In a 1930s tenement block, right next to Krakow Park, a 38-metre flat has been created, designed by Anna Rybacka from the head made studio. The design makes the most of the original features – oak parquet flooring and door frames – to create a contemporary, colourful interior for a future student at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków, who is passionate about design and vintage style.
The project began with a reworking of the functional layout. In the existing flat, the tiny kitchen, carved out of one of the rooms, was too dark, whilst the large hallway – with four pairs of doors – made it impossible to fit a wardrobe. The L-shaped bathroom accommodated all the fixtures, but lacked user comfort. The design involved swapping the functions of the rooms, so that the kitchen, now in the form of a kitchenette, was moved into the larger room, whilst the bedroom was relocated to the smaller one. Blocking off the door from the corridor made it possible to install a spacious wardrobe, whilst the washing machine was moved to a small utility room.
A makeover for the old fabric
The interior was created in consultation with the future occupant, whose passion for design led to a bold choice of materials. The final palette of colours and textures was determined once the natural stone for the kitchen and bathroom worktops had been selected. In the kitchen, the cool green of the stone with reddish-brown accents harmonises with the brick-red tiles on the wall and the brown cabinet fronts. The kitchen area is distinguished by its colour scheme – a deep brick-red hue covers the walls and ceiling, whilst yellow details in the form of ceramic inlays and handles add a burst of energy. Beneath the kitchen units, a strip of geometric flooring emphasises the character of the kitchenette.
The foundation of the design
Throughout the flat, the oak parquet flooring has been refurbished, as have the doors with their frames and brass fittings. These elements – as the designer emphasises – became the reference point for the new design and lent the interior a sense of authenticity. In the living room, a warm beige creates a calm backdrop for the bold brown accents of the furniture. In the bedroom, the dark ceiling highlights a sculptural lamp, whilst the light-coloured walls balance the composition. In the hallway, the brown ceiling draws the eye deeper into the flat, whilst a large wardrobe with chocolate-brown fronts and integrated wallpaper organises the space.
The interior’s personal character
The bathroom is decorated in dark tones, with small glazed tiles forming patterns on the walls. Stone in an unusual colour scheme features on the countertop and part of the wall, whilst the whole is warmed by taps with a patinated copper finish. The paintings created by the future resident play an important role – they serve as her personal signature and emphasise the individual character of the design. The interior is complemented by accessories selected from the Sosenko Home Decor collection and the head made studio’s range.
The flat opens out onto the lush greenery of Krakowski Park, which becomes a natural extension of the interior design. The result is an eclectic, cheerful and colourful space – perfect for a young art enthusiast who will build her own collection of vintage and design pieces here.
design: Anna Rybacka – head made
photography: Oni Studio
See also: Flat | Kraków | Eclecticism | Recommended | whiteMAD on Instagram
