The design of this interior was prepared by Sylwia Kowalczyk-Gajda, Katarzyna Millo, Daniel Woronowicz. The flat is located in a modernist tenement house in Gdynia. It is quite a large space, as it is 114 square metres, so the designers were able to focus on creating a comfortable living space.
“I’ve always dreamed of living in a tenement, and most of all of having a corner window,” she says These words became the investor’s motto for the entire metamorphosis, which transformed a 114-square-metre space in the heart of Gdynia. It is a place where the history of a building from 1936 meets modern solutions, giving the interiors a unique character and functionality adapted to the needs of a large family.
The flat’s advantage is its location in a historic building. The charm of the tenement in a green district of Gdynia subtly intertwines with the spirit of modernity. The completed project is an example of how to take care of the original character of historic buildings while introducing modern functional solutions and design referring to the era of Gdynia modernism. Thanks to a clever division of space, the flat gained a new, more functional layout. The original living room, which traditionally connects to the bedroom through impressive double doors, retains its historical qualities, while the separate, carefully designed kitchen perfectly meets the demands of modern family life.
Details that tell a story
The designers – Sylwia Kowalczyk-Gajda, Katarzyna Millo and Daniel Woronowicz – have masterfully combined historical elements with contemporary interior trends. The original oak floor, door frames, fireplace, wooden ceiling or the large hood in the kitchen have been painstakingly restored, emphasising the unique character of this interior. The flat in Gdynia reflects the spirit of the times, while adding a modern twist through distinctive colour accents, such as the dark burgundy ceiling in the hallway or the blue lamps.
The focal point of the living room, which is connected to the bedroom, became a bookcase made of flexible plywood, covered with a veneer motif modelled on the so-called ‘czeczota’. This unique piece of furniture blends perfectly with the fireplace with green original tiles, the elegant table by Milloni and the comfortable sofa. In addition, lamps with a stone finish and a collection of paintings and prints – which are souvenirs or gifts from loved ones – give the interior a personal, artistic dimension.
Corner window
In the bedroom, whose main feature is an impressive corner window, nature enters the interior in the form of numerous plants. A bookcase from the Gdynia-based studio TAMO – a symbol of contemporary furniture craftsmanship – also appears against a background of wallpaper with nautical accents and photographs by the Tricity photographer BALTIC Surf. This space exudes calm and harmony, perfectly responding to the need for relaxation.
The kitchen is the true heart of the home, where modernity meets the historic soul of the interior. The wooden ceiling, built-in hood and traditional goat-type cooker evoke memories of times gone by, while being perfectly adapted to the demands of modern living. A large island with a seating area is designed in the centre of the room, whose rounded corners and the natural stone on the countertop create a harmonious whole, emphasising the beauty of the raw, natural designs.
Private area
In the bathroom, decorated in warm sand colours, every detail has been thought through in terms of functionality and aesthetics. Hidden cabinets for the washing machine, discreet laundry baskets and elegant built-ins make this space a small spa where calm and order reign. Meanwhile, the children’s rooms – with an automotive flair in the boy’s room and a floral, sunny feel in the girl’s room – reflect their passions, creating an inspiring, creative place to learn and play.
The flat in Gdynia has been given new life by remembering its history. The designers skilfully used old motifs while writing a contemporary architectural story.
design: Sylwia Kowalczyk-Gajda, Katarzyna Millo, Daniel Woronowicz(https://kowalczyk-gajda.pl)
photography: Dariusz Jarząbek
Read also: Apartment | Interiors | Gdynia | Minimalism | Detail | Featured | whiteMAD on Instagram
