How to smuggle highland style into a contemporary interior? Two apartments have been created in Koscielisko, in the spaces of which you can feel at home, at the same time the design elements refer to the style of Podhale.
tradition and modernity
Two private apartments, located in the Tatra Resort & Spa complex in Koscielisko, together form a coherent project. The interiors were designed by the architect, Veronika Tomasik, who hails from Sanok. As the designer tells us, she tries to smuggle inspiration from the Bieszczady Mountains into her designs. This time, the picturesque Tatra Mountains are outside the window. The two, side-by-side apartments are a combination of local tradition and modernity with details alluding to the Podhale culture. On the one hand, a classic combination of natural materials finish the space, on the other, strong color accents, whose varied shades define the character of the interior. But isn't color and texture a contemporary interpretation of highland design? The combination of wood, stone, shingles and strong, saturated colors.... Highland style in a modern version. One of the apartments was done in brick tones, while the other in olive shades. As a whole, the apartments are associated with home, warmth and a safe, cozy space.
apartment in Koscielisko | © Weronika Tomasik
wall cladding - modern version
It might seem that wooden wall cladding has gone into oblivion along with communist-era paneling. Meanwhile, the architect proposes an unusual decorative cladding by introducing beech shingles. This material is usually associated with finishing facades and roof slopes. Like wainscoting, we tried to forget about wallpaper as well. It turns out that quite wrongly. Another unconventional solution is the transfer of a geometric pattern from a 1930s kilim to wall graphics in the form of wallpaper printed on a fleece backing. The standard of interior design involved combining exclusive materials with economical solutions. The custom-made furniture features ready-painted fronts from Castorama, and the kitchenettes from IKEA feature flamed granite countertops. The combination of personalized finishes with inexpensive and accessible solutions works well in any space, but this time it's the accessories that play first fiddle.
Original cladding and representative ceramic tiles dominate the bathrooms and walls. Details, such as bedside tables, were made by local young craftsmen from Podhale, moving in traditional design with modern form.
apartment in Koscielisko |©Weronika Tomasik
not just aesthetics, but functionality
One of the apartments is located in the first floor with access directly to the outdoor sauna and relaxation complex, with an amazing panorama of the Tatra Mountains with Giewont reigning over the area. The first floor apartment of 53 sqm has two separate bedrooms and a living room with a sofa bed, making it possible to accommodate 6 people. The bedrooms have been separated by a glass door, thanks to which the whole interior gives the impression of being open and spacious. Transparent bedrooms can be screened off, providing guests with intimacy.
apartment in Kościelisko | © Weronika Tomasik
The smaller space is only 30 sqm, is located on the 2nd floor and, despite its small size, provides comfortable accommodation for up to 4 people thanks to the distribution of zones. Separated by a glass wall, the bedroom has a balcony with a beautiful view. A sofa bed and a kitchenette are located in the lounge area. The interiors are prepared for habitation, and in addition to aesthetic value, provide residents or guests with comfort and freedom of movement. The kitchen annexes not only look, but are also practical to use, and there is functional space behind the beautifully finished cabinet doors, hidden in niches. The functional bathrooms feature color accents that consistently relate to the overall color scheme of the interiors. The tiles used on the entrance areas and in the bathrooms, refer in their design to mountain trails.
Colors, artisanal accessories and reaching for inspiration from tradition are the key to a mountain style for the 21st century, according to architect Veronika Tomasik.
Marta Kowalska
