Previously, we have already presented the bedroom and the bathroom of an apartment decorated for short-term rentals. Today we conclude our visit to the apartment of the Mango Investments project with a look at the living area.
After demolishing the walls, a single open living area was created
Photo: Yassen Hristov Styling: Patrycja Rybińska
Appearance matched to function
The owners wanted the apartment in Cracow's Grzegórzki district to have, above all, something that would make it shine among other units of its kind. Competition is fierce, especially in a city like Cracow, so they wanted the apartment to stand out even more.
- Investment apartments, especially those for short leases, are governed by their own rules. First of all, the number of features is significantly limited. When staying for two or three nights, you don't need a kitchen with a huge island, or a large number of enclosed cabinets for storage. Instead, aesthetics are becoming increasingly important. We spend money and expect something really extra in return - explains architect Karolina Drogoszcz.
A concrete renovation was needed. Most of the walls collapsed, except for the load-bearing one running through the middle. This allowed more light into the apartment. Unfortunately, it was not possible to save any of the architectural details of the post-war building. The old planks on the floor were completely decayed, the window woodwork was in a similar condition, as were the installations.
The table was tailored specifically to the volume of the room
Photo by Yassen Hristov Styling: Patrycja Rybińska
Magic of color
Now the spacious living room combines several zones - the most important one for visitors, i.e. the lounge, with a comfortable place for preparing meals and a small dining room. A comfortable sofa when unfolded creates an additional sleeping space. Because of that, the apartment can ultimately host 4-5 people. The round table was specially selected to fit the volume of this room. Throughout the apartment, color plays an important role. There is a lot of salmon pink, pastel blue and pearl gray completed with black elements. Accessories in tarnished gold brighten up the interior and add a jewel-like flair. Designer lamps and furniture, intertwine with noble materials. We can also find velvet upholstery fabrics with a delicate sheen, a table with a marble top, painted wood, or tiles imitating natural stone.
The sofa, when unfolded, creates additional sleeping space
Photo: Yassen Hristov Styling: Patrycja Rybińska
Stylish combinations
The kitchenette, although small, was equipped with all the necessary appliances for a short stay: refrigerator, gas hob, dishwasher and coffee maker. The kitchen was custom-made to make use of every inch of precious space. It is formed by two solids and two colors. The handleless built-in unit in a blue shade was set back slightly into the wall. On both sides it is flanked by a tall white closet with gold handles, which is moved slightly forward. A subtle fluted decoration also appears here, the same one that adorns the simple dresser in the living room. Pastel shades contrast nicely with the warm color of the vinyl floor, which imitates wooden planks. The same type of flooring was used throughout the apartment.
- Vinyls are the best solution for rental apartments. They have a high resistance to damage, are waterproof, easy to maintain, do not require as much maintenance as, for example, wooden parquet, and look great - says Karolina Drogoszcz.
The kitchenette combines blue and white
Photo by Yassen Hristov Styling: Patrycja Rybińska
The importance of detail
Although nothing is left of the former glory of the townhouse details, there is no lack of references to the past. The vinyl tile inserts have geometric patterns similar to those of historic 19th-century tiles, and stucco appears on the walls in the living room. The furniture, though simple and modern, is decorated in places with delicate milling or cornices that gently transition to the ceiling. Marble window sills have milling-finished edges like those of the old Cracow townhouses.
Vinyl tiles allude in pattern to historic 19th-century tiles
Photo: Yassen Hristov Styling: Patrycja Rybińska
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Compiled by:KATARZYNA SZOSTAK
