POWIŚLE

This elegant interior in a pre-war tenement house in Powiśle envelops its guests in a cosy atmosphere, much like a warm, tailor-made coat. Architects from the Mistovia studio skillfully combined restored original elements of the tenement with modern materials and furniture. A soft honey-gold sofa, warm wood tones, and numerous unique details create a nostalgic

Thanks to the work of architect Marcin Czopek from the Mistovia design studio, the 69-square-meter apartment gained a new character, blending pre-war elegance with modern comfort. Instead of imposing his own vision, the architect listened to the clients' needs, who provided him with a rich supply of inspirations.

The carefully restored original elements constitute the heart of the project: interior doors, herringbone wooden flooring, a storage loft made of stained plywood and veneer, and brass handles. These historical details give the interior a unique, elegant atmosphere, complemented by new, meticulously selected materials. The kitchen features a marble countertop, while the floors in the hallway, kitchen, and bathroom are adorned with mosaic tiles inspired by a traditional design (so-called “gorsets” or “gorset Bles”). They are ceramic Bles from the 1930s shaped like a woman’s corset.

The living room is a space of contrasts, where every element has its place and significance. The round Danish table from the 1960s is accompanied by various chairs, including iconic models like the “Rey” by Hay and the “CH24 Wishbone Chair” by Carl Hansen & Son. Their striking design is balanced by a neutral backdrop: a light bookshelf and a white “Nemo” sconce by Le Corbusier, which harmonise with the rough texture of the walls. A honey-coloured sofa completes the composition, perfectly blending with the
warm tone of the oak floor.

The kitchen impresses with its precise craftsmanship and thoughtful solutions. Stone, wood, and ceramics form a harmonious whole. The skylight above the sink, naturally illuminating the bathroom, is a nod to traditional architectural solutions.

The designer emphasises: “Natural light plays a key role here. Throughout the day, the sunlight filtering through the trees creates a fascinating play of shadows.” The bedroom and study surprise with the bold colours of their cabinets - subtle powder pink and warm curry tones. The built-in furniture in the bedroom, including the doors, creates a portal effect with soft,flowing lines.

A style similar to the rest of the apartment was applied in the bathroom, ensuring a cohesive look. The floor made of characteristic gorset tiles harmonises with an elegant burl wood cabinet. These classic elements are paired with modern accents such as white ceramics and steel fixtures. According to the designer, this contrasting combination was a deliberate choice meant to highlight the contemporary character of the interior while maintaining its functionality at the same time.

The apartment’s arrangement is complemented by thoughtful lighting: from hidden ceiling lamps in plaster casings to vintage kitchen fixtures by Peill & Putzler, and sconces by Zangra and Carl Hansen & Son. Accessories brought by the owners from their travels - Thai fabrics, Moroccan and Japanese ceramics - add the final personal touches. Together with graphics and paintings collected from antique fairs, they lend the interior its unique character.

Marcin Czopek’s design demonstrates how to skillfully blend respect for history with modernity. It is a space that not only preserves the spirit of the old Warsaw tenement house but also perfectly meets the demands of contemporary life.

Mistovia