The NO P studio in Kraków is a space that Mateusz Niepokój created primarily for himself – as a workspace, but also as a showcase. This is how one can creatively design a space of 25 square metres. The premises at 12a Lea Street are modest; they do not seek to attract the attention of passers-by, but this is precisely where their strength lies.
The interior of the studio has been designed around deep colour tones and distinctive textures. The most significant feature is the walls covered in textured plaster, onto which two colours have been applied in a deliberately uneven manner. This is a deliberate play on imperfection. The surfaces evoke associations with walls marked by time, yet their form remains disciplined and precise. The whole is completed by a black ceiling, which absorbs light and visually lowers the space, creating an atmosphere of concentration.
This interior is a partner in work, an environment that imposes a certain way of thinking: slower, more mindful, based on the material and its truth.
Furniture with a history
The centrepiece of the studio is a massive table – a piece of furniture with monastic origins, saved from oblivion and brought back to life through restoration. Its weight and patina lend the interior a sense of gravitas, whilst introducing a theme of continuity and respect for objects that have stood the test of time.
Black, geometric chairs stand around the table – also salvaged and restored. Their sculptural form emphasises the character of a place where every element matters. Linen lamps hover above the whole, softly filtering the light. These are among the few elements with a more organic feel, balancing the austerity of the other materials.
A display case like a trailer
The tall wooden bookcase in the display window does not serve a storage function. It is an exhibition – a carefully curated display of stone samples, wood and fragments of completed projects. Instead of catalogues and ring binders, what we see here is a narrative about the process, the materials and the craftsmanship. It is a showcase designed not to attract mass footfall, but to communicate the studio’s values.
Hanging on one of the walls is a black textural painting by Agata Hećman. The artist gave it to the designer as a gift. This personal item emphasises the textural character of the interior and has become an integral part of the space.
A family history
Right by the studio’s threshold stands a 45-year-old road bike that belonged to the designer’s uncle, a cyclist. It is neither a decoration nor a stylistic prop. It is an object with a history, which fits naturally into the NO P philosophy: respect for the past, authenticity and the belief that beauty stems from durability and honest use. The bicycle introduces a sense of privacy to the studio, reminding us that this place was created out of a need to create on one’s own terms.
The interior of the NO P studio is an example of how a small space can become a fully-fledged workspace. There are no random decisions here, nor elements added merely for effect. Instead, there is consistency, craftsmanship and a deep understanding of the materials. This interior is a working tool, a gallery of ideas and a personal statement by the designer, which he makes to everyone who crosses the threshold.
Client / Designer / Contractor: Mateusz Niepokój, founder of the NO P studio
photos: Maja Bułkowska
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