In Łódź, there is a flat designed, above all, to provide a sense of respite – the 46 square metre space, designed by Marta Janowska of CLOUD 9 CONCEPT, is a calm, minimalist and deliberately organised space. The design stands out for its warmth, subtle references to vintage aesthetics and attention to detail, which will take on personal significance over time.
The owner plans to live here for a few years and then let the flat. For this reason, the design is based on solutions that are both financially sensible and timeless. The priority was to create a functional interior that is visually light and open to future lifestyle scenarios.
Atmosphere
A neutral colour palette – natural wood, whites and beiges – forms the basis for the entire composition. The curtains running along all the walls of the living room play a special role. Their soft, layered structure envelops the space and introduces a calm, homely feel. It is precisely these fabrics, varied in texture and thoughtfully combined, that lend the interior depth.
Lighting is also a key element. The flat features numerous light sources – each creating a different impression. LEDs behind the wooden headboard, decorative lighting concealed behind the plasterboard panelling next to the TV cabinet, and a subtle round wall light in the bathroom allow the atmosphere to be adjusted and selected areas of the space to be highlighted.
Details
Although the kitchen and bathroom have been finished with simple, cream-coloured tiles, their irregular texture only becomes apparent up close. The way the light reflects creates a delicate interplay of textures, ensuring the surfaces are not one-dimensional. The interior is complemented by vintage accents – rugs, runners, the mirror in the hall and small accessories such as vases and candlesticks. These are elements that introduce softness and lend the space a more personal touch.
The design also makes room for art. Striking paintings with subtle colour accents provide a counterpoint to the flat’s calm base. Their presence emphasises the interior’s individual character and creates scope for further personalisation.
Functionality despite the compact floor area
Despite its compact 46 square metres, the flat has been planned to provide a sense of space. The layout is simple and logical, and every element serves a purpose. The owner often says she looks forward to coming home – this is the best endorsement of a design intended to support everyday life, rather than complicate it.
The photo shoot by Bartosz Brzóska was conceived as a story about the atmosphere of this place. The delicate grain, focus on detail and the way the layers of fabrics and textures are shown were intended to capture the character of life in this space. The photographs not only document the interior, but above all convey its mood.
With the future in mind
The interior has been designed to evolve. The absence of excessive decoration, open spaces and a neutral base allow the owner to introduce her own objects, paintings or plants. This is a flat that does not impose a style, but provides the space to develop one. At the same time, the materials and solutions used are durable and resilient to changes in occupants – an important consideration in the context of future letting.
_
About the studio:
CLOUD 9 CONCEPT is an independent architecture and interior design studio founded by Marta Janowska following years of work in Poland and abroad. The name refers to the idiom ‘to be on cloud nine’, meaning a state of complete joy – an idea that guides the designer both in her personal life and in her work. The designs are based on the residents’ everyday routines, their favourite rituals and the way they interact with their surroundings. Marta Janowska gained her experience at architectural practices in Łódź and at the MVRDV studio in Rotterdam, amongst others. She is a graduate of the Łódź University of Technology and undertook part of her studies in Italy – this combination of engineering precision and design freedom continues to shape her approach to design to this day.
project: CLOUD 9 CONCEPT
photographs: Bartosz Brzóska
See also: Flat | Łódź | Interiors | Recommended | whiteMAD on Instagram
