Białystok house inspired by Africa|PdD

Many of the solutions used here echo the experiences of the owner, who lived in Africa for many years. The tone of the arrangement was also set by a large-format portrait, which is a contemporary reinterpretation of the Statue of Liberty. These threads were skillfully woven together by Marta Drzymała of Mum Studio.

The living area consists of a living room, kitchen and dining room

Photo by Yassen Hristov Styling: Agnieszka Możdżer

A painting with a long history

The house in Białystok is inhabited by a couple with three sons. The body of the building is reminiscent of villas from areas where the owner previously spent many years. At 240 sqm, it has a single-story layout, and the 3.4-meter-tall rooms open up to the surroundings with large windows. The painting that defined the color scheme and gave character to the lounge area has an interesting story. It is a photograph reflected on a brushed sheet metal. The owner came across it several times when she was searching the Internet for interior design inspiration. When she decided to buy a copy, she had to go to a lot of trouble to find the source. After several weeks of searching, a virtual trail led her to a small Dutch town. Then it turned out that there was no way to ship it to Poland. The matter was saved by a local carrier, thanks to whom the not inconsiderable format arrived safely in Białystok.

The painting is a contemporary reinterpretation of the Statue of Liberty

Photo: Yassen Hristov Styling: Agnieszka Możdżer

A living room built around art

- It is rare to find interiors wrapped entirely around a single element. In this case, it was important for the investor, but also beneficial for the project - says Marta Drzymała.

The portrait was exposed on a dark wall. Its deep colors were also emphasized by the chenille upholstery of the sofa in a carefully selected, muted shade of dark green. In the background of the sofa stood a steel bookcase with a slightly glossy titanium finish, the texture of which harmonizes well with the steel plate of the painting. We can also spot an interesting object opposite. In accordance with the investors' wishes, a large television was placed here. The designer recommended that it be placed on the side wall. The screen got a unique frame made of natural leather.

The living room was designed around a painting

Photo: Yassen Hristov Styling: Agnieszka Możdżer

- It evokes associations with Africa for the owner and is also combined with the souvenirs placed in the home office - points out the architect.

The material also recurs in the lamp, which resembles dewdrops on the grass. Hand-blown glass shades are placed on leather straps. The architect saw a prototype of this model at a trade fair in Milan. She convinced the investor that it was worth waiting as long as nine months for the delivery of a copy. The effect provided by the noble combination of glass and leather is a reward for patience.

African motifs appear in the interior

Photo: Yassen Hristov Styling: Agnieszka Możdżer

First of all, consistency

The dining room is visible from the front door.

- Since it welcomes household members and guests, it had to receive an exceptionally impressive setting - emphasizes the architect from Mum Studio.

A comfortable table stands here and a sculptural lamp hungs above it. The architect opted for a large model, as the smaller ones were lost in the vast open space. The form made of embossed sheet metal refers to the works of art present in the house. On the entrance side we see a wall lamp from the same collection, placed on the wall of the hall. The table is surrounded by padded chairs. They were bought ready-made and later upholstered anew in an upholstery workshop in Białystok to harmonize with the sofa cover. An Italian buffet stood to the side. Fronts with an effect reminiscent of melting paint perfectly blend in color with the floor in concrete aesthetics. In turn, the top and sides made of titanium-coated steel with the bookcase placed behind the sofa.

There is a lot of art in the apartment

Photo: Yassen Hristov Styling: Agnieszka Możdżer

Kitchen with an element of asymmetry

- The way the kitchen was solved, especially the relation of this zone to the whole living room, is one of my favorite elements of the project - says Marta Drzymała.

The veneered furniture with capacious cabinets impresses with the texture of natural wood and thanks to the dark color harmonizes with the portrait. The countertop and wall above, in turn, featured quartz sinter, imitating stone with delicate veining. This material has a high utility value, while allowing for a countertop with a narrow, minimalist edge. In the strip of cabinets above the countertop, the architect introduced three display cabinets asymmetrically. These cabinets create an interesting dialogue with household appliances. Above all, however, with the help of internal lighting, they help create a cozy atmosphere not only in the kitchen, but in the entire living space. The minimalist lamp illuminating the kitchen island serves the same purpose. In the side part of the island there is a bar with glasses and alcohol. In an alcove behind the wine bar hides a passage to the pantry.