Eclectic Apartment in a Tenement House

Concept

There are some interiors where the architecture and space themselves serve as inspiration for the design. This small apartment in a beautifully revitalized tenement house on Wilcza Street in Warsaw captivated me with its barrel-vaulted ceiling, open space, and classic window joinery.

The clients were design enthusiasts who had collected original carpets and paintings during their travels around the world. Color was, therefore, an inherent part of this project.

The challenge was the space itself. The apartment lacked any partition walls, and my task was to delineate a bedroom, an office, a living room with a kitchen and dining area, and a bathroom.

For this project, I prepared sketches that initially depicted the apartment without any color. Color was introduced at the very end, while the foundation of this interior was based on whites, blacks, and warm wood tones.

Materials

I used materials that referenced the character of the tenement house. Hence, cement tiles with a border in the kitchen and classic mosaics in the bathroom. Moldings under the ceiling and ceiling medallions were essential elements and, of course, were included in this apartment.

The clients dreamed of a fireplace, so I opted for a classic, elegant surround in which we installed a small bioethanol fireplace insert.

Execution Guidelines

The contractors received guidelines regarding walls, electrical systems, plumbing connections, moldings, as well as the entire bathroom and kitchen. The more complex material concerned the custom-built carpentry.

Every element was custom-made. The most important aspects of this space were the kitchen and the library in the office area.

We aimed for the effect of books seemingly floating in the air without emphasizing the supporting shelves. Thus, the shelves were made of steel and installed flush with the wall. This was a highly innovative idea, which posed many challenges during execution, but the desired effect was achieved.

Furniture and Lighting

As previously mentioned, furniture and lighting were selected with great care, as the clients wanted unique and iconic designs. Thus, the interior features an Eames Lounge Chair, a glass Noguchi table by Vitra, and a Murano crystal chandelier.

The choice of these elements imparted an eclectic character to the interior. The unifying factor was the beautiful form of each piece and its history.

Conclusion

This project was a significant challenge for me, as it required incorporating many elements from different styles.

The paintings and carpets owned by my clients radiated color. The intensity of their forms and hues was not easy to balance.

I am particularly pleased with the lighting effect, where natural light enters the kitchen through a small window but is dispersed throughout the space thanks to the mirrored cabinet fronts.