Minimalism that is not cold, but serene – this is how one might describe the flat in Warsaw’s Praga district, designed by Beata Sobiech of Beso Architects. It is an interior in which every material and every proportion works towards harmony, and where aesthetics are not mere decoration, but a tool for organising everyday life.
From the moment you step inside, it is clear that the design is based on a consistently chosen palette. Stone-inspired greys run through the kitchen, bathrooms and living area, creating visual continuity. Their natural, slightly rough texture is paired with matt cabinet fronts and wood, which introduces softness and balanced elegance. It is this wood – present in the vertical grooves of the bathroom cabinet and in the joinery – that softens the mineral character of the surfaces, adding a subtle dynamism without excessive decoration.
In the design, light plays a role on a par with the materials. The architect treated it as a tool for shaping the space, rather than merely a functional accessory. Distinctive vertical LED fixtures appear in both the living room and the bathroom, where they create an atmosphere conducive to tranquillity. Linear lighting emphasises the vertical divisions of the walls, brings out depth and organises the composition. In the bathroom, a soft glow outlining the mirror creates intimacy whilst visually enlarging the room. In the living area, simple, technical ceiling fixtures maintain the design’s modern, disciplined tone.
Contrasts have been employed here with exceptional precision. Black appears only where it is intended to emphasise form – in the fittings, the washbasin or small details. It does not dominate, but accentuates. The juxtaposition of massive, monolithic forms with light furnishings has a similar effect. A glass coffee table or slender chairs introduce a sense of lightness, ensuring the space remains open and uncluttered.
An important element of the design is the Fika sofa from Scandicsofa. Its soft lines and delicately patterned grey upholstery add warmth to the minimalist base without disrupting its cohesion. The fabric was chosen with everyday use in mind – including in a home shared by two cats. Its resistance to snagging and ease of cleaning mean that the piece combines aesthetics with practical functionality, which is of key importance in this design.
The built-in joinery has been designed to organise the space without drawing attention to itself. The smooth, almost invisible kitchen fronts allow one to focus on the proportions and materials. In the bathroom, simplicity of form goes hand in hand with ease of use – a wide washbasin, a large mirror and a walk-in shower create a comfortable, organised space. The chrome-plated Omnires fittings, installed as a concealed system, reinforce the impression of cleanliness and clarity.
The greatest strength of this flat is its consistency. Every element has been subordinated to a single idea: to create a space that is not tiring, does not impose itself and is not subject to passing fads. It is an interior that does not need flashy touches to make an impression. Its strength lies in its coherence, conscious choices and the ability to dispense with the superfluous.
design: Beata Sobiech /Beso Architects / www.instagram.com/beso_architects
photos: Kąty Proste / www.katyproste.pl
Read also: Warsaw | Minimalism | Interiors | Flat | whiteMAD on Instagram
