Bauhaus Beauty: A 1930s-Inspired Design for a 700-Square-Foot Pied-à-Terre in Warsaw
“Just do what you usually do” was the request from designer and Colombe Studio founder Marta Chrapka’s clients, a pair of lawyers who were looking to overhaul their small flat in the trendy Powisle district of Warsaw. “We didn’t have any specific guidelines; rather, there was complete trust and a lot of fun,” shares Marta. “Since they’re my friends, we understood each other very well.”
That creative freedom led to a complete transformation of the small apartment, which is in a modernist townhouse from the 1930s. The space had formerly functioned as the office of a small newspaper. “It was divided into tiny little rooms, and there were piles of photocopiers, ’90s-era folders and desks everywhere, and the walls were purple,” says Marta.
Not one to disappoint clients, Marta dutifully followed their orders and did what she usually did: create flow, welcome in natural light, add classic herringbone wood floors, design elevated millwork details (including her signature design feature—a cozy bed nook), and decorate with refined, trend-proof pieces.
Let’s have a look.
Photography by Mood Authors, courtesy of Colombe.
Above: The 64-square-meter space is now a sophisticated one-bedroom apartment. The interiors are “Adolf Loos–inspired, with influences of mid-century and Warsaw modernism,” shares Marta.
Above: In an apartment of many elegant moments, the artful eat-in kitchen might be the standout. Marta designed chic cabinets, made from bété wood veneer. The flooring is oak, from Chapel Parket, “typical for 1930s Polish apartments,” she says.
Above: No detail is too small. The black Bakelite electrical fittttings are from THPG. The brass cabinet hardware is from Formani’s Timeless collection. The curved edges were inspired by Bauhaus and modernist interiors.
Above: The terrace off the kitchen has views of a park and Vistula River. The Semi Pendant Lamp by Gubi hangs over the dining table.
Above: Just off the kitchen is the apartment’s only bathroom.
Above: Anchoring the center of the apartment is the living room, which is open to both the kitchen and to the bedroom, thanks to a glass partition with French doors. The ceiling lamp is from Oisoioi, the woven floor lamp is by Gubi, and the rug by &Tradition.
Above: About her signature bed nooks: “This is the best way to fit closets and a bed in a tiny space. Also it makes the room very cozy.” The wall lamps inside the nook are the Flowerpot sconce from &Tradition.
Above: A blue Lampe de Bureau, designed by Jean Prouvé, sits atop a vintage desk.
For more projects by Colombe, see:
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