A 36-square-metre studio flat located in a ten-storey block of flats from the 1960s in the heart of Radom has undergone a significant transformation that has completely changed its character. Interior architect Piotr Skorupa, founder of the SCOPE Interior Design studio, undertook the task of transforming this compact flat to meet the requirements of the owner – a psychology and sports enthusiast who expected both functionality and aesthetics. The metamorphosis of the studio apartment brought out the best in the owner.
“The investor was considering selling the property and buying a newer flat, but after some thought, he decided to renovate and customise. From my perspective, this was the best decision – thanks to this, the client kept the flat in a good and proven location, while by investing in the project, he gained a space tailored to his ideas of a comfortable flat,” – says the project developer.
One of the most important aspects of the project was to maximise the use of natural light. The flat was designed to make the most of the southern exposure of the windows. The use of Roman blinds made of translucent fabric allows the sun’s rays to be subtly filtered, making the interior feel bright and spacious. A mirror composition on the wall, placed perpendicular to the windows, enhances this impression by reflecting light and adding optical depth to the interior.
The flat’s beech parquet floor was restored, which brings a warm and cosy atmosphere to the interior. Prior to the refurbishment, the studio faced the problem of insufficient storage space. The architect solved this problem by introducing new wardrobes in the kitchen and bathroom and a built-in wardrobe. In addition, there was a pavilion in the hallway, which provides additional storage without taking up valuable floor space.
The kitchenette has gained better access to natural light, which has greatly improved the comfort of this space. The kitchen arrangement is dominated by light grey lower cabinets, a white conglomerate worktop and anthracite wall cabinets, which create a coherent and elegant whole. Contrasting black details add character and dynamism to the interior. Throughout the flat, a cool shade of green is used to tie the various rooms together, introducing a harmonious colour composition.
The bedroom, although small, catches the eye thanks to the built-in furniture, where the background of the bed is made of milled board lacquered in an elegant green colour. This gives the alcove used as a bedroom depth and unique character.
“I have provided for different types of lighting in each zone. The relaxation aspect is very important in this case. The homeowner, after returning from work or training, is supposed to find himself in a space where he relaxes even subconsciously. The warm, gentle light of a lamp over the table at which a meal is eaten or a standing lamp next to an armchair has a relaxing effect. In addition, the lamp forms lend an individual character – here in the spirit of elegant minimalism” – notes the architect.
The relocation of the washing machine to the kitchen built-in made it possible to install a larger shower in the bathroom. The interior is distinguished by a ceiling in a green shade, which is reflected in a large mirror, enhancing the feeling of spaciousness. The wall opposite the entrance is decorated with an elegant mosaic of white matte hexagons, which gives the bathroom a modern and minimalist look. The shower space is separated from the rest of the bathroom by a high sheet of glass, further emphasising the modern character of the room.
“The main challenges during the design work revolved around finding an aesthetic and functional key that meets the client’s needs, organising more storage space than before, and resolving the numerous installations that were previously visible (especially in the bathroom),” – says Piotr Skorupa.
The metamorphosis of this studio apartment is a perfect example of how maximum functionality and aesthetics can be extracted from a small space, while creating a coherent and stylish interior, ideally suited to the needs of the modern user.
Source: SCOPE INTERIOR DESIGN Piotr Skorupa
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