This Renewed 1920s Home in Poland Is Stunning in its Simplicity
A dilapidated building in Szczecin turns into a serene family abode with openwork screens that define spaces without closing them off.
New to home renovation, the clients, a middle-aged couple with a small child, brought on Loft Kolasiński to design and furnish their dream home. With full trust in the design team’s creative vision, the homeowners embraced a complete overhaul of their 1923 home in Szczecin, Poland.
The open living space is warm and inviting, filled with natural materials, specially curated and restored furnishings, and a bold orange-and-black wool rug which dates back to 1969.
Photo by Joel Hauck
Throughout the home, furniture is mostly made of natural, oiled oak wood.
Photo by Joel Hauck
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The home, adjacent to a park and forested land in a beautiful neighborhood, was ideally situated for this growing family. However, lots of work was required to transform the dilapidated structure into open and warm living spaces.
Before: Since the building was in a very bad state from years of being uninhabited, it had be dried out before reconstruction.
Image courtesy of Loft Kolasinksi
Before: Due to the age of the building, the structure had to be strengthened and checked for soundness as part of the renovation process.
Image courtesy of Loft Kolasinksi
The main goal of the renovation was to join the residence’s many smaller rooms into an open space. Through the elimination of most of the interior partition walls, the ground floor became a grand interior composition of kitchen, dining, living, and office space. Designed to be open during the day, the space is divisible by custom-made sliding doors for privacy when needed.
The floor tiles in the kitchen date back to 1923 and stand as a reminder of the original character of the building. Natural oak cabinets with hidden joinery are a contemporary insertion in the historic building shell.
Photo by Joel Hauck
The new kitchen, with cooking surfaces in the central island, remains open to the main living spaces.
Photo by Joel Hauck
The sliding doors between the living room and dining room have an openwork pattern designed so that when the doors open and close, a unique and beautiful pattern is always in play.
Photo by Joel Hauck
On the ground floor, the floor joists are left raw and exposed after cleaning. The floor boards have been covered with an oil while the exterior walls are coated with a clay plaster in a light gray tone.
Photo by Joel Hauck
By introducing sliding doors into the plan, the open spaces can be divided as needed for privacy and separation.
Photo by Joel Hauck
Three bedrooms and two bathrooms are located on the first floor, away from the gathering spaces on the ground floor. A curved wood staircase connects the two.
The interior staircase is an elegant contrast with its curved form. Wood stair treads and a wood railing lead to the sleeping and bathing quarters above.
Photo by Joel Hauck
In the master bedroom and elsewhere on the first floor, the ceiling joists are covered with clay plaster, all painted to match the adjacent surfaces.
Photo by Joel Hauck
Timber elements frame openings, including the entrance to the master bath on the first level.
Photo by Joel Hauck
The master bath vanity, in a natural oak finish, includes custom details with contemporary lines and hidden compartments.
Photo by Joel Hauck
The bath is a serene, relaxing retreat complete with a soaking tub.
Photo by Joel Hauck
Contemporary lighting and bath fixtures introduce modern touches to the upstairs bath.
Photo by Joel Hauck
The first floor is calm and serene with the same muted color palette that fills the ground floor.
Photo by Joel Hauck
Following the philosophy of Wabi-Sabi, the designers strove to use as many natural materials as possible. The result is a warm and relaxing ambiance framed by natural tones, and decorated with pieces sourced from collectors all across Europe.
Large, wood sliding doors can be used to give some privacy in the office when needed.
Photo by Joel Hauck
A custom-made shelving unit provides plentiful storage for the family's collection of books.
Photo by Joel Hauck
The project uses classic furniture, lamps, and accessories from Denmark, the Czech Republic, Poland, Mexico, Italy, and Germany.
Photo by Joel Hauck
A special olive tree that’s more than 200 years old is planted in the glazed veranda. The designer decided to incorporate it into the project after being inspired by the homeowner's passion for trees.
Photo by Joel Hauck
More by Loft Kolasiński:
Town House on the Edge of the Park
A Holiday Apartment in Poland With the Perfect Mix of Vintage and Custom Furniture
A Family’s Loft in Poland Gets a Minimalist Renovation That’s Both Elegant and Functional
Project Credits:
Architect of Record: Loft Kolasiński / @loft.kolasinski
Lighting Design: Loft Kolasiński
Interior Design: Loft Kolasiński
Published