The project by Monika Potorska of Studio Potorska was born out of conversations about everyday pleasures and one inspiring photograph of the kitchen. This is how the UMK House was created - a space that fully reflects the energy, passion and unique character of the investors.
Large glazing illuminates the living area
Photo: kroniki.pl Hania Połczyńska
Subtle balance between elegance and coziness
The terraced house is located in the Balans estate in Gdansk, designed by Marian Synakiewicz. The design of its interior was created by Monika Potorska. The architect proved that a space can be both cozy and sophisticated - without unnecessary ornamentation, but with a consistently guided palette of colors and materials. What reigns here is the harmony of natural materials, a soft color palette and functional solutions that create an atmosphere conducive to daily tranquility and regeneration. The design is based on a dialogue between light and texture, and simplicity of forms and refined details. Thoughtful composition of the living space, subtle contrasts of black and wood and carefully selected accessories make this house a place not only to live, but also to experience aesthetics on a daily basis. Particularly noteworthy is the entrance area with a circular mirror suspended against a veneered wall - a detail that adds depth and elegance to the interior. Black minimalist lighting rails and staircase balustrades add rhythm to the whole and emphasize the geometric precision of the design.
Entrance area with a round mirror suspended against a veneered wall
Photo: kroniki.pl Hania Połczyńska
American inspirations
Ula and her husband Marcin lived in the United States for years, which was reflected in the concept of the interior - from home theater, photo wall and spacious kitchen, to scaled proportions, expressive contrasts and "gorgeous" style.
- Our long-standing cooperation has already resulted in many projects, but this house stands out as a dream come true for a space combining comfort and functionality in a style we describe as gorgeous," describes Monika Potorska.
What is hidden under this name?
- I find it in the scaled proportions, accents that emphasize comfort, softness of materials, detailing, quoting classical style, framing, playing with fabrics, contrast - one could go on for a long time," explains the architect.
This is not only a functional space for family, friends and dog Toto, but also a place that celebrates the beauty of everyday life.
Architect Monika Potorska, investor Ula Rulkowska-Kempska and dog Toto
Photo: kroniki.pl Hania Połczyńska
Comfort in "gorgeous" style
The living room in the UMK house is a place for daily relaxation, but also a showcase of the entire project - a space where the balance between comfort and stylish aesthetics is perfectly visible. Maintained in a light, calm color scheme with soft beiges and grays, it exudes a sense of homely warmth. The main role here is played by a comfortable upholstered sofa, inviting you to relax, read or enjoy a movie together. The impression of coziness is also built up by a low table, a stylish rug and subtle accessories - all carefully chosen to create a relaxing atmosphere without being overly formal. The TV wall, although kept in a minimalist spirit, does not go unnoticed. It's an example of subtle design that puts a premium on function, but doesn't forget about aesthetics. Instead of a dominant screen, an elegant horizontal recess is used to hide the equipment when needed. The light-colored design blends perfectly with the color scheme of the entire space, without disturbing the consistency of the "gorgeous" style. Its simple form and subdued finish emphasize the harmonious character of the living room. Large glazing lets in plenty of natural light, which further enhances the impression of spaciousness.
A white recess allows you to hide the TV set
Photo: kroniki.pl Hania Połczyńska
Meals accompanied by art
The dining room exudes elegance and warmth. It is a space that invites you to celebrate moments together over meals. Its focal point is a large rectangular table made of light wood, whose simple form brings a sense of naturalness and balance to the interior. It is surrounded by black chairs with the characteristic Viennese braid, which are a subtle nod to classic craftsmanship and timeless design. Above the table hangs a lamp with a sculptural form, which introduces a touch of modernity and industrial shabbiness. It is impossible to pass by indifferently the painting by Agnieszka Kirzanowska-Osinska, which adorns the wall of the dining room. Its abstract composition and complex color palette subtly correspond with the hues present throughout the house, visually unifying the open living area. It is this artistic touch that gives the space a unique character and makes everyday rituals gain depth - the dining room becomes a place that is not only functional, but also inspiring.
A painting by Agnieszka Kirzanowska-Osinska decorates the wall of the dining room
Photo: kroniki.pl Hania Połczyńska
Kitchen inspired by photography
The kitchen is the place where it all started. One inspiring photograph was enough to create a space that is not only the functional center of the house, but also its heart - a place for conversation, cooking together and building daily relationships. It was here that the vision of "gorgeous " style - full of comfort, detail and thoughtful design - materialized. The kitchen cabinetry has a timeless character. Simple, light-colored fronts are complemented by subtle, classic handles, and a darker countertop gives the whole a sense of depth. In the central part, attention is attracted by an elegant hood with a decorative front, over which a mini showcase with gentle backlighting was placed. On the sides hung cabinets with mirrored fronts, which subtly reflect the light and optically enlarge the space. The whole creates the effect of an elegant but light layout, perfectly matching the concept of an open house. The area above the countertop is finished with horizontally arranged, elongated tiles with a white marble motif. The same pattern was also used on the floor in the working area of the kitchen, which gives the arrangement a consistent, elegant character. A narrow strip of wooden flooring, meanwhile, was used just off the kitchen passageway, seamlessly connecting the kitchen with the rest of the open living area and visually warming the space. The kitchen in this house is not a separate island, but an integral part of the larger whole - its "pocket" type layout flows seamlessly into the dining room and living room, inviting you to spend time together. It's an interior that combines everyday convenience, functionality and aesthetics.
The kitchen arrangement is inspired by photography
Photo: kroniki.pl Hania Połczyńska
Raw elegance in the bedroom
This room stands out most stylistically from the rest of the house, taking on a slightly industrial character. All the walls are covered with a gray, rough texture reminiscent of raw concrete. This finish gives the space a distinct, somewhat loft-like atmosphere. Against their background stands out the soft, upholstered bed headrest in light gray, which introduces a touch of coziness and subtly contrasts with the background. The bed is set against a high wooden wall, which visually warms the raw base of the bedroom and alludes to the calm, subdued color scheme of the entire house. The arrangement was refined to the smallest detail. On two sides of the bed hang minimalist lamps with rounded milk glass shades. While over the bedside tables were mounted black wall lamps, which will come in handy, for example, when reading in the evening.
The bed was set against a high wooden wall, which visually warms the austere base of the bedroom
Photo: kroniki.pl Hania Połczyńska
The floor was finished with light-colored panels, which balance the darker wall accents and optically brighten the space. The door is worth noting. They are flush with the wall and covered with the same concrete structure, so they almost completely blend in with the surroundings. Such a solution creates a consistent, almost monolithic surface. The architect also used a striking solution on the TV wall. Opposite the bed, a black metal structure was installed, reaching up to the ceiling. A screen was placed on its lower part, and the form itself has not only a utilitarian function, but also a decorative one, emphasizing the industrial character of the interior.
Opposite the bed was mounted a black metal structure with a TV set
Photo: kroniki.pl Hania Połczyńska
Two looks at the bathroom
There are two bathrooms in the house decorated in completely different aesthetics. The first is a room full of strong accents and bold juxtapositions. In contrast to the calm, bright spaces of the living area of the house, here a moody darkness reigns, broken by a striking decor- the wall of the shower is decorated with an expressive tile with a graphic drawing, reminiscent of an abstract work of art. The pattern attracts attention like a painting, bringing depth and artistic energy to the interior. For balance, the architect used modern, minimalist furnishings: a simple, elegant cabinet under the sink with delicate grooves and a subtly rounded front, matte black faucets and a dark stone countertop. These elements work harmoniously with the bold cladding to create an interior that is both distinctive and cohesive. Refined detailing is another hallmark of this space. Stylish towels with an ornate Italian flair lend a touch of sophistication to the bathroom, and fit perfectly with the concept of "gorgeous" - elegance that is palpable, but not intrusive. The interior, although compact, surprises with its depth, not only visual, but also sensual. Appropriately chosen lighting - warm, diffused, mood-building - helps turn daily grooming into a small ritual of pleasure.
The wall of the shower is decorated with an expressive tile with a graphic drawing
Photo: kroniki.pl Hania Połczyńska
The second bathroom in the UMK house is a bright, subtle contrast. Here, lightness, space and harmony reign supreme, while a thoughtful combination of materials and forms creates an atmosphere of relaxation in the spirit of a modern spa. A large, free-standing bathtub with rounded shapes, set against a gray floor, becomes the focal point of the arrangement, inviting long baths and relaxation. A subtle counterpoint is the ceiling towel rack, which - thanks to its black, graphic design - resembles the solution used on the TV wall in the bedroom. Such a treatment creates cohesion between the rooms. The area with sinks was designed with everyday comfort in mind. Stands with mirrors above a hanging cabinet made of light wood give the possibility for two people to use the bathroom at the same time. The furniture with a simple form contrasts beautifully with the grooves on the wall, which are a subtle reference to the cabinet in the dark bathroom. The motif flows seamlessly into the distinctive gray, slightly rough finish already familiar from the bedroom. This is another detail that builds the narrative of a cohesive but not monotonous interior. The gray door, which blends into the wall, and the white, rounded radiator complete the space, taking care of functionality without disturbing the aesthetics.
The second bathroom is kept in a light color scheme
Photo: kroniki.pl Hania Połczyńska
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Compiled by:KATARZYNA SZOSTAK
