The interior design by architects from Studio Iskra shows that the renovation of a pre-war villa can end up being transformed into a modern living space. The 1930s building has also become a home for art.
The interior was designed by Marysia Gajewska and Michał Niedośpiał of Studio Iskry. The building is located in a quiet and peaceful part of Gdynia. The terraced villa opens onto an intimate garden at the back. The building was remodelled according to a design by Jakub Szczęsny. The reconstruction was intended to open up the space and illuminate the interiors while maintaining the modernist character of the building. To achieve this, the layout of the rooms was changed and the window openings enlarged.
We wanted the interiors to be an integral part of the architecture and the greenery surrounding the house. The interior design of the 250 square metres was created in stages. An interesting challenge for us during the design was to take into account the extensive collection of contemporary art belonging to the householders. The premise was to have art present in every space of the house in such a way that it was part of the house, rather than giving the impression of a gallery. We tried to ensure that the artworks subtly influence the interiors and give a unique character. Paintings, vintage gems, family heirlooms, and modern elements combine to create a uniquely eclectic interior atmosphere,’ admit Marysia Gajewska and Michał Niedośpiał.
The concept for the new interiors was based on the use of noble materials in neutral colours. Warm wood, brushed stone and natural fabrics such as linen and wool reign supreme here. The colour base is broken up by accents in intense colours: shades of orange, blue, pink and yellow. The architects wanted the introduced objects to complement the space and correspond with the art. In the living room, squat Tom Dixon chairs stand around a cobalt blue table. The soft forms of the Ligne Roset furniture allude to the paintings of Ivo Nikić.
On the ground floor there is also the kitchen, which has been enlarged. It has been possible to create space for an island, which has been integrated into an oak table. It is at this piece of furniture that the household meets for breakfast or dinner.
The favourite place of the household members are the benches in the window glyphs, which we managed to design by lowering and enlarging the windows. The glyphs are lined with a wooden frame and soft seats. An interesting motif in the kitchen and other rooms in the house is the circular window. The window glyphs have been painted in a shade of orange, which creates an unusual halo effect during the day thanks to the sun’s rays, the project authors add.
A strong colour also defines the unusual toilet on the ground floor. The cobalt-coloured CESI mosaic is on the floor as well as the walls, giving the effect of being submerged in colour. The scenographic effect is enhanced by a mirror on the ceiling and selected walls. To let light into the corridor, the toilet doors are glazed. A sense of privacy is provided by a fleshy cobalt blue curtain.
The private area has been designed on the first floor. Here you will find the master bedroom (connected to the bathroom and dressing room), which is distinguished by woollen carpeting and linen curtains. It is cosy. Perfect for relaxing. A veneered bedstead with a cobalt headboard stands in the middle of the large room and divides the space in an unobvious way. A Roman Modzelewski armchair with a matte cobalt finish and a Le Corbusier wall lamp have also been placed in the bedroom. An interesting feature is the bed headrest, which on the other side is a wardrobe.
The aforementioned bathroom next to the bedroom is bathed in shades of pink. This can be seen in the stained micro-cement on the wall, the floor, the stone washbasin and the bathtub surround. The colour is calmed by simple forms and warm wood.
The renovation of the pre-war villa has also created space for a large study, a small gym, a yoga room and a bedroom with a guest bathroom.
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About the studio:
Studio Iskry is an interdisciplinary studio from Warsaw. The founders Marysia Gajewska and Michał Niedośpiał work at the intersection of architecture, design and scenography. Collaboration with craftsmen and artists allows us to take a comprehensive approach to each project, resulting in complex and original realisations. Sparks aims to celebrate the everyday, creating spaces and objects characterised by quality and longevity. An intuitive approach to design allows us to have projects shaped by functional needs, curiosity and a fundamental interest in the human being as user.
design: STUDIO ISKRY(www.studioiskry.com)
photography: ONI Studio
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