For the love of Japan - a beautiful apartment in Krakow

The investor's wish was that the interior design of the apartment would reflect his great passion: love for Japan. Ever since an energetic man "deadly" fell in love with the culture of the country of the Rising Sun, he has been learning Japanese with commitment. Whenever he can, he visits this country, gets to know its inhabitants and customs, and even plans to study there for a year.

This was no ordinary project. First of all, because the investor did not want an "ordinary" apartment. Fascinated by the culture and art of the Far East, he wanted the interior to reflect his passion. It was also unusual in the work on the project that the cooperation between the investor and the MIKOŁAJSKAstudio design office was carried out remotely, from the project order to the turnkey finish of the apartment. The owner entered the ready, fully equipped interior, unpacked his suitcase and immediately could - and what's more, he really wanted to - live here.

Japanese aesthetics, European functionality

Initially, we were not sure whether the project would turn out to be a success - recalls Ida Mikołajska, co-owner of MIKOŁAJSKAstudio. We did not know whether we would be able to create an interior that would meet the client's expectations and be aesthetically pleasing at the same time. On the one hand, we had to be inspired by the art of Japan, but at the same time keep all the functionalities of a modern European apartment. The interior was supposed to be elegant, stylish, even designer. The owner also wanted the impression of spaciousness, and we had only 55 meters at our disposal.

According to the investor's wishes, the interior design of the studio apartment includes many elements referring to the art of the Far East. The wallpapers with images of geishas are especially eye-catching. If we look closely at the dining room located in the zone, we will notice that it is a collage combining traditional Japanese images of women with the works of the Art Nouveau artist Alfons Mucha. The expressive wallpaper with a geisha on the wall behind the bed is definitely a strong decorative element of the bedroom. The atmosphere of the apartment is clearly emphasized by carefully selected details, for example very stylish and original lamps. The Ginger floor lamp (produced by Marset) was installed in the resting space. Vibia lamps (produced by Flamingo) above the table in the dining room perfectly matched the atmosphere of the Land of the Rising Sun. In addition, throughout the apartment, instead of traditional curtains or curtains, the designers used Japanese-style window panels.

At the same time, they also took care of practical solutions and everyday comfort. In the living area and in the bedroom there is space for spacious wardrobes that will accommodate clothes and accessories useful in the household. The minimalist construction of the kitchenette hides the necessary household appliances, and at the same time offers a lot of storage space. Illuminated undercuts add optical lightness to custom-made furniture. Doors to the full height of the room in the bathroom and bedroom optically increase the interior. A uniform, rustic floor made of natural, slightly bleached oak visually connects the space, blurring functional divisions.

A lot of attention was paid to the bathroom in the project. The architects of MIKOŁAJSKAstudio made full use of the available space, paying equal attention to the functionality and aesthetics of the interior. A simple, ascetic style - typical of the Far East - was diversified by introducing moss moss on the wall by the washbasin. The mood of the bathroom can be changed using lighting - the designers have provided several light systems.

Come and live

The investor staying abroad initially intended to commission the MIKOŁAJSKAstudio studio only to design the interior. Finally, he decided to entrust her with the implementation of a turnkey apartment. After returning to the country, he wanted to immediately live in his ready, completely furnished nest. The Krakow office carried out the entire investment: from changes in the layout of the walls, as well as the plumbing and electrical installation, through the installation of bathroom ceramics and kitchen appliances, to the insertion of furniture and lamps, hanging window decorations, and even... ironing the purchased bed linen.

Both sides are satisfied with the final result: the owner of the apartment and the architects of MIKOŁAJSKAstudio, who managed to implement all the assumptions of the project.