Hygge, or the Danish philosophy of happiness, comfort, peace and coziness, which is needed, especially when it's gray, cloudy and cold outside the window, is also increasingly being hosted in Polish interiors. What distinguishes hygge style? It's not just scented candles, a cup of your favorite coffee or a soft blanket and an evening with a book in hand. It is, above all, subdued, bright colors, natural fabrics and materials, a comfortable place to meet with loved ones and a lot of light - both natural and mood-creating lamp light.
A house by the river located in the Nadbuzanski Landscape Park fits perfectly into the fashionable hygge style. Surrounded by greenery, the wooden house from the 1960s was bought and renovated by Marta Puchalska-Kraciuk and Bartłomiej Kraciuk, creating a unique space for relaxation close to nature, in the spirit of slow life.
wooden house with a terrace
photo: PION Studio
Ola Kloc: What made you decide to buy and renovate an abandoned house from the 1960s?
Marta Puchalska-Kraciuk: We fell in love with this place at first sight. It's one of those places that just has good energy in it, but the surroundings were also important from the beginning. The surrounding houses are mostly pre-war summer villas on quite large plots of land, which gives the place a unique character. On the other hand, there is completely wild nature, the Natura 2000 area and the charming Liwiec River. And all this just an hour's drive from Warsaw.
interior of the house in hygge style
photo: PION Studio
Ola: Does and how does designing an interior for yourself and your family differ from preparing a project for newly met investors?
Marta: It is a very interesting experience. Since we cared about time, we made all decisions very quickly, which greatly accelerated the implementation. Since we wanted to achieve a unique effect, we often decided on uncompromising solutions that were more difficult to implement than standard ones. Another advantage is that the project also included the selection of such details as glasses and towels, so the design is one hundred percent consistent.
The interior is filled with natural colors and materials
photo: PION Studio
Ola: What was the biggest challenge, and what gave you the most pleasure during the design process?
Marta: I think these two things are connected. We had a specific budget for this project, which we managed to fit within. At the same time, we wanted to use natural materials that refer to the local environment. Every element is thought out and sophisticated to meet these criteria. We managed to achieve a result that we are very happy with, and this is immensely satisfying.
Ola: The interior seems extremely warm, fitting into the hygge style, what design solutions allow you to create a cozy yet stylish interior?
Marta: These are ideas that have always guided me in design. I am guided by respect for the existing structure and the surroundings, and in Gniazdow it is mainly thanks to this that one can feel peace - it is simply harmony. Light is also very important , playing a decisive role in creating the atmosphere.
Left: one of the bedrooms, right: the bathroom
photo: PION Studio
Ola: The house can be rented, how would you like your guests to feel in it?
Marta: We want them to feel at home. We have created a very complete place, including a stocked pantry. We wanted them to be able to go there taking the least amount of luggage with them and completely relax from their daily responsibilities. We tried to contain this tranquility within the four walls of the house to soothe nerves and provide holistic relaxation. Judging by guest reviews, we succeeded. But most importantly, we like it there incredibly well!
Ola: Thank you for the interview!
