In Gdynia, a city long associated with modernist architecture, PB Studio undertook a task that required more than just design expertise. The renovation of an existing family home was not to involve completely abandoning everything old, but ratherconsciously utilising what was already part of the place. Instead of a radical replacement of materials and furnishings, the designers chose a thrifty, responsible and deeply thought-out approach.
The decision to preserve selected elements — dark, well-maintained wooden floors or fragments of carpentry — was not based on nostalgia. It was an expression of the belief that design can be a process in which existing material becomes a full-fledged partner for new solutions. This required particular attention: the investors dreamed of a warm, subtle and contemporary interior, but at the same time they wanted the house to retain its character. The result is a space where the old and the new intertwine to create a new quality.
The palette of materials was built around light ash and Ceppo Beige marble, creating a soft, natural backdrop for everyday life. Fabrics — from curtains to upholstered furniture — add softness to the interior and create a soothing atmosphere. The central element of the living area is a kitchen island with a gently rounded shape. Its finish in Cristallo Rosa quartzite, with a delicate pink tone, required masterful precision and has become one of the most distinctive features of the house.
PB Studio also designed several pieces of furniture that give the interior its individual character. A bookcase made of stained burl wood, a chest of drawers made of solid walnut with distinctive fronts (it’s beautiful! Take a look at the photos in the gallery) and low cabinets with hand-chiselled fronts create a composition in which every detail matters. These are pieces of furniture that not only organise the space, but also give it a distinct tone.
In the dressing room, the designers allowed themselves to use slightly more saturated colours. The room was treated as a private treasure chest, where stone mosaic and a round island create an atmosphere of intimacy and elegance. The whole is complemented by carefully selected art and design objects: paintings by Basia Bańda, a Porada chaise longue, a distinctive Bonaldo table and lamps by Ingo Maurer and Ovature Studios. Each of these elements acts as a precisely selected accent that enriches the space.
This interior does not try to impose a single interpretation. It is conscious, responsible and harmoniously composed of many tones. The resulting space does not pretend to be a new home — rather, it shows how an existing one can gain a new quality if treated with respect and design attention.
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About the studio:
PB/STUDIO is a Tri-City studio run by Hanna Bialic and Jakub Piórkowski, operating at the intersection of architecture and interior design. At the heart of their work is an idea from which every material, detail and design decision grows. They create original and expressive spaces, rooted in context and at the same time open to emotions. Furniture, structures and light build a coherent narrative in which nothing is accidental, and the design remains clear and memorable.
PB/STUDIO’s projects are backed by many years of experience, an international perspective and sensitivity to scale — both architectural and human. In 2024, the studio, together with IPA and Studio Mania, won the Grand Prix in the SARP Award of the Year competition for the best completed building in Poland, recognised for its social awareness and architectural expression.
design: PB / STUDIO – Hanna Bialic, Jakub Piórkowski, Barbara Habela
photos: TomoYarmush
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