In the western part of Warsaw, in the Ursus district, there is a 55sq m flat, which gained a sense of space and a cosy character thanks to the insightful work of a designer. The interior was designed by Maryna Bovkun, who worked closely with the owners to create an optimal interior layout.
The work on the flat design required a thorough analysis of possible solutions. The investors indicated what solutions they wanted, but some were difficult to implement. The windowless kitchen resulted in a cramped, dark space with no natural light. This challenge became the inspiration for a completely different planning concept.
The designer opted for a seamless integration of the living areas: the kitchen merges with the living room, and the exit to the balcony allowed more light and air in. The uniform flooring throughout the living area blurred the boundaries between corridor, kitchen and living room, making the interior seem more open and coherent. Only the bathrooms stood out with a different textured finish, emphasising their separate function. Despite the compact size of the individual rooms, the architect ensured that there was sufficient storage. Discreet, deep wardrobes accommodated outerwear and everyday objects without disturbing the harmony of the interior.
The artistic setting of the walls was also a challenge. Although the clients dreamt of a monumental photo wallpaper of New York, the designer advised against this idea, proposing instead a subtle, graphic pattern that adds rhythm and lightness. The wallpaper’s colour scheme was composed with the colour of the walls, so that it does not come to the foreground, while enriching the interior with details.
A blue shade from the Egger board palette added a gentle contrast to the interior, gently breaking up the dominant beige. A carpet and decorative cushions in the living room in the same shade harmonise the space, while in the bedroom, an upholstered bed in a denim shade is juxtaposed with warm orange accents. The natural-textured wallpaper above the bed gave this area a cosy feel.
In the bathrooms, too, subtlety of form was juxtaposed with striking contrasts. Light and dark tiles, large and small formats, warm colours broken by cold tones and decorative elements in black and white created spaces full of elegant dynamics.
The children’s room, as requested by the teenager, gained a platform that not only raised the floor, but became an original accent, creating a private area for the young resident. The sliding door – convenient and space-saving – was installed in such a way that it acts as a mirror wall on one side, further enlarging the room optically.
design: Maryna Bovkun
photos: Alina Shevchenko
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