Gdynia has been inspiring architects and designers for years. It is here, on Żeromskiego Street, that an apartment was created that combines the spirit of modernism with the energy of the 60s and 70s, while maintaining elegance and coherence in a contemporary context. The project, by ASID Studio, is an example of skillful balancing between the past and the present. Every detail has been thought out here, and the interior - although intimate, as it is only 48 sqm - tells the story not only of its owners, but also of the city in which it was built.
Apartment in Gdynia - the space is filled with calm, neutral colors with accents of deep brown and copper, giving the whole an elegant yet cozy character
© ASID Studio
Gdynia's modernist DNA
It is impossible to understand this project without reference to Gdynia itself. Modernism here is more than a style - it is a record of the city's identity. The architecture of the 1930s, full of simple masses, bright elevations and functional solutions, shaped the space we still live in today. The designer consciously drew on this context, creating an arrangement that is modern but rooted in the local heritage. Thus, in the apartment, the motifs characteristic of modernism return - geometry, simplicity of forms and consistency in the choice of materials. Alongside them, however, appears a bold dialogue with mid-century and space age aesthetics, which give the space a dynamic and unobvious character.
Apartment in Gdynia - a distinguishing element is the organic shape of the kitchen building, whose rounded forms refer to mid-century and space age aesthetics
© ASID Studio
Color and texture as the language of the interior
The color palette was not chosen here at random. Neutral shades dominate, providing a calm background for more expressive accents. Burgundy and copper introduce depth, while the "buttery" shade of the kitchen cabinetry warms the whole, bringing to mind the softness of light on summer afternoons. The juxtaposition of these colors with the texture of natural veneer creates a game of contrasts, where elegance meets naturalness. Equally important are the materials. Along with wood and fabrics comes chrome, which gives the whole a modern rhythm. This conscious diversity makes the interior not one-dimensional - it has structure, layers and depth.
Apartment in Gdynia - functional layout includes living room with kitchen, bedroom and bathroom
© ASID Studio
Kitchen - the center of life and aesthetics
The interior that most strongly focuses attention is the kitchen. Its built-ins are designed in the form of an organic solid, full of soft, rounded lines. This is a nod to the aesthetics of the 60s and 70s, which were dominated by flowing forms and futuristic inspirations. Here, however, we are not dealing with a literal quote, but with a new interpretation that fits the needs of modern users. In the focal point hangs an aluminum lamp designed by Bent Nordsted for Lyskaer - an icon of Scandinavian design of the 1970s. Its presence emphasizes the character of the space, combining a utilitarian and decorative function.
Apartment in Gdynia - the central point of the apartment is the kitchen
© ASID Studio
Light that tells a story
Lighting became one of the key elements of the entire project. Instead of neutral, anonymous lamps, the architect reached for original vintage designs that give the interior an individual character. In the bedroom was the famous Space Age Discus by Charlotte Perriand, in the kitchen - a chrome wall sconce by Motoko Ishii, and above the table - the aforementioned Nordsted lamp. Each of these pieces is not only a source of light, but also an artistic object, evoking the era in which it was created. The interior is complemented by custom-painted paintings, inspired by the aesthetics of the 1960s. Thanks to them, the space gains another dimension - art here is not an addition, but an equal element of the arrangement.
Apartment in Gdynia
© ASID Studio
Dialogue between function and aesthetics
Although the apartment was designed as a holiday dwelling, its standard and consistency would allow it to be successfully treated as a space for year-round living. Functionality goes hand in hand with aesthetics here - every detail has its place, and the whole remains harmonious. This interior does not exude showyness, does not try to draw attention to itself at all costs. Instead, it draws you in with calmness, consistency and a subtle narrative in which each element is part of a larger story.
