In the latest project by the Five Cell studio, designed by Maciej Kurkowski and Mariola Kawa, interior design becomes a tool for creating everyday comfort. ‘The House of Curves’ is a project in which soft forms, light and natural materials come together to form a cohesive, soothing whole. Every element is subordinated to the idea of harmony, and the space changes with the time of day and how it is used, remaining flexible to the needs of the household.
The client, co-owner of one of the leading fashion brands, wanted an interior that reflected her lifestyle and experiences in southern Europe. Memories of Mediterranean landscapes, the soft lines of the local architecture and the natural colour palette became the starting point for creating a home that has a soothing effect and promotes daily relaxation. Subdued beiges, warm wood tones and refined textures create an atmosphere of calm, whilst lending the space a sophisticated character.
The motif of rounded edges runs consistently throughout the design. It is not a decorative addition, but a deliberate design choice shaping the perception of the interior. Rounded edges diffuse light, soften the transitions between zones and lend the space a sense of fluidity. To achieve this effect, the architects carried out a thorough reorganisation of the functional layout, including the reconstruction of the staircase and the opening up of the living area by altering the load-bearing walls. The elimination of sharp corners has allowed for the creation of an interior that feels more intuitive and natural.
The central feature of the house is the sculptural staircase – a soft, asymmetrical form with a fan-shaped entrance, designed as an integral part of the space. Its solid wood steps, winding banister and perfectly refined junctions with the walls highlight the precision of the craftsmanship. The staircase remains open to adjacent functions, including the study and play area, thus serving as a spatial connector. Light moves freely across its surfaces, bringing out the subtle modelling of the form and creating a shifting pattern of half-shades.
The living area has been designed as the heart of home life. The spacious living room flows seamlessly into the kitchen, whose utility area is concealed behind discreet doors. The fireplace is integrated into a long built-in unit that also serves as seating, lending the interior a multi-layered functionality. Recesses with rounded shelves, delicate ceiling mouldings and the combination of white with warm wood tones create a composition in which every element has its place. The contrast of the fireplace’s black finish adds definition to the whole, without, however, disrupting the calm character of the space.
The bathrooms play a unique role in the design, conceived as private zones of regeneration. Their monolithic, soft forms evoke a spa aesthetic, whilst the materials used reinforce the impression of naturalness. The bathing recesses house freestanding baths and walk-in showers, whilst the walls are clad in hand-formed, glazed tiles with a subtle irregularity. Rounded countertops integrated with washbasins, concealed shelves, minimalist linear drains and concealed fittings create a cohesive, orderly whole. Velvety microcement ties all the elements together, lending the space a sense of softness and visual continuity.
The House of Curves is an example of a design that combines formal boldness with everyday functionality. The architects at Five Cell have created an interior that does not impose its form, but builds it consistently and with sensitivity. It is a space designed to foster tranquillity, whilst remaining memorable thanks to subtle, refined details. The result is a home you’ll want to return to.
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About the studio:
Five Cell is a design studio co-founded by architects and multidisciplinary creators Mariola Kawa and Maciej Kurkowski. They specialise in interior design and industrial design, including upholstered furniture. They specialise in creating original concepts for both residential and commercial interiors, managing the design process comprehensively, from the initial idea to the final result, refined down to the smallest detail. In their work, they focus on consciously combining functionality, aesthetics and an individual approach to each project, creating spaces with a timeless character that simultaneously reflect the personality and lifestyle of their owners.
project: Five Cell – Mariola Kawa & Maciej Kurkowski
photos: Yassen Hristov
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