"How those who design every day live" is a series of short interviews with interior designers who open the doors to their apartments and homes, showing what daily life is like in the space they designed. In today's episode, Marta Pala-Szczerbak, founder of the MINIMOO studio, shows her apartment.
The apartment of interior designer Marta Pala-Szczerbak
© minimoo
1 What does the interior you live in look like?
My apartment, located in the center of Krakow near the Vistula boulevards, is about 100 square meters. It's a modern, minimalist space that is also extremely functional. It is distinguished by subdued colors and simplicity of forms, thanks to which it is easy to keep it tidy and, if necessary, quickly transformed, for example, into a comfortable home office. The character of the interior is built by high-quality materials, natural light coming in through large glazings and consistency of solutions - from the functional layout to finishing details.
Apartment of interior designer Marta Pala-Szczerbak
© minimoo
2 What were the main assumptions and inspirations when creating it?
The starting point was the functional layout - the natural division of space indicated where the living room, bedroom or daughter's room should be built. On the side of the terrace and large windows I placed the living area, on the side of the courtyard - the private area. I centrally planned the bathroom, dressing rooms and the entrance area. I was inspired by my own needs and memories - my family home was always dominated by wooden floors, so here, too, I opted for natural wood in a version that ages beautifully and is pleasant for everyday use.
Apartment of interior designer Marta Pala-Szczerbak
© minimoo
3 Which interior elements are of special importance?
The floors and finishing materials are of great importance. I used oiled, brushed oak plank, which is durable and easy to care for, while also introducing natural warmth. In turn, I used large-format quartz sinters not only on the floors, but also for the casing of furniture in the kitchen and bathroom - an extremely practical and elegant solution.
The kitchen is the heart of the house - large, comfortable, designed for cooking together. All appliances are built-in, and the countertops and sink blend perfectly in color with the furniture, creating a timeless effect. An important element is also the dining room with a fold-out table, which allows to comfortably accommodate up to 12 people.
The apartment of interior designer Marta Pala-Szczerbak
© minimoo
4.Did you consciously use solutions beyond the current trends?
Yes. I knew from the beginning that I didn't want to follow fast passing trends. I focused on a timeless base: simple forms, natural materials and consistent colors. Trends appear with me only in accessories - decorations, fabrics, flowers. Thanks to this, the layout and character of the interior are unchanged, and at the same time I can easily refresh the arrangement according to the current mood.
Apartment of interior designer Marta Pala-Szczerbak
© minimoo
5 How does the interior change over time?
The basic functional layout and material base remain the same - I wouldn't change anything in them today. On the other hand, I like to play with the details: I change the curtains, the bedspread in the bedroom or the rug in the bathroom. I also often introduce fresh, colorful flowers into the interior - it's an easy way to give the space new energy and emphasize its character without major changes.
Apartment of interior designer Marta Pala-Szczerbak
© minimoo
6 - Is there anything without which this interior would not be "yours"?
Definitely the wooden floor. It's a material I've carried with me since childhood - it's always been present in my family home, and here, too, it gives the interior a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The second element is light - neutral, warm lighting, which makes the interior cozy and conducive to relaxation, despite the cool color palette.
Apartment of interior designer Marta Pala-Szczerbak
© minimoo
7 What is the most important piece of advice worth giving to a person who wants to create an interior close to himself - but is not a designer?
First of all, it's worth starting with determining your needs and daily scenarios - think about how you will really use the space. Only later comes the time to decide on colors or details. It's best to avoid blindly following trends, as they quickly become outdated. It is much more important to bet on quality, originality and elements that build the personal character of the interior - such as art or small touches introduced gradually. They are what make a home truly ours.
