The flat, designed by JB Interior Design Studio, was created out of a need to combine modern simplicity with a highly personalised touch – the rust motif, which the client identified as a key element reflecting the local area. Although various scenarios for the use of the space were initially considered, ranging from a holiday home to a rental property, the design had to remain flexible from the outset, whilst still being distinctive.
The flat was taken over by the studio in a shell condition, with no specific plan for its future. Rust proved to be the greatest challenge – a material far removed from the aesthetic in which the designer feels most at ease. At the same time, it was clear that the expectations were not for a loft-style space, but rather a calm, modernist interior with individual touches.
Between tranquillity and distinctiveness
Right from the start, a vision emerged of a subdued, modern flat, yet enriched with elements that lend it a unique character. To fulfil the client’s wishes, the designer deliberately avoided obvious solutions. Instead of a rust-brown wall in the living room, the rust motif appeared in the shower area in the form of tiles imitating this material. The colour was then carried through in the form of a headboard in the bedroom and a striking, reddish-brown sofa in the living area. To balance the bold tones, wallpaper with a delicate pattern was chosen, in which rust-brown shades appear subtly, whilst the floral motif softens the industrial feel.
Although the flat’s owner approved the design in its first version, the designer continued to search for a detail that would give the interior a unique character. The breakthrough came when she discovered a table with a hand-crafted base made from a cast-aluminium replica of a real propeller. Polishing it three times gave it a rusted effect, fitting perfectly with the design concept. This piece of furniture became the missing link – an element that not only emphasised the flat’s individual character but also symbolically brought together all the materials and colours used.
Functionality and subtle references
The kitchen has been designed around the table, which is the client’s favourite spot. The fitted units remain calm and orderly, whilst the cooking area, with its tiled wall, draws the eye. This is a subtle nod to contemporary trends – vertical structures and grooved patterns – used sparingly so as not to dominate the space.
The lounge area is compact yet harmoniously arranged, creating a pleasant view from the moment you step through the door. The walls are adorned with posters by Dorota Januszewska depicting symbols of Gdańsk, including the city’s iconic cranes, which are also visible from the flat’s windows. This is yet another detail that reinforces the project’s local context.
Bathroom and bedroom
The bathroom is bright and spacious, with a clear focal point on the shower wall, where a rust motif appears. The freestanding washbasin emphasises the vertical character of the other elements, whilst the spacious mirrored unit replaces the traditional washbasin cabinet. The extended frame of the toilet unit creates a handy shelf – a practical solution for freestanding washbasins, providing space for essential accessories.
The bedroom is the cosiest room in the flat. The delicate wallpaper pattern introduces a subtle sense of movement, without, however, disrupting the calm, relaxing character of the interior. It is a space where the colour of rust appears in its softest, cosiest form.
Although various scenarios for this flat were initially considered, it ultimately remained within the family. The design, which was intended to be flexible and open to change, has become a fully-fledged, bespoke interior – modern and serene, yet with distinctive accents that lend it an original character.
design: JB Interior Design Studio
photography: Karolina Domachowowska
styling: Justyna Blumkowska
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