The arrangement of the house in Gdansk was inspired by conversations with the owners and one photograph of the kitchen. Their living space was designed by Monika Potorska, founder of Studio Potorska. The result is an interior that combines both a warm family atmosphere and a personal touch.
Ula, a person imbued with energy and a passion for people and life, knew from the very beginning that she dreamed of a place that would not just be a refuge, but a true reflection of her personality. This collaboration, which was born of trust and many years of experience, resulted in a design in which the style described as ‘gorgeous’ appears as a synonym for luxury, harmony and functionality. The interiors of the house are characterised by thoughtful proportions, soft materials, subtle details and a play of contrasts – each element has been carefully selected to emphasise the comfort and aesthetic qualities of the space.
The heart of the home – the kitchen as a meeting place
The focal point of the home, which has also become a place for cooking, conversation and relationship-building, is the spacious kitchen. Inspired by the original photograph, the kitchen is not limited to its culinary function; it is a space that integrates family, friends and also the beloved dog Toto. The open-plan living area, where the kitchen flows seamlessly into the dining room and living room, is conducive to spontaneous get-togethers and regular photo shoots – thanks to a specially dedicated photo wall that is not only a decorative element but also a living witness to the history of domestic energy.
Artistic accents
It is impossible to ignore the unique work of art by Agnieszka Kirzanowska-Osińska, which subtly tones down the interior and integrates all the colours and shades that appear in the space of the house. Like a silent observer, the painting accompanies everyday life, influencing the atmosphere of the interior and at the same time emphasising the idea that art can be an integral part of our lives. This combination of aesthetics and functionality distinguishes the design of the UMK House, giving it an unforgettable character.
American motifs
The inspiration gained during Ula and Marcin’s many years in the USA is reflected in the interior design, where comfort, freedom of arrangement and a love of modern solutions meet the tradition of classical references. The house, located on the Balans estate, designed by arch. Marian Synakiewicz, is an example of excellent residential architecture. The innovative solution – combining an underground car park with separate entrances to the individual houses – creates an unusual space in which the staircase is open up to the level of the garage hall. In the case of Ula’s house, this effect is further emphasised by the galleried balustrade in the dining room, which adds an unusual elegance and dynamism to the whole.
The UMK house in Gdańsk is an example of how a single inspiration, in this case a photograph of the kitchen, can turn into a well-thought-out and harmonious design. It is a space where tradition meets modernity, and every detail – from the softness of the materials, to the artistic touches, to the unique architectural solutions – harmonises with the idea of creating a place full of family warmth. For Ula and Marcin, the house has become a dream come true for the perfect living space.
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About the studio:
Monika Potorska, a graduate of the Faculty of Design at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdansk and the College Art and Design d’Orléans in France, the founder of dtudio Potorska began her career as an interior designer, gaining experience at Studio 1:1 in Gdansk, where she was a member of the creative team. In 2010, she set up her own studio where she designed her first private home under her own brand, dtudio Potorska, which is still unchanged today. In 2014, through her collaboration with Ergo Hestia, she developed the standardisation of sales outlets and offices, which became a key point in the development of her business. Since then, the studio has focused on commercial and private interiors, with an emphasis on repeatable projects. Today, Potorska’s studio operates both in Poland and abroad as a flexible network of independent designers. It is a team of collaborators who share a common approach to design quality. Monika Potorska is involved in creative design, working with materials and creating furniture designs, which gives each interior a coherent and unique character. In each project, the team focuses on the clients’ sense of space and needs, creating spaces that are beautiful, usable and resistant to short-term trends.
design: Studio Potorska
photography: Hania Połczyńska – chronicles
image: Agnieszka Kirzanowska-Osińska
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