The interior design was created for a young married couple who were seeking a balance between the practicalities of everyday life and a space capable of evolving alongside their needs. A neutral colour palette, a well-thought-out layout and the skilful use of light form a foundation designed to last for years to come.
The composition is based on a limited palette of materials: beige tones, warm white and natural wood. The walls and door frames, finished in a creamy white shade, provide a calm backdrop against which the bleached oak floorboards and veneered built-in units stand out. The combination of two shades of oak introduces a subtle variation in texture, whilst maintaining the cohesion of the entire flat. The interior is complemented by golden accents – elegant yet understated – which were requested by the clients and harmonise with the building’s classical character.
A neutral base
One of the key aims of the project was to create a space that would harmonise with the residents’ personal belongings. The built-in units include space for books, family heirlooms and items brought back from travels. Over time, these items are intended to fill the interior and give it a personal touch. Instead of a clearly defined style, a neutral base has been created, designed to adapt to the changing needs of the household.
The biggest functional change was the merging of the living room with the study. Large, glazed doors allow both rooms to be used independently, whilst also opening them up to one another, improving the perceived proportions of the space. The living area has become brighter, and the study (rather than serving as a separate room) has become an integral part of the layout.
A contemporary interpretation of the enfilade
The passageway between the rooms has been positioned along an axis defined by the table and the wide shelves forming its backdrop. This deliberate design choice organises the multi-functional, slightly irregularly shaped interior, giving it a clear structure. The solution draws on a layout familiar from townhouses – the enfilade, in which successive rooms open out along a single axis, creating a sequence of views. This is a classic method of enhancing a space’s prestige, achieved through decisions made at the floor plan design stage.
Care has also been taken to ensure freedom of movement throughout the flat – with the exception of the guest room, all rooms have two separate entrances. This makes the layout more flexible and day-to-day living more seamless.
The kitchen at the heart
The kitchen plays a vital role in the residents’ daily lives. Its size and layout cater to the need for comfortable cooking and storage, whilst the island with bar stools emphasises the sociable nature of this part of the flat. Sturdy materials and classic designs have been chosen to ensure durability and timelessness. It is a space where the household enjoys spending time, which is why it has become a natural extension of the living area.
The bathrooms have been designed in the spirit of simplicity – a single type of tile has been used, whose elegance and timelessness define the character of the interior. The look is complemented by fitted units in natural veneer, ensuring the rooms remain consistent with the rest of the flat.
Study
The workspace has been given the same attention as the other rooms. The architect has ensured that the study functions as a fully-fledged room, whose connection to the living room allows professional duties to be combined with home life. Thanks to the glazed doors, the space remains flexible – it can be open when work blends with everyday life, or closed when concentration is needed.
The overall design is based on a restrained combination of materials and colours, yet it is by no means lacking in character. The character of the flat is shaped by its proportions, light, joinery, details and, above all, the residents’ personal belongings, which will increasingly define this space as time goes on.
design: Ula Schönhofer
photography: Hanna Połczyńska – Kroniki
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