In a 31-square-metre flat in Warsaw’s Wola district, onyx takes centre stage – a stone with fanciful colours that has become the cornerstone of the entire design concept. Damian Urbanek’s design was created with the young female occupant of the tenement flat in mind, and its aim was to create a unique, airy space that was at the same time in keeping with the building’s modern character. All this within a mere 31 square metres.
The stone, which set the colour scheme from the outset, proved to be a material with enormous potential. The palette was broad, and the choices were deliberate. The architect, together with the client, opted for an interior that would exude individuality from the moment one steps inside, yet in a fully controlled manner. The rounded edges of the built-in furniture introduced a sense of delicacy, the natural oak brightened the space, and the suspended units in the lounge area – perforated and light – allowed the television to be concealed whilst creating additional storage space.
With onyx in the background
Upon entering the flat, the eye is drawn to a wall of bookshelves, set against a backdrop of Onyx Rainbow. This solution not only showcases the stone but also organises the space, drawing the eye deeper into the interior. The bedroom area has been concealed within a recess where the kitchen used to be – this required the demolition of a few walls, but as a result, the flat has been opened up and a larger wardrobe has been incorporated. According to the client, it’s a phenomenal place to sleep, with a view over the whole of Śródmieście, which gives this small space a unique character.
A fully-fledged kitchen
The kitchen has been integrated with the rest of the flat, creating a seamless, functional layout. In front of it stands a table with two chairs in a tiger-print pattern, whilst the bronze upholstery blends harmoniously with the colour of the smoked oak flooring. The worktop is made of natural Taj Mahal quartzite, which ties the beige kitchen units together with the wood, creating a calm, elegant composition. The whole is complemented by handles made of the same material – a subtle detail that emphasises the design’s coherence.
Lounge area and bathroom
In the lounge area, a modular sofa in a shade of blue, which can be arranged as desired, sits on a woollen rug. Light-coloured cotton curtains lend an air of intimacy in the evening, whilst the mirror on the wall leading to the bathroom – together with the door leaf – visually enlarges the space and connects elements from different areas of the flat.
Behind the door lies the bathroom, which the designer describes as his favourite spot. The onyx washbasin echoes the living room, creating a cohesive theme. The curved glass shower enclosure posed a technical challenge, but the result – with a handle in the shape of three arches – lends it a sense of lightness and subtle playfulness. Despite the modest floor area, an impressive amount of storage space has been incorporated: base cupboards, a mirror with hidden storage, and built-in cupboards behind the toilet. The atmospheric lighting makes it hard to leave the room.
A bespoke design
The interior was almost entirely made to measure. The architect emphasises that this is not a space for everyone – and that was the intention from the outset. Every material, every fabric and every detail was chosen in line with the client’s expectations. This flat is designed to meet her needs and reflect her sensibilities.
design: Damian Urbanek URDA.studio
photography: Katarzyna Osikowska-Tasz – Pietruszka Fotografia
styling: Ewa Jezierska
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