In the heart of Gdańsk’s Wrzeszcz district, in an atmospheric tenement house from 1905, an elegant interior was created that combines traditional elements with modern accents. The 110-square-metre space is inhabited by young hosts with their several-year-old son and two cats. The design by studio bo/sko aimed to create an elegant, cosy space, full of subtle beiges, creamy tones, contrasting with accents of dark wood, black and brass, which gave the interior a unique and warm character.
The project began with a structural change – raising the lintel on the entrance door to allow for the installation of a taller wing, which now relates its form to the style of an Art Nouveau townhouse. This treatment gave the corridor an elegant feel. The irregular shape of the long room was further varied by a pattern of floor tiles that optically ‘breaks’ the space. In addition to aesthetics, the corridor was designed functionally – numerous recesses and cupboards provide convenient storage space.
Upon entering the flat, the next room that catches the eye is the open kitchen. Its dark brown wooden finishes blend harmoniously with the elegant quartzite worktop, which foreshadows the style present throughout the interior. Despite its small size, the kitchen is designed very functionally, with optimal use of space. The attention is drawn to the antique white double doors, which are a gift from family friends – a symbolic reference to the history of the place. Through them, one passes into the living area, which has become the centre of family life.
In the living area, the removal of the partition wall has created a large open space connecting the living room and dining room. The focal point of the room is a large black table, ideal for family gatherings, over which designer lamps hang. The elegant interior is decorated with a collection of paintings that give the space an individual touch. The classic style is complemented by a brass portal with a wooden panel, leading to further rooms.
The lounge area is furnished with a comfortable sofa and classic Bauhaus-era armchairs (model Vassily designed by Marcel Breuer), which harmonise with the overall interior. A thoughtful accent is the custom-designed cabinet, which serves not only a decorative but also a practical function as a storage space for vinyl and albums.
The hosts’ bedroom, which is consistently kept in light, calm beige tones, relies on minimalist and elegant solutions. A high-quality bed and simple, functional furniture create an atmosphere conducive to relaxation. Structural plaster is used on one of the walls, which introduces a subtle depth effect. A large mirror, placed opposite the window, optically enlarges the space and further illuminates the room by letting in natural light and greenery from outside. A small but practical wardrobe is hidden behind a sliding door.
The bathroom and toilet have been designed to make full use of the available space and give it a unique character. In the bathroom, a combination of glazed wall tiles and a decorative pattern on the floor was chosen to create an elegant yet modern atmosphere. A deep black was used in the toilet, which provides a distinctive accent in the mainly bright flat.
The room of the several-year-old son is dominated by a light colour scheme, broken up by warm piping in a shade of yellow. This palette creates a friendly and inviting space, conducive to play and learning. A practical and creative element at the same time is the cork wall, which acts as a gallery for the children’s artwork. A plywood platform beneath the window provides both a place to play and additional storage.
Every element of the interior has been thought through and matched to the overall design. From the wooden details to the classic stuccowork to the contemporary accessories, everything comes together in a coherent whole that reflects the individuality of the hosts. Thanks to the harmonious combination of modern solutions and homage to the building’s history, the elegant interior of the tenement in Gdańsk Wrzeszcz has acquired a unique, timeless character.
design: studio bo/sko – Daria Bolewicka, Daria Skoczylas-Woźniak
implementation: 2022/2023
photographs: Jakub Nanowski / perspektywa.net.pl
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