AFL Port Praski | MISTOVIA

Rawness and maximalism

Can an interior be both raw and maximalist? Can a masculine bathroom be pink and blue? How many types of light switches in one apartment is too many? In the heart of Warsaw's Praga district, a unique 75 m² apartment emerged as the result of a successful collaboration between Marcin from Mistovia studio and its owner - a lawyer in his 60s, for whom the space is both a base for frequent travels and a personality-filled haven for resting afterwards. This exceptional project boldly combines raw minimalism with artistic diversity in textures and forms.

Redefining the space

The apartment was purchased in a shell and core condition and had to undergo a major transformation to achieve its current appearance. Initially, the interior was divided into numerous small rooms. Having previously lived in a house, the owner wished for an open, spacious layout. Therefore, the first step was to demolish most of the walls. Due to its structural role, the reinforced concrete column in the living room constituted the one unmovable element. In the end, it became the central focal point. Following the principle, "if you can’t hide it, highlight it," the column was stripped of plaster and extended with a perforated wall of ceramic glass blocks.

A bold painting by Zbigniew Olszyna additionally decorated it. The raw concrete surfaces—created by removing plaster from the ceilings and parts of the walls, along with micro cement flooring—provide a cohesive backdrop for diverse materials and refined details. 

Marcin explains: “Removing the plaster was one of the most interesting challenges, requiring contracting the right team and overcoming technical difficulties. But the result, including a unique ceiling with preserved traces of previous work, was worth it”.

Harmony in contrasts

Initially, the owner envisioned an interior dominated by shades of grey and concrete. However, as the project evolved, the space began to take on bolder colours and textures. This shift was largely motivated by meetings on-site and jointly reviewing material samples presented by the designer. The rough concrete surfaces were softened with gently rounded furniture forms and sophisticated materials, such as the striking dark burl veneer used in the kitchen and bathroom, and the deeply green, textured Mutina tiles with a signature dotted pattern. 

Each room acquired its own unique character - even the light switches were tailored to match specific materials, with distinct designs for tiles, concrete, and veneers. Keen observers can spot at least five types of switches.

Retrofuturism

Another unifying element of the interior is the omnipresence of vintage pieces or subtle references to them. The space-age aesthetic is evoked by an unusual kitchen island with a truly futuristic design - a steel oval form resting on two yellow legs reminiscent of Eero Saarinen's works. The countertop is made of natural quartzite with a beautiful blue hue. A green crystal lamp, sourced by the owner’s daughter, hangs above it. Each chair tells its own story; a chrome wire barstool has German roots, as does the plywood Mikado 1800 chair from the 1970s-80s. Verner Panton’s iconic burgundy chair harks back to the 1960s. Contemporary elements subtly integrated into the interior include black steel coffee tables by the Polish brand NG Design and a delicate aluminium side table with wavy legs by Six Dots Design.

Functionality in every space

The apartment was designed for one or two people, with sliding doors allowing for flexibility in opening or dividing spaces. The kitchen is completely open to the living room and dining nook, and an additional small bathroom is accessible from the hallway. Behind the reinforced concrete column and perforated glass block wall lies an impressive bookshelf, while a seating area invites reading or relaxing while using the adjacent wardrobe. In the future, a comfortable armchair might be placed in this spot. 

The more private area is the bedroom, directly connected to the main bathroom through arched doors. The bedroom, with its simple, tranquil design and subdued colours, is primarily a place of rest - it is the only space in the apartment without concrete walls. A vibrant red lamp by Artemide, designed by Vico Magistretti in 1967, and artwork by Przemek Bizon (MORELESS) add lively accents. The burl wood doors lead to a completely different world - the master bathroom, which, on a small scale, combines perhaps the most colours and textures.

A large-format tile in terracotta Rosso Francia tones and a matching industrial radiator set the scene for the freestanding bathtub. On the opposite side of the room, sky-blue tiles resembling semi-translucent onyx compete for attention with walnut burl wood. The composition is completed by a striking coloured concrete sink paired with Bardelli pink mosaic tiles, and a hanging cabinet in a checkered veneer design by Patricia Urquiola adds the finishing touch.

Marcin emphasises: "This apartment is a space open to future changes and the owner’s needs. One of its additional advantages is the possibility of creating another room in the future. In the end, the project successfully merges pragmatism with unrestrained artistic expression”.

Photography: ONI Studio