It was built in 1912 and the last major renovation was carried out here in 2018. Inside the old building are flats that have a unique atmosphere. The high ceilings, the ornamentation…. This was taken advantage of by Aldona Banasiuk-Scuhorzewska, who breathed new life into one such flat.
During the recent renovation, the façade, staircases and common areas were renovated. All installations were also replaced. Thanks to these efforts, the building has been given new life. The main advantage of the townhouses’ interiors is their unique atmosphere and the height of the rooms, in this case 3.4 metres. This makes the space extremely spacious and creates a unique atmosphere. For the architect, working on an interior design in such spaces is a great pleasure
The flat of almost 70 square metres has a south-eastern exposure. It consists of a living area with an open kitchen and intimate dining area, as well as three bedrooms and a bathroom. In order to meet the investors’ needs, the functional layout of the flat underwent a real revolution. Most of the walls were demolished and rebuilt anew. Thanks to the relocation of the bathroom, the flat gained an extra bedroom, which the investors were very keen on.
The unique character of the building also determines the interior. For the architect, it is important that the designed interior corresponds to what is on the outside. This is why the design includes decorative cornices, stucco mouldings and ceiling rosettes that allude to the historical aesthetics of the building. Art could not be absent from such a space : sculptures by Lech Goździewski enrich the interior, and photographs by Szymon Brodziak hang on the walls. Alove of art brought the investors and the designer together; the black and white photographs appeared at the very beginning of the discussions on the interior design
I believe that the interiors of townhouses have a unique atmosphere that should be emphasised and enriched through art. In the case of this project, I not only tried to recreate the integrity of the building’s exterior through decorative cornices and stucco, but also introduced art elements that give the interior a unique look and atmosphere. Thesculptures by Lech Goździewski and the photographs by Szymon Brodziak blend perfectly with the rest of the design to create a harmonious whole,” says Aldona Banasiuk-Scuhorzewska
The base of the project was designed in light tones, dominated by white – minimalist kitchen cabinetry and walls decorated with stucco. A white glass panel contrasts with the matte kitchen cabinetry, reflecting light and diffusing sunlight, making the entire living area appear larger. The bathroom is also white , although there is a contrast in the form of black brushed oak fittings and accessories. A distinctive accent in the bathroom is the decorative mosaic on the floor. A utility cupboard with a washing machine, space for a hoover, cleaning products and towels is concealed behind a wall of mirrors. This visually enlarges the space and also provides an opportunity to hide all the clutter.
The design is a combination of the style of a classic Parisian townhouse with a touch of modernity. There is a typical townhouse atmosphere, and dark accessories add elegance. The only colour accents in the interior are the sofas upholstered in soft, dark blue velvet. In the design, the architect used natural, high-quality materials. Every detail and material used is intended to remind us of the uniqueness of the flat. Marble, brushed oak and classic French herringbone were used in the design
It was a real pleasure and challenge for me to work on this project, which allowed me to combine my passion for art with the art of interior design. Creating unique, exceptional spaces is not only a profession for me, but also a way to continue the process of self-improvement. Each project is a new adventure in which I look for new inspirations and create unique spaces that express the character and style of their users. In the case of this townhouse in Warsaw’s Praga district, I combined my passion for art with my sensitivity to detail, resulting in an interior that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. I am proud to have been able to bring my knowledge and experience gained at the Warsaw Academy of Fine Arts to this project and make it unique in every aspect. For me, art is not only decoration, but also a carrier of emotions, inspiration and expression of individuality. By introducing art into interiors, I create spaces that not only aesthetically delight, but also stimulate the imagination and evoke positive feelings in their users,” recalls Aldona Banasiuk-Scuhorzewska
design: Aldona Banasiuk-Scuhorzewska @aldonabanasiuk_architekt author’s interior design studio
photo: Wiktoria Wasiak @vicvasw
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