The interior of a 1920s Szczecin house charms with its spaciousness and harmony. Most of the furniture here was created by the architects themselves in cooperation with craftsmen, and the house itself was completely transformed. However, the designers kept the building's characteristic elements like ceiling beams and brick on the walls.
Studio Loft Kolasinski not only deals with interior design, but also with furniture. In the realization in the Szczecin house you can find many examples of them. In addition to them, there are already iconic designs, as well as classic furniture imported from various countries.
Basia Hyjek: Please tell us about the challenge of designing the interior of this house.
Jacek Kolasinski: The project involved the renovation and remodeling of the interior of a 1923 house in Szczecin. The investors are a middle-aged couple, living with their teenage son and dog. They are people with a great sense of humor and imagination. Their main wish was to generate three bathrooms and three bedrooms in the new space. As for the rest of the activities, they trusted us and left their hand free.
An important premise of the project was, in keeping with the wabi-sabi philosophy, to use as many natural materials as possible
photo by Joel Hauck
The first floor, thanks to the elimination of most partition walls, has become an open space that includes a kitchen, a small dining room in a built-in veranda, a living room, a larger dining room, a study and a guest bathroom. The first floor houses three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Basia: What materials were used in the project?
Jacek: An important premise of the project was, in keeping with the wabi-sabi philosophy, to use as many natural materials as possible; the walls throughout the house and the ceiling beams on the first floor were covered with clay plaster, which was made in a manufactory in southern Poland. The plaster was applied to the walls using a traditional method. The insulation of the walls on the inside was done using eco-friendly wood matting.
The exterior walls of the building were covered with traditional cement-lime plaster. The ceiling beams on the first floor were left unprotected after cleaning, and the floorboards were covered with oil after restoration. The stove located on the first floor was made of handmade tiles, while the floor tiles in the kitchen date back to 1923. The staircase and door woodwork has undergone restoration and an oil finish. An interesting feature of the house is the Swedish windows that open to the outside.
Japanese and Brazilian modernism influences dominatethe design
photo by Joel Hauck
Basia: What was the main inspiration?
Jacek: The project is dominated by Japanese and Brazilian modernism influences, so among the furniture used in the furnishings we can find designs by Isamu Noguchi, Jader Almeida and unique chairs by Junzo Sakakura. A unique object acquired for the project is a wool rug from 1969, made in Kowary, Poland. In addition, cluster furniture, lamps and accessories from Denmark, the Czech Republic, Poland, Mexico, Italy and Germany were used in the project. They have undergone specialized restoration. The study features photographs by Erwin Olaf.
We often use vintage furniture, lighting elements and accessories in projects. We acquire these items from friendly collectors and dealers throughout Europe. We supervise the renovations of these objects, which are carried out by restorers, carpenters and upholsterers who work with us on a permanent basis.
In addition, the project uses cluster furniture, lamps and accessories from Denmark, the Czech Republic, Poland, Mexico, Italy and Germany
photo by Joel Hauck
The furniture and accessories designed by our studio include tables, coffee tables, sofa, TV chest, library, mirrors, openwork screens, beds, chaise lounges, shower stalls, curtain rods, closets, bathroom and kitchen furniture. All these items were made by local craftsmen. The finale - once settled in, the owners didn't want to leave for work. And that's the best reason for satisfaction!
