With a stove in the living room. An architect’s flat in Gliwice

·24 August 2026

In a semi-circular, corner tenement house dating from 1910 in Gliwice, a designer from latreDesign has created a private sanctuary for herself and her family. Across 83 square metres, century-old brickwork, a historic green tiled stove and original woodwork blend with unique muscato burl veneer and vintage design gems. It is a space where respect for Silesian history blends with family warmth and bold, original design.

Designing for oneself can be a challenging task for architects, but it also offers complete creative freedom. In this case, the starting point was the flat’s distinctive layout, resulting from the semi-circular shape of the tenement building. The natural curvature of the walls allowed for the creation of a fluid, light-filled living area, which became the foundation of the entire concept.

Living area

The focal point of family life is the open-plan living area, where the kitchen flows seamlessly into the living room. The designer opted for soft, organic lines that emphasise the character of the building. The strongest feature is the kitchen island, finished in modified veneer with a Muscato root pattern – a material with a distinctive, almost sculptural texture. The same motif appears in the kitchen units, framing a subtle arch that conceals wall units in a warm brown shade.

The off-white fronts provide a calm backdrop for them, whilst the whole is illuminated by a spectacular, original window with an arched top. It is this window that defines the atmosphere of the living area, serving as a reminder of the tenement’s Art Nouveau history and its monumental architecture.

Historic detail and the power of vintage

The interior bears witness to a respect for craftsmanship dating back over a century. The original floorboards and tall, double-leaf interior doors have been successfully preserved and restored. In the living room, a historic green tiled stove with rich Art Nouveau ornamentation catches the eye. Its decorative quality is set against the raw, red brick exposed on selected sections of the walls.

The dining area features iconic vintage chairs from the 1960s, sourced from a factory specialising in bentwood furniture. Next to the modern island made from muscato root are height-adjustable metal medical stools, restored by the designer herself. Their industrial character lends the interior a slightly raw, distinctive flair.

A family haven

The flat in the tenement block has become a space where history meets everyday life. Original architectural features harmonise with the family’s modern needs, whilst vintage elements intertwine with the designer’s personal choices. This interior has its own, consistently developed identity, rooted in local history and the sensibilities of its owner.

This project by latreDesign in Gliwice demonstrates that the Art Nouveau fabric of a tenement block can serve as the perfect backdrop for contemporary living. It is a home that matures alongside its inhabitants, whilst retaining the character of a place with a history stretching back over a century.

design: latreDesign

photographs: Adam Janoszek