In the course of the work, the flat space was completely rearranged. Monika Michałowska dispensed with several partition walls and an additional bathroom, obtaining one large, open space with a view of old spruce trees. These trees, visible through an eight-metre wall of windows and a door leading to the terrace, became an integral part of the interior, emphasising the harmony between nature and the living space.
The living room, which is the homeowner’s workspace, stands out with an oak table and a Formakami paper lamp. Stylish chairs, from Martin Stam’s Bauhaus models to designs by Maja Ganszyniec, combine functionality with elegance. A sofa upholstered in velour reminiscent of the back of a Rhodesian ridgeback dog emphasises the uniqueness of the interior. This piece of furniture was placed with its front to the wall of books and its back to the table, thanks to which the living room was divided into two zones.
Details as an expression of art
Every detail of the flat, from the fabrics to the furniture, tells its own story. The panel covering the TV is upholstered in a fabric from the Dedara collection, inspired by 17th-century Chinese design. The lamp designed by Ms Jurek, inspired by the work of Jan Tarasin, adds an artistic lightness to the space. The bathroom, which is the artistic focal point of the flat, surprises with a reproduction of Hokusai’s “Dream of a Fisherman’s Wife” on the ceiling. The footed bathtub, oriental curtains and harmonious colour combination give the space a unique artistic expression.
Hokusai in a sensual bedroom
The bedroom has been designed as a space full of sensuality. Fabrics with oriental motifs, such as those from the Guell Lamadrid collection, harmonise perfectly with the overall design. An original Chinese erotic print from a century ago hangs above the mirror – a gift that adds depth and history to the interior. The bedroom space has been enlarged by moving a wall to create a capacious wardrobe. The simple style of the furniture has been enhanced by knobs imported from London, the colours of which are reminiscent of Hokusai’s work.
Living as a reflection of the soul
Every element of this flat reflects the aesthetic preferences of its owner, the talent of Monika Michałowska and the inspiration of the work of Hokusai Katsushika – one of the most outstanding and prolific Japanese painters and creators of colourful woodcuts in the ukiyo-e style. The flat is a space where art meets functionality, and every detail emphasises the individual character of its owner. “Practically every one of Monika’s designs for individual rooms was a hit,” concludes Małgorzata Sikorska-Miszczuk.
Design: Pracownia Projektowania Wnętrz – Monika Michałowska
Photos: Moodauthors
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