In a Poznań tenement house dating from 1905, right in the heart of Jeżyce, an interior has been created that defies categorisation. Monika Rogusz Witkoś of COI Studio has designed the 115 square metre flat as a space steeped in colour, history and subtle fantasy. Inspiration drawn from surrealism, Italian villas and the gentle beauty of the passing of time has resulted in a design where form follows emotion, and every detail weaves a personal narrative about the place and its inhabitants.
The artistic character of the interior stems from the context of the building – an Art Nouveau tenement house from the early 20th century, which has retained its ornamental cornices, decorative window frames and fragments of the original stucco work. COI Studio’s design does not treat these elements as mere backdrops, but as full participants in the composition. The historical layers serve as a starting point for contemporary solutions, and their presence lends the whole a sense of softness and authenticity. It is precisely this juxtaposition of the old and the new that creates an atmosphere in which colour and materials can come into their own.
The power of colour
In the flat designed by Monika Rogusz Witkoś, colour is not an afterthought – it forms the foundation of the narrative. Even in the entrance hall, intense reds are juxtaposed with limestone finishes, drawing guests into a world of vivid, almost theatrical expression. The studio-living room opens onto a palette of buttery yellows and minty tones, creating a space conducive to work, relaxation and free-flowing creativity. Light dominates the bedroom: pastel murals, silk fabrics and diffused reflections create an atmosphere of tranquillity. Every colour choice is a deliberate decision that enhances the function and character of the room. The architect has opted for controlled contrast here.
Original designs
COI Studio’s design combines a variety of influences: from Italian modernism, through the aesthetics of the Memphis Group, to vintage Nordic design. However, the interior is not a collection of ‘design references’ – it is a cohesive composition in which European inspirations intertwine with the studio’s original creations. The flat features sculptural mirrors, ceramic accents and furniture designed specifically for this space. Their organic forms and soft lines emphasise the surreal nature of the design, whilst also introducing an element of intimacy. The result is an interior that is both functional and deeply emotional. It serves as a kind of extension of the identity of the client who lives here.
The flat also draws on local history – both literary and architectural. Jeżyce, famous for the ‘Jeżycjada’ series, has long been a key location on the map of Poznań, and its multi-layered identity serves as inspiration for contemporary projects. In COI Studio’s design, these references are reflected in the atmosphere of the space, in a respect for the past, and in a subtle sense of humour that permeates some of the design solutions. This is a flat that not only meets the needs of everyday life but also invites you to immerse yourself in a story – the one inscribed in the walls of the tenement and the one reimagined by the designer.
‘Where dreams live and colour breathes’– the project’s motto aptly captures its character. The interior in Jeżyce becomes a space where one can not only live, but also experience, reminisce and imagine. It is an offering for those who seek not only functionality but also emotion in architecture. Great emotion.
design: Monika Rogusz Witkoś – COI Studio
photographs: Studio archives
See also: Poznań | Flat | Tenement | Interiors | Eclecticism | whiteMAD on Instagram
