With a visit to the home of Jagna Niedzielska|PdD

Jagna Niedzielska chose Szczawno-Zdrój for her second home. She created there the original "Gingerbread House" project. In the tasteful, eclectic space, porcelain trinkets and furniture gems combine with modern, elements created in the spirit of sustainability.

Jagna Niedzielska is the author of books and programs about zero waste cooking

Photo Stan Zajączkowski © Consentino

Jagna Niedzielska is one of the most recognizable faces of the zero waste idea in Poland. She is the author of the book "Bez resztek" and host of the TV programs "Jagny Niedzielskiej kuchnia bez resztek" and "Widelcem po mapie". She encourages Poles to try new cooking techniques, while teaching them how to plan shopping, store and use products holistically. Aimed at development under the guidance of the world's greatest authorities on the no waste trend, including chef Douglas McMaster at the pioneering "Silo" restaurant in Brighton and the Helsinki-based "Nolla" restaurant, in addition to hosting television programs she supports with her experience the creation of new restaurant outlets and improves the functioning of existing ones. She loves disheveled china and old figurines, which she carelessly spreads around her home.

One of the two kitchens in Jagna Niedzielska's home

Photo: Stan Zajączkowski © Consentino

A soothing haven

Visiting many villages and towns in Poland, Jagna was looking for a second home where she could easily relax. It was the 150-square-meter house in Szczawno that captivated her the most. In the "Gingerbread Cottage," as she likes to say about the place, everything is at her fingertips. Walks along forest paths, baskets full of mushrooms and relaxing in a comfortable space with a garden, arranged by Jagna and her husband in their favorite eclectic antique. When the owner is called to Warsaw by her duties, the house can be rented out and feel like a real idyllic vacation under a tree.

The 1932 house contains a lot of art

Photo: Stan Zajączkowski © Consentino

With respect for history

On the outside, the house has been preserved practically in its original condition, as it is under the protection of the local conservationist. Inside, there is a lot of contemporary Polish art, sculptures and furniture gems from the 1980s. During the renovation, the priority was to preserve as many original elements of the house as possible, the old floors and the bay window in the bedroom. Even the window sills were made from boards that were formerly part of the windows.

In the interior, historic elements were preserved

Photo: Stan Zajączkowski © Consentino

An eclectic mix

Most of the furniture in the house comes from second hand and the old woodwork has also been preserved. Noteworthy in particular are the wooden handles and the figurines in the kitchen. The auxiliary table was created from tiles, fiberboard and tchotchkes. In the living room, the main role is played by a glass sculpture and a large sofa with a designer form. The scratched wall created accidentally during the renovation was, however, kept, as it gives the interior a unique character. The colorful point of the interior, meanwhile, is the yellow staircase stretching to the attic.

Most of the furniture is second-hand

A house with two hearts

The owner didn't want to make any compromises and decided to have two kitchens. Cooking is her hobby, so it was clear from the start that these would be among the most important rooms in the entire house. Both are dominated by modern quartz countertops that can withstand culinary experiments.

- The Gingerbread Cottage, our second-circuit house from 1932, needed a final touch-up at some point. The last, but most important for me... It was the kitchen countertop, which I approach because of my profession with special attention. I chose a mineral surface, consisting primarily of quartz, which works well in the kitchen. They are known for their durability and hygienic properties and in addition, created from a natural material - says Jagna Niedzielska.