Polish studio Mili Młodzi Ludzie has recently refurbished this flat located in a tenement house build at the beginning of 20th century in Poznań’s Wilda neighborhood, Poland, preserving some of the apartment‘ original features.
“Finely ornamented facets and door crown, as well as wooden floors and door frames, were in good condition, that’s why we decided to preserve them,” explains the studio. “Plan of the dwelling though did not meet our clients’ needs.” Before the renovation, the 100 square-meter space, consisting of three rooms, two kitchens, and bathroom, was shared between two families.
To make it accessible for new tenants the design team replaced the previous layout adding new rooms. New walls surrounding these spaces were decorated with simple geometric rustications, referring to building elevations in the area.
The architects relocated the kitchen and by demolishing one of the walls, they connected it with dining and living room. To accentuate the feeling of unity, the spaces were furnished with white furniture standing on copper custom made legs. Each module differs in height as well as finishes, depending on its function – from high kitchen cabinets, through bench next to dining table to TV shelf in the living room.
To highlight the contrast between new and historical walls, the studio decided to paint all the surfaces dividing child’s bedroom and dressing room in cobalt blue. The hue matches perfectly with decorative door crown, which was hand painted by previous owners.
