This 42-square-metre flat in Katowice demonstrates that even a small space can become a fully-fledged living area if the design is based on the residents’ actual needs. Rather than a struggle to make use of every inch of space, the design is characterised by consistency, order and thoughtful decisions, which have given the interior a clear structure.
From the moment you enter, it is clear that the layout has been designed to guide the user naturally. The living room has been combined with the kitchenette to create a single, functional zone. Its clarity stems from the logical layout and consistent materials, which organise the space without excessive ornamentation. The built-in furniture was made to order, allowing it to serve as a discreet backdrop and conceal elements that might otherwise detract from the overall impression.
In the kitchen, wall units were deliberately omitted to open up the view and let in more light. The central feature of the living area is a steel table, which serves as both a dining table and a workspace. Its striking form provides a counterpoint to the soft, muted colour palette, whilst emphasising the architectural character of the interior.
The materials have been selected to create a harmonious yet varied composition. Stone with a strong grain and wood introduce bold accents, whilst the neutral colours of the walls and built-in units allow light to freely shape the space. Fabrics with varied textures add softness and emphasise the everyday, sensory dimension of the home. In the living room, the eye is drawn to the ‘Fala’ textural painting, leaning against the wall, by Izabela Starzyk – an element that enriches the interior with a subtle, material depth.
The functional layout has been designed to follow the natural rhythm of the day. The kitchen, dining room and living room flow into one another, whilst retaining clearly defined roles. The bedroom serves as a quiet zone, where a limited number of stimuli have been used to create an atmosphere conducive to rest and recovery.
Details play an important role here – refined, yet unobtrusive. A bespoke mirror, designed specifically for this interior, reflects light and subtly broadens the perspective. Ceramics with organic forms and carefully selected accessories lend the space a personal character without dominating it.
The whole is an example of conscious design, in which form, function and material work together rather than compete. The flat does not try to appear larger than it is – it uses its floor area to its advantage, demonstrating that 42 square metres can be a complete, refined and comfortable space.
_
About the architect:
Karolina Holda – interior architect and founder of Holda Studio. She designs residential and commercial spaces, including apartments, offices, studios, boutiques and restaurants. She manages every project comprehensively: from concept to final finish, carrying out projects in Poland and abroad. She studied interior architecture at the Silesian Academy of Fine Arts and attended numerous courses at the University of the Arts London (UAL), where she developed her skills in composing spaces and visual narratives. She supplemented this with business education at Queen Mary University in London. Her experience in running her own fashion brand has shaped her approach to detail, proportion and the harmony of materials. In her design work, she combines knowledge of structure, colour and form to create interiors tailored to the needs and lifestyles of their users.
design: Karolina Holda / HOLDA Studio
photography:Kaja Osikowska-Tasz / Pietruszka Fotografia
styling:Eliza Mrozińska
Read also:Katowice|Flat|Interiors|Eclecticism|Minimalism|Japandi style|whiteMAD on Instagram
