This project, carried out in Gdynia by Zuzanna Kuryło and Katarzyna Sudoł from the ZUKUDESIGN studio, is an example of an interior where modern functionality meets a respect for craftsmanship and art. The owner of the 70-square-metre flat was looking for a subdued, timeless space, ready to showcase a collection of paintings. The architects created a design that subtly highlights the works gathered here.
The design is based on natural oak wood laid in a French herringbone pattern. The warm hue of the floor ties the lounge area together with the dining room, forming a harmonious axis for the entire flat. In the kitchen, the eye is drawn to the worktop made of Taj Mahal quartzite – a material with sandy-gold veining that introduces a touch of understated luxury and complements the light-coloured cabinet fronts. Selected surfaces, including the fireplace surround and key surfaces in the bathroom, are finished with large-format quartz sintered tiles, lending the interior a contemporary lightness.
Natural materials
The designers opted for bespoke furniture, which allowed them to maintain clean lines and complete cohesion. The centrepiece of the living area is a tall bookcase designed to display the owner’s porcelain figurines, sculptures and mementoes. Its proportions echo the wooden details of the kitchen island, into which a wine rack has been integrated – a solution that combines everyday convenience with a consistent aesthetic.
Lighting like jewellery
Carefully selected lamps with sophisticated designs have been used throughout the flat. Suspended above the oak table and in the relaxation area, the light fittings resemble kinetic sculptures made of thin wires and luminous circles. Their lightweight construction creates a three-dimensional depth, and after dark casts warm reflections onto the paintings, enhancing the gallery-like character of the flat.
Private area
The bedroom continues the aesthetic of the living area. The oak flooring and subtle stucco create a sense of tranquillity, whilst a monumental portrait from the owner’s collection serves as a dominant feature. The bespoke furniture includes a glass-fronted, illuminated wardrobe island, showcasing favourite accessories, including a model aeroplane. The built-in wardrobes are separated from the sleeping area by transparent walls with copper profiles, which helps to maintain a sense of spaciousness whilst ensuring full functionality.
Bathroom and home office
The bathroom has been designed in a minimalist, elegant style. Large-format sintered tiles on the walls and floor lend the space a warm feel, whilst tall built-in units create a sense of order. In the washbasin area, the eye is drawn to a cabinet with concealed handles and a solid washbasin, framed by wall lamps with a jewellery-like quality.
The home office has been designed as an intimate workspace. The stucco on the walls provides a backdrop for maritime-themed paintings, whilst the modern wooden desk is paired with a classic, tufted armchair and a banker’s lamp. Built-in units with smoked glass and backlighting add depth to the interior, creating an elegant oasis of concentration.
The result of ZUKUDESIGN’s work is a flat that combines functionality with refined aesthetics. Thanks to the attention to detail and the thoughtful use of materials, the flat resembles a private, intimate art gallery – a space that is refined, cohesive and ready for the next stages of its owner’s life.
design: Zuzanna Kuryło & Katarzyna Sudoł, ZUKUDESIGN
photographs: Michał Wierzchowski, WNĘTRZARSKI
See also: Flat | Interiors | Modern classic | Gdynia | Recommended | whiteMAD on Instagram
