When you think "Gdansk Docks," do you see shipyard cranes and an industrial atmosphere? Then now imagine ... Pastel colors, golden accents, geometric patterns and California sunshine. That's exactly what a 28-square-meter studio designed by Tatevik Caturova, an architect who brought a touch of Palm Springs to downtown Gdansk. The result? An interior that serves positive energy instead of nostalgia, and instead of cranes - amber resin and a radio in the bathroom. Want to learn how to create an interior that doesn't look like "just another bachelor pad in new construction"? Learn about this unusual project with guts, sunshine and style.
28-square-meter studio apartment in Gdansk
Photo Magdalena Łojewska VEY © Deante
An apartment unlike any other
In a place where shipyard motifs, brick, concrete and industrial austerity usually reign, a project was created that goes against the current - literally and figuratively. In the heart of the Gdansk Docks, on the grounds of the historic Gdansk Shipyard, architect Tatevik Caturova decided to break with convention. Instead of another interior with a crane in the starring role, she designed.... an apartment with the soul of a California resort.
- From the very beginning, the investors approached me with one very ambitious goal - to create an apartment that would be completely different from all those in the area. We wanted to avoid the classic references to the shipyard or the distinctive cranes that dominate 90% of projects in this location. Our idea was to design an interior that would evoke a positive vibe in visitors from the very first entrance, and make them want to admire it, saying: "We've never seen anything like this before," says Tatevik Caturova.
That's how the idea was born to fill the 28-square-meter studio with intense colors, geometric patterns and golden details inspired by sunny Palm Springs. It's a space that redefines the approach to interior design in this location - fresh, bold and full of good energy, like a drink with an umbrella served against a pink and turquoise sky.
The interior is inspired by California's Palm Springs
Photo Magdalena Łojewska VEY © Deante
California we have at home
The inspiration for this unusual studio was the owners' love for Palm Springs. This is the mecca of California modernism, where mid-century modern architecture combines with the aesthetics of the 1960s, pop art and the atmosphere of eternal vacations. It is from there that the spirit of the entire arrangement was taken: the space is full of sunshine, contrasts and optimism. Deep blue was juxtaposed here with energetic yellow and orange, creating a color palette that awakens the senses and adds dynamism to the interior. Geometric patterns and rounded forms - typical of Palm Springs - break the monotony of straight lines, introducing an element of fun and freedom. The whole is complemented by gold accents in the form of switches, fixtures and accessories. They add elegance and a slightly retro touch to the space. The space is vibrant, but at the same time coherent - as if taken straight from a California postcard.
- The inspiration for this unique interior came from the owners' travels, especially their love for American Palm Springs. The interior was intended to reflect the character of this destination, so the design featured intense colors, geometric patterns and gold accents - switches, fixtures and details that give the whole place an elegant and modern character, the designer emphasizes.
Deep blue was juxtaposed here with energetic yellow and orange
Photo Magdalena Łojewska VEY © Deante
Clever zoning on 28 meters
In this small studio apartment, every inch of space has been planned with extreme precision.
Although it's only 28 sqm, the apartment has been cleverly divided into functional zones, thanks to which there was room for everything needed in one room (with a separate bathroom). The interior was clearly divided into practical zones - lounge, dining, kitchen, bedroom and storage. Right at the entrance there was a compact relaxation area with a TV and a colorful seat, which also serves as an open shelf. The central part of the interior is occupied by a bed, and a capacious closet was planned right next to it. Thoughtful arrangement of the furniture allows for comfortable use of the space, while maintaining its energetic, casual character. The whole space ends with a small but comfortable bathroom, to which a subtle passage from the main part of the apartment leads.
A mini lounge area has been arranged at the entrance
Photo Magdalena Łojewska VEY © Deante
Countertop that tells the story of Gdansk
The kitchenette was arranged in the corner. The deep navy blue cabinetry blends seamlessly with the wall, and the lower cabinets in the shade of greige harmonize with the floor and countertop. The kitchen, bathroom and dining area repeat the motif of a small, spotted pattern, which visually connects the space and brings rhythm to it. Terrazzo-effect tiles were used on the floor, while the countertops - kitchen, bathroom and dining area - and the area above the kitchen countertop were made from a proprietary, hand-created resin countertop. Designed and created by a Gdansk-based manufactory, it contains sunken fragments of old window frames and amber, laid out according to the architect's individual design. The result is not only a visually coherent motif, but also a unique story enchanted in the material, which is a subtle tribute to the history of Gdansk.
The architect used a resin top containing embedded fragments of old window frames and amber
Photo: Magdalena Łojewska VEY © Deante
A California dream with a hint of high-tech
The bedroom part of the interior is its central zone. It is a combination of comfort, retro style and modern technology. The main place is occupied by a wide bed with a striking upholstered headrest in an intense yellow color. The geometric pattern of the fabric subtly evokes the climate of the 1960s, while the vivid color adds energy to the space. Next to it stands a navy blue bedside table with an interesting spiral form. As a result, it serves both a decorative and utilitarian function. Attention is also drawn to the framed Hawaiian shirt, which was hung above the bed. This offbeat decoration betrays the owners' passion for travel and again directs our thoughts to California.
A framed Hawaiian shirt hangs above the bed
Photo Magdalena Łojewska VEY © Deante
However, the functionality of this area does not end with aesthetics alone. The space is complemented by a capacious, built-in closet. It was designed to blend harmoniously with the navy blue kitchen and blend into the wall. It is the main storage element in the apartment. All of this is complemented by modern conveniences, such as electric curtains controlled by remote control, and a heated floor that provides comfort regardless of the season. Vinyl floorboards and quartzite plinths give the interior durability and a solid finish for years to come.
Next to the bed you will find a bedside table with an interesting spiral form
Photo Magdalena Łojewska VEY © Deante
Luxury in a mini version
The bathroom, although small, surprises with the intensity of colors, becoming a natural extension of the energetic arrangement of the whole apartment. Tiles with a terrazzo motif, already known from other zones, were laid on the floor, while the walls of the shower area and the space behind the sink were finished with dark blue, longitudinal tiles with a convex form. The vertical arrangement and subtle play of light on their surface emphasize the three-dimensionality of the tiles. The walk-in shower with transparent walls does not overwhelm the small space, and the gold faucets add elegance to the whole and coherently relate to the details of the rest of the apartment.
The arrangement of the bathroom is complemented by gold fixtures
Photo Magdalena Łojewska VEY © Deante
A round brown washbasin stood on a color-matched, curved cabinet. A mirror with an irregular organic form was suspended above it. The hygienic zone is complemented by a lamp with a smoky glass shade hanging from the side. The fixture gives a soft and warm diffused light, making the space feel cozy. The color play continues also in the toilet area. Soft pink tiles are juxtaposed here with navy blue tiles and a gold flush button. Interestingly, a decorative gold lamp was placed above the toilet bowl. The whole is complemented by a navy blue radiator that also serves as a towel rack. The interior has been enriched with modern technologies - including a radio that runs along with the light. Such details add a whole new dimension to daily grooming rituals.
The brown round washbasin stood on a color-matched cabinet
Photo Magdalena Łojewska VEY © Deante
Are you decorating your apartment? We have more inspirations for you!
Prepared by:KATARZYNA SZOSTAK
