The elegant design of this Kraków townhouse served as the starting point for a project that began even before the property was purchased. The family approached SPOIWO Design Studio for advice on potential flats for sale, and subsequent meetings enabled them to define precisely the needs and possibilities for their future living space. The trust they placed in the designers resulted in the creation of a flat in which respect for the historic fabric is combined with bold, contemporary solutions.
It was clear from the outset that preserving the original features would be one of the key objectives. Ceiling rosettes, door frames and parquet flooring have been restored to their former glory, whilst the character of the tenement has been subtly carried into the interior through carefully selected materials and proportions.
The hall as an extension of the staircase
Architect Olga Sajnóg-Dąbek treated the hall as a natural extension of the staircase, introducing a floor of fine-grained terrazzo with brass strips featuring soft, rounded shapes. This solution seamlessly connects the building’s communal area with the residents’ private space, creating a cohesive and elegant entrance to the rest of the flat. Right from the entrance, the brass portal leading to the kitchen catches the eye – an element that serves a representative function and sets the tone for the entire flat.
The kitchen: the heart of home life
One of the clients’ key requirements was to create a large, functional kitchen that would meet the needs of a family who cook frequently and enjoy entertaining friends. The existing kitchen area did not offer such possibilities, so the designers decided to relocate the kitchen to a spacious room with windows facing east. This created an area with generous built-in units, plenty of worktop space and a central island with seating.
A cosy bench and table were placed by the window, creating the perfect spot for everyday meals. Widening the opening where the double doors used to be has created an impressive passageway to the living room, which has thus become a natural extension of the kitchen and encourages spending time together.
Contemporary features
In the master bedroom, a remote working area has been created, separated from the relaxation area by a deep red wall featuring decorative glazing. The colour palette of the entire flat (shades of green and red with brass accents) has been chosen to emphasise the elegant, townhouse-style character of the interior. The oak featured here harmonises with the distinctive veining of the green marble and the terrazzo, creating a sophisticated backdrop for the more contemporary furniture designs.
The furnishings include the iconic Vitra Polder sofa, New Tradition bar stools and Tamo Neo side tables. The designers’ local pride is expressed through the inclusion of works by Kraków-based artists – Marcin Skalski, who works at the intersection of blacksmithing and woodwork, and luumi studio, known for its subtle reliefs.
Rapid implementation
Although the project required a fast pace of work, the quality of the finish was maintained. The result is an interior that combines respect for the history of the place with functionality suited to a contemporary lifestyle. The designers’ satisfaction stems not only from the result achieved, but also from the collaboration with dedicated contractors and clients who placed their full trust in their vision.
design: SPOIWO Design Studio spoiwostudio.pl – Olga Sajnóg-Dąbek
photographs: Bartek Kornaga (z.domu.studio) instagram.com/z.domu.studio
See also: Kraków | Flat | Interiors | Eclecticism | Recommended | whiteMAD on Instagram
