It is rare to come across such stories. Twelve years ago, Hanna Pietras, founder of the Hanna Pietras Architects studio in Lodz, designed one of her first interiors, and years later the owners asked her to refresh the space. Interiors, like people, sometimes need a fresh start. After more than a decade, the house underwent a comprehensive modernization - but it was not a simple renovation, but a creative reinterpretation in which eclecticism and the personal history of the residents played a key role.
The functional layout of the interior worked so well that years later it was decided to keep it
Photo by Hanna Połczyńska / Chronicles © Hanna Pietras Architects
Eclectic modernization of
while maintaining functionality
Twelve years ago, the owners of a new house in Lodz approached Hanna Pietras, then a budding architect, to design and finish the interior. The cooperation was a success, and the functional layout created worked so well that years later they decided to keep it. However, almost everything else changed - from the furniture to the materials to the color scheme.
This interior is a unique project that I created 12 years ago - one of my first projects. Years later, the owners decided that they needed to refresh the space, and a small renovation quickly turned into a comprehensive upgrade
- says the architect.
A view of the kitchen inspired by eclecticism
Photo: Hanna Połczyńska / Chronicles © Hanna Pietras Architects
The space, measuring more than 150 square meters, was given the character of a bold but harmonious combination of classic, modern and vintage elements.
The inspiration for this project was eclecticism! The owner loves colors, patterns and bold combinations of different styles, which was the perfect guideline for us
- explains Hanna Pietras.
The whole interior is consistent thanks to the neutral color palette
Photo: Hanna Połczyńska / Chronicles © Hanna Pietras Architects
Harmonious division of space
With a central fireplace
The division into a lounge area, dining room and kitchen remained unchanged, but gained a new quality. Consultations with investors and live testing of materials were key to make sure everything fit together perfectly. The exceptions were two items bought online: a coffee table and a rug - fortunately, they turned out to be a hit.
The only elements bought online were the coffee table and the rug
photo by Hanna Połczyńska / Chronicles © Hanna Pietras Architects
The open and bright space harmoniously connects the existing zones - lounge, dining and TV corner - promoting both relaxation and socializing. The light wooden floor laid in a classic herringbone pattern creates a warm and harmonious base, while its geometric rhythm introduces a gentle dynamic to the interior. The dominant feature of the living room is a fireplace finished with glossy vertical tiles in a shade of olive green, whose subtle texture gives it a modern elegance with a touch of sophistication. It turned out to be the biggest surprise for the owners and, after the renovation, delighted them at first sight.
When all the tiles were installed on it, it became love at first sight! Its final appearance exceeded expectations and gave the interior a unique character
- concludes the architect.
The centerpiece of the living room is a fireplace finished with glossy vertical tiles in a shade of olive green
Photo: Hanna Połczyńska / Chronicles © Hanna Pietras Architects
The lounge area impresses with a gray corner sofa with soft velour upholstery, which invites you to relax. Its neutral shade is broken by pillows in contrasting colors - from deep bottle green, through warm orange, to patterned fabrics with floral motifs, which add an eclectic touch to the arrangement. In front of the sofa stretches a rug in muted shades of pink, brown and gray, decorated with geometric patterns, which subtly emphasizes the borders of this part of the living room. On the opposite side is a TV corner with a minimalist RTV cabinet in mid-century modern style, made of light wood with warm tones. On the cabinet, next to the TV, there are carefully selected decorations - a ceramic sculpture in an organic shape and small plant accents, which harmoniously complete the whole.
The living room impresses with a gray sofa with soft velour upholstery
Photo: Hanna Połczyńska / Chronicles © Hanna Pietras Architects
Eclecticism and harmony in the dining room
One of the most unique elements of the dining room is a table with carved legs, surrounded by chairs with braided seats - a real gem found in the Basement Gallery.
It looked best in its unfolded version, but we didn't like the cut effect in the middle of the tabletop. So we decided to incorporate a ceramic insert made of floor tiles, referring in color to the rest of the interior
- reveals the designer.
This is not the only element with a unique character. Throughout the house you will find carefully selected furniture, lighting and accessories that give it a soul. Each item has a story that the homeowners wanted to preserve.
A ceramic insert made of floor tiles was incorporated into the table
Photo by Hanna Połczyńska / Chronicles © Hanna Pietras Architects
Colors, textures and light
The entire interior is consistent thanks to a neutral color palette - shades of beige, gray and wood - broken by subtle color accents. Plants, natural materials and carefully selected accessories make the space warm, functional and full of character, ideal for those who value both comfort and sophisticated style. Wood in various shades, colorful fabrics, patterned wallpapers - nothing is accidental in this interior.
We were not afraid of bold combinations or the risk that something might not match. On the contrary - we deliberately combined elements from different styles, which resulted in a coherent, but at the same time eclectic composition
- says Hanna Pietras.
Lighting was equally important. The introduction of soft, subdued lights made the interior extremely cozy. The only strong accent is the lamp over the table - not only striking, but also functional.
Plants, natural materials and carefully selected accessories make the space warm, functional and full of character
photo by Hanna Połczyńska / Chronicles © Hanna Pietras Architects
A house that tells a story
The modernization of a house in Lodz by Hanna Pietras Architects is an example of how an interior can evolve, combining eclecticism with functionality. The preserved layout of the space, the renovated olive green fireplace, the light herringbone floor and the carefully selected details - from the unique table to the minimalist lamps - created a harmonious whole that reflects the personality of the residents. A neutral color palette, broken by color accents, and natural materials, such as wood and plants, gave the space a warm and sophisticated feel. Hanna Pietras Architects, a Lodz-based studio, has focused on quality and individuality since 2012. This project is not only proof of the timelessness of well-designed spaces, but also an inspiration to boldly combine the past with the future.
