Dorota Terlecka of Biuro Kreacja designed the interior of a Gdynia apartment for herself and her loved ones. The arrangement draws inspiration from the modernism that Gdynia itself is famous for.
Story of Gdynia
Gdynia is a city that has a special meaning for the designer. Although she has many moves behind her, including to study in Lodz, she always knew she would return to her hometown.
- For me, Gdynia is the perfect place to live. Here we have the sea, forest, cinema and museums within easy reach. Everything has a human, pleasant scale - it doesn't overwhelm, but also allows for a lot of activity," says Dorota Terlecka.
Dorota Terlecka
Photo: Alka Murat
About a year ago, the architect decided to sell her house and move with her family and dog to an apartment closer to the center, which at the same time still allows her to enjoy the proximity of nature.
- Some of the family and friends were catching their heads, as most dream of having their own garden. I, on the other hand, knew what I needed. I don't spend a lot of time at home - I like to go out, meet people, travel and be in touch with nature. Gdynia offers all this at my fingertips," explains the owner of the studio Biuro Kreacja.
A place with history
The apartment is located in a building from the 1930s, and the interior has a simple, bright layout. Thanks to its exposure to three sides of the world, it is also very sunny.
- The living room is connected to the kitchen, and a double glass door leads to the bedroom. The optical combination of the two rooms enlarges the space and provides daylight from morning to evening. The bedroom additionally has a fireplace, which introduces a cozy atmosphere, the architect says.
The arrangement is inspired by modernism, which Gdynia itself is famous for. We can notice it in details such as the arched finishes of the living room development and period furniture.
The arrangement is inspired by modernism
Photo: Alka Murat
Harmony of wood and warm accents
The living room is dominated by light, natural colors - beiges, wood and green potted plants. Attention is drawn to the sofa in a warm taupe shade. Colorful curtains with a tropical motif stand out against the bright curtains, which bring dynamism and energy to the space. Details, such as a gold coffee table or a graphic on the wall, give the interior a personal and artistic touch. A wooden built-in with rounded edges was enriched with a niche in a shade of brick red, in which a TV and shelves with decorative details were placed. The architect also kept some of the original elements of the interior.
- I didn't want to forcefully throw out everything left by the previous owners. I left the oak parquet and part of the door woodwork. However, the division of the space is my idea - previously there were only two rooms, but now the apartment is divided into three zones, which better suits my needs," the designer stresses.
Colorful curtains enliven the interior
Photo: Alka Murat
Eclectic arrangement
The living room seamlessly merges with the dining room, where the focal point is a round wooden table surrounded by retro chairs upholstered in green velour.
- I like the stylistic mix - things that are new with elements that bear the imprint of history on them. The chairs and table were left to me by the previous owners. Some of the furniture I designed myself, some I bought, but I took my time. After several moves, I know that sometimes it's better to wait, see what you really need, and buy something of value," the apartment owner describes.
The chairs and table were left by the previous owners
Photo: Alka Murat
Classics with a touch of modernity
The kitchen charms with its combination of natural wood with white cabinet fronts and elegant marble countertops. The furniture cabinets have soft, rounded lines, which add subtlety to the interior. A bent-glass display case hangs above the countertop, where glasses and china are displayed. The space is bright, functional and ideal for everyday use.
- Natural materials, such as wood, stone and greenery play a big role here," explains Dorota Terlecka.
The kitchen is a combination of white, wood and marble
Photo: Alka Murat
Bedroom with work area
The bedroom is a real oasis of calm, dominated by warm shades of green. The sage shade of the walls creates a soothing backdrop for the brick-red upholstered bed headboard. Simple black sconces on either side of the furniture exemplify minimalist functionality, emphasizing the contemporary character of the interior.
The sage shade of the walls contrasts with the brick-red bed headrest
Photo: Alka Murat
There is also room for a work space. The wall above the stylish desk with fluted fronts is decorated with a carefully selected gallery of graphics and paintings in a variety of frames, which give the space an artistic touch.
- This is a place where I feel comfortable. It gives me space to live, work and relax - and at the same time it's full of life and history that inspires me," says the architect.
The workspace has been decorated with a gallery of graphics and paintings
Photo: Alka Murat
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Elaboration:KATARZYNA SZOSTAK