In the oldest housing estate in Nowa Huta, Kraków, an interior has been created which, until recently, could hardly have been called a flat. Tattered wallpaper, exposed wiring running along the walls, holes in the plaster and a damaged floor painted a picture of complete ruin. Today, the same space delights with its bold colour scheme, striking details and a deliberate nod to the neighbourhood’s retro atmosphere. The redesign was carried out by Agata Popieluch.
The clients came forward with a clear vision: the flat was to be saturated with colour, a far cry from conservative greys, with a character arising from a combination of bold colour schemes and vintage elements. Three decisions set the direction for the work – knocking down the wall between the kitchen and the living room, replacing the television with a projector, and showcasing a substantial collection of books and plants.
A wall of ceramic blocks
The most striking element of the design turned out to be a wall made of red ceramic blocks. Its inclusion allowed the functional zones to be subtly separated, whilst at the same time lending the entire interior a cohesive character. Despite the modest floor area, we managed to fit in two tables – a smaller one in the kitchen, intended for quick morning meals, and a larger one in the living area, serving as the centre of home life and work.
The owners immediately embraced the concept of a powder-pink ceiling framed by stucco. This feature, combined with salmon-coloured electrical fittings, introduced a sense of softness and lightness to the flat, which counterbalances the austerity of the ceramic blocks.
Living area – navy blue, wood and a Persian rug
The interior is based on off-white walls and herringbone-patterned wooden parquet flooring. In the living room, the focal point is a navy blue sofa paired with a Persian rug, with a spacious bookcase situated right next to it. A wooden table with chairs completes the arrangement, creating a space conducive to both work and socialising.
Kitchen opening onto the living room
The kitchen features blue upper cabinet fronts, paired with lower and tall units in an oak finish with a vertical grain. Some of the upper cupboards have been replaced by open shelves, on which cookery books are displayed. Pink handles, a white tap and chequerboard-patterned tiles lend the whole space a sense of lightness, whilst emphasising the bold character of the design.
A two-room bathroom
The bathroom was created by combining two separate spaces, resulting in a more functional layout. The pale yellow walls and the cupboards above the toilet complement the pink and burgundy tiles. A practical addition is the unit housing the washing machine and tumble dryer, raised on a platform with a drawer for laundry – a solution that keeps the space tidy and makes everyday use easier.
design and photos: Agata Popieluch Studio
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This is what the flat looked like BEFORE the renovation:
