We take a peek into Agnieszka Dygant’s new home thanks to OMNIRES, the brand behind the ‘Objects that make life better’ series, which explores the private spaces of inspiring people. It is a series of publications that draw attention to everyday details that create magical moments and memories. These seemingly ordinary things, make subtle but significant changes. They show how lifestyle combines functionality with beauty and emphasises the importance of individual preferences and memories.
Agnieszka Dygant’s new home is a suburban oasis of tranquillity, where nature becomes the backdrop for closeness to loved ones, OMNIRES talks to Agnieszka Dygant about how the vision of a place that allows for true relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of city life was born. It is here, amidst the greenery and the unique atmosphere of an old farmhouse, that Agnieszka has found a space where she feels completely relaxed – a home that combines classic simplicity with the warmth of natural materials and the freedom of being with those she loves.
We are in the midst of greenery. Here you can breathe in the fresh air, relax. Where did your decision to create such a place come from – did the vision for the house come first, or did you first find a plot of land that inspired you?
Agnieszka Dygant: My mother lived in a house, my grandmother lived in the countryside, and I always felt that this was close to me. As I’ve got older, this connection with nature, with those memories and the mood that is associated with a sense of security, has become more and more important to me. For many years, especially since my son was born, we spent weekends and holidays travelling around Poland – discovering new places, but above all relaxing and being together. After a while, we wanted to have our own retreat. Because of my profession, I felt the need to have a space where you can cut off, switch off and invite those guests you really want to spend time with – a place away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
How did you come across it?
Finding a plot of land was not easy. At first we thought of the Masuria region, but the commute quickly discouraged us. I wanted it to be about an hour from the centre of Warsaw. I knew the area – a friend of mine has family here. We had been dropping by their house quite often and had become familiar with the area. Finally, when the gentleman from the building depot, from whom I later bought materials, showed us the plots – and when we saw this particular one, we felt that this was it. It had a natural slope that added to its cosiness, old trees and the remains of an old house. It was an old habitat with a unique atmosphere that we wanted to preserve without interfering too much with the surroundings.
The shape of the house really fits beautifully into this copse. You can see that it was the trees and the greenery that inspired the location decision.
That’s exactly right. This place really has spirit. Because it’s one thing to have a plot of land separated from a field, divided into thousands of square metres, and another thing to have a plot of land with history, with a soul. You have to love it, and I love the old trees, the wildlife, I feel good about it. The terrain itself became a clear point of reference for us. We knew immediately where to put the house, because the plot had open space in the middle, and we wanted to move away from the slope. When we demolished the old house standing on its edge, a beautiful view was revealed – we called it the ‘sea view’. In the spring, you can see the water flowing into the old riverbed in the distance and for a moment we got the feeling that we were living on the water. We liked this view so much that we decided to position the house precisely so that we could admire it as often as possible. The slope creates a three-dimensional space – the trees are piled up, which is very pleasing to the eye and soothing to the spirit. You could sit here and stare for hours.
And before the project was conceived, did you already have a clear vision for the house? What did you envision it would look like in this setting?
Not really. I like country houses – I spent a lot of time as a child at my grandmother’s house in the countryside and I really cherish that atmosphere and the memories associated with it. Our house has something of a modern barn feel to it, with a massive roof – a crown that gives it character, strength and distinctiveness. Initially we planned only the ground floor, but later decided we wanted an upstairs – it gives us a greater sense of security and freedom. It was a good decision that we are very happy with today.
The spaciousness of the interiors immediately catches your eye – high ceilings, open kitchen, large living area. Was this the intention? To create a space conducive to meeting and freedom?
Yes, definitely. I currently live in an old pre-war tenement in Warsaw, where the ceilings are really high, and I’m very used to it. I need space, air. I’ve always liked houses with mezzanine floors – they have something monumental about them and at the same time they can be very cosy. This is also the case here – there is a lot of open space, but there are also nooks and crannies where you can hide away. I wanted this house to have something elegant about it – I like a place to be classy, where you can feel like you’re in a hotel or spa, and where dressing nicely for dinner doesn’t seem like something ridiculous. This house from the beginning was meant to be a relaxing, restful place.
So you created it with relaxation in mind, a break from everyday life?
This is not a house with a desk and a laptop, like in Warsaw. This is where we come to really relax, to be with loved ones – family, friends. This has always been our dream. I also wanted the house not to be too small. I wanted to be able to spend time here together, in a larger group, without being crowded or rushed. The divide is very clear: Warsaw is all about pace, responsibilities, everyday life. And here, it’s silence, peace and darkness at night, something you don’t get in the city.
Stepping inside, one’s attention is drawn to earthy colours, lots of wood, warm shades of brown – all very natural and subdued. Are these the tones you feel most comfortable in?
My flat in Warsaw looks completely different, it’s a different world. But here it was about something else – when choosing materials and colours I was guided not only by aesthetics, but also by practicality. I wanted to avoid a situation in which we had to clean, mend or paint something all the time. This is why the wood on the walls appeared – reclaimed spruce, brought from the mountains. It has its own character and is graceful to maintain. I was also inspired by Swiss-style mountain chalets and the natural but durable, timeless solutions used in them. I wanted the house to be resilient to everyday life. A space where you don’t have to stress over every crack. Earthy colours help a lot with this – not only are they calming, but they don’t need to be refreshed all the time. It’s a home to live in, not to admire from a distance.
You can see that functionality plays an important role here. And how do you approach the relationship between form and function? Which is more important to you?
I have this affliction – sometimes I choose something less practical but beautiful. Someone says: “This will be moderately functional”, and I reply: “Maybe so, but it’s so beautiful that I’d rather walk around than take shortcuts.” Something for something. In the case of this house, however, I wanted a combination – it had to be both functional and beautiful. I wanted every thing to have a place and a meaning here. I didn’t want clutter with unnecessary objects or furniture. I believe that a space should breathe, have its own rhythm, give peace. This kind of austere interior doesn’t get distracted by details, it allows me to calm down and put my thoughts in order.
Nevertheless, the characteristic decorations, such as the wooden stools or the large vase, attract attention.
In interior design, the base is very important – wood, lime plaster, a little uneven, raw, not smooth. On such a background, you can afford some expressive, strong forms. These stools have a double function – I didn’t want a ladder, and because some of the cabinets are quite high they serve as a help to reach something, and on the other hand they work great as tables for a coffee or a book. I like this kind of solution where objects have more than one role and don’t clutter up the space. And the vase came from my flat in Warsaw – there I have some objects that stylistically fit right here. Next to it is a bowl that was brought from France – old, heavy, carved from a single piece of stone. I bought it through a friendly portal that imports things from French houses, chateaux or vineyards. These are not ‘flea markets’ in the pejorative sense, but places full of history and tradition. There, second-hand furniture and objects are often used – giving the interiors coherence and character. This bowl was unique – heavy, solid, with soul. It is a piece of history that adds value to the space.
And since you mentioned functionality – there are two faucets and two sinks in the kitchen. How did you come up with this idea?
In Warsaw, I have one sink and it is usually sufficient, but here the idea was different – we anticipated that there would be more of us, that we would cook and spend time together. The second, smaller sink on the island is equipped with a faucet with an OMNIRES SWITCH filter, so we always have access to fresh, filtered drinking water without having to buy bottles. This is where we wash the fruit and put the glasses away. The larger one on the other side is for washing dishes and preparing food. This is a very practical solution because it allows us to work simultaneously without disturbing each other.
What are the daily dynamics of life here? Do you spend a lot of time here, or do you rather treat the place as a haven for short trips and relaxation?
It varies – sometimes we stay here for a whole week, other times just for two days. Our work isn’t regular time-wise, so it’s perfect for us – we’re here whenever we have time. I think I’ll come here more and more as I get older. It really is a place where you breathe and sleep well – even though it’s only 60km from Warsaw, I sleep much better here than in the city. Maybe it’s due to the fresh air, the silence, the smell of wood or the break from everyday life. We are very comfortable here. And although this house was not built overnight – it required time and commitment – the result is worth it and fully reflects our needs and dreams.
source: www.omnires.com/pl
photos: Studio Resources
styling: Anka Sanetra
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