Pendulum Magazine

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Vibrant Pastels and Terrazzo Tiles: An Expressive and Colourful Interior Design in Kraków

You buy a property, but you make a home.

Butterfly Studio's latest project articulates the homeowners' vision through every design detail, so much so that the owners never want to leave. To an introvert like me, who would much prefer to hide my nose in a book nestled under a blanket on my reading chair, this is music to my ears. The team has truly worked their magic (as they have in their previous projects) and delivered on a vibrant, whimsical, yet comfortable living space. Where others venture to add just a pop of colour to their home to ‘spice things up’, this apartment is a masterful blend of hues and patterns that serve up a delightful visual feast around every corner.

The living room is a colourful haven with pastel hues and modern art by Aga Pietrzykowka.

Colours are used to delineate spaces within the home but there is continuity of the colours in different elements, such as the darker colour on the wall echoed by a kitchen chair in the same hue.

In the heart of Kraków, confined within 80 square meters, the apartment is designed for a creative couple. The owners, lovers of modern art, decided that their home should be expressive, with dominant pastel shades, especially pink. Every detail was carefully thought out and selected, from terrazzo tiles to countertops to flower pots. In this interior, nothing is accidental, even coffee cups, grinders, and jugs.

The unconventional layout of the kitchen, divided into two parts, immediately catches the eye. The classic kitchen island was abandoned in favour of a table and a projector mounted in a suspended ceiling. This ceiling serves a dual purpose: it hides an unexpected structural lowering of the building and houses a cassette with a retractable screen for the projector. The bold pink is even present in the grout between the white tiles, giving the kitchen a unique character.

The owner, a fan of terrazzo, ensured the presence of this material in various forms, from the home decor to the flooring. Terrazzo, with its diversity of patterns and colours, perfectly complements the pastel accents of the interior. This detail extends to the bathroom, where thoughtful solutions cater to every resident's needs, including a four-legged one. The bathroom features a special cabinet with a litter box and a small passage in the wall for the cat, allowing free use of the toilet. The built-in storage cabinets on the right side include a washing machine and dryer, while the second bathroom features a shower and a large storage wardrobe.

The bedroom, inspired by graphics of interpenetrating geometric shapes on a blue background, is a true oasis of peace and style. The original bed headboard and carefully selected accessories create a relaxing yet expressive space. This interior is intense, functional, and full of unique solutions, as seen in the unexpected steel columns behind the TV and the arch-shaped mirror.

The bedroom features a bold headboard design with harmonious geometric shapes.

A whimsical pattern on the bedroom wall and steel rods behind the TV are a different take on what it takes to induce a restful night’s sleep.

The apartment in Kraków is a project that not only meets but exceeds the owners' requirements. It is impactful, functional, and full of unique solutions, yet cozy and conducive to relaxation. The interiors, full of references to vintage style and icons of Polish design, are an excellent example of harmony between modernity and classic. This apartment will surely delight anyone who values bold yet thoughtful arrangements.

We can definitely see why the owners will never have to move again. Every element of the interior was planned with their specific needs and tastes in mind, creating the ideal place for living and working.

The home is so inviting and warm that even the cat doesn’t want to leave.

PROJECT DETAILS

Location: Kraków Area: 80 m²

Designers: Butterfly Studio - Anna Baranowska & Joanna Felczuk

Styling: Eliza Mrozińska

Photos: Mood Authors

Painting in the Living Room: Aga Pietrzykowka