One look at the kitchen island is enough to know that color wasn’t meant to be just an accent in this apartment . Kasia Krępa from the KREPA design design studio paired vibrant cobalt with warm wood, stone, orange, and deep navy blue. The result is a bold interior, yet far from chaotic—every color has its place here and a clearly defined role.
A small workspace has been carved out among the wooden built-ins — ©Pietruszka Fotografia
order embodied in wood
The apartment in Kraków’s Osiedle Wizjonerów was designed for a couple who weren’t afraid of bold choices. Color is the first thing to catch the eye, but the orderly background remains just as important . It ensures that the various accents do not compete with one another but come together to form a cohesive composition. Right from the entrance, the scale of the interior is emphasized by tall, ceiling-high doors. Their simple form minimizes the number of visible partitions and makes the rooms appear taller. They are accompanied by custom-made wooden built-ins, which appear in various parts of the apartment. They provide necessary storage while also introducing visual rhythm and connecting individual zones. Wood serves as a calming foundation here. Its natural grain balances the rich colors, ensuring the apartment remains warm and inviting. The designer did not attempt to fill every space with bold color. Instead, she placed it in a few carefully selected spots, guiding the eye from the entrance toward the kitchen and living room.
The cobalt-blue island draws attention in the open living area — ©Pietruszka Fotografia
Cobalt at the Heart of the Apartment
The kitchen island is the most striking element of the living area. The intense shade of cobalt stands out clearly against the wood and transforms this functional piece of furniture into the focal point of the interior. The stone countertop brings a sense of calm to the composition, and its irregular pattern adds a natural touch to the whole. Cobalt also reappears in the living room on the cabinet beneath the TV. Thanks to this, the kitchen and the lounge area—despite their different purposes—form a unified whole. However, this is not a simple repetition of the same motif. In the living area, the cool blue meets an orange lamp, which introduces a warmer tone and counterbalances the dominance of darker accents. A black lamp with a sculptural form hangs above the table. Its distinctive silhouette resembles a three-dimensional drawing and organizes the space designated for shared meals. The black does not compete with the cobalt blue but provides a stronger framework for the colorful composition. The combination of several saturated shades works precisely because each has been given ample space.
The navy blue ceiling and burgundy headboard create an intimate atmosphere in the bedroom — ©Pietruszka Fotografia
a navy-blue bedroom
The use of color changes in the bedroom. In the living area, it appears in accents, whereas here it covers nearly the entire interior. The navy blue from the ceiling flows onto the walls, visually lowering the ceiling and creating a more intimate atmosphere. The dark color isn’t overwhelming because the designer has paired it with warmer elements. The burgundy headboard deepens the palette but doesn’t create a sharp contrast. Beige wall sconces brighten the composition and cast a soft light, making the rich shades appear more subdued.
The artwork, vase, and ottoman enliven the entryway — ©Pietruszka Fotografia
Geometry unifies the colors
The final layer of the design is formed by Bauhaus-inspired posters. Simple shapes and bold color combinations correspond with the form of the lamps, the smooth surfaces of the built-in cabinets, and the recurring color accents. The artwork is therefore not merely random decoration but expands on a theme evident throughout the apartment. Kasia Krępa’s design demonstrates that intense colors do not have to result in visual clutter. A cobalt-blue kitchen island, an orange lamp, or a navy-blue ceiling make a strong statement because they are set against a clean, organized backdrop of wood and stone. As a result, the interior has its own easily recognizable character while remaining a comfortable space for everyday living.
