Compact Warsaw apartment evokes "ingenuity and efficiency" of maritime architecture

34 Square Meter Apartment in Warsaw by Dawid Konieczny

Polish designer Dawid Konieczny has completed an apartment in Warsaw's Port Praski district featuring curved walls and bespoke joinery that make the most of the available space.

The 34-square-metre apartment draws inspiration from the area's interwar docklands and the robust yet restrained maritime character of the building it sits within.

Kitchen of 34 Square Meter Apartment in Warsaw by Dawid Konieczny — Dawid Konieczny has designed a 34-square-metre apartment in Warsaw

"The guiding idea behind the project was to demonstrate how much sense of space and airiness can be achieved through thoughtful functional planning," Konieczny told Dezeen.

Konieczny designed the interior for two friends who wanted a stylish pied-à-terre to use when visiting the city. The interior combines warm minimalism with nods to mid-century design.

Breakfast nook of apartment in Warsaw by Dawid Konieczny — Ron Arad's Zigo Chair features in the kitchen

The existing layout was completely transformed to make better use of the space. This involved relocating the bedroom to a space previously occupied by the kitchen, creating a new centrepiece for the layout.

"The interior reflects the ingenuity and efficiency associated with maritime environments," Konieczny explained.

"In a compact space, elements such as the raised sleeping platform maximise functionality, subtly echoing the resourceful spatial solutions traditionally found in port settings."

Bedroom of 34 Square Meter Apartment — The bed takes over the entire bedroom

The apartment features elements that recur throughout many of Konieczny's projects, such as built-in cabinets with curved corners that create a seamless transition between spaces.

A high-gloss lacquer applied to the joinery creates a bold and theatrical feel in the entrance hall, while a rounded frame emphasises the threshold between the open-plan living room and the new sleeping area.

Wardrobe of apartment in Warsaw by Dawid Konieczny — A built-in wardrobe is tucked along one wall

Inside the bedroom, the mattress is recessed into a platform that fills the entire floor area, making it more straightforward to reach a built-in wardrobe tucked along one wall.

A palette of muted warm tones provides a refined backdrop, elevated by the inclusion of more expressive elements such as California burl veneer used to clad the platform bed.

Filtered daylight entering through sheer curtains creates a gentle ambience, with materials including microcement, oak veneer, lacquered surfaces and brass details adding textural interest.

The kitchen features bespoke cabinetry made from oiled oak with cream lacquered details that match the floor. A sculptural backsplash crafted from Blue Roma quartzite ties the colour palette together.

Couch of 34 Square Meter Apartment — A bespoke daybed provides a pop of colour

The adjacent dining nook comprises a custom-made table and bench seating, alongside Ron Arad's Zigo Chair for Driade. Belarusian wall lamps and bas reliefs sourced from a flea market add a vintage decorative detail.

In the living area, a bespoke daybed upholstered in a caramel-coloured fabric provides a pop of colour, with its rounded forms extending the curved geometric design language used throughout the apartment.

Corridor of Warsaw apartment by Dawid Konieczny — Curved walls evoke maritime architecture

The bathroom offers a bold counterpoint to the rest of the home's restrained aesthetic, with burgundy-and-white checkerboard tiles and blue plaster walls creating a retro impression.

"The project embodies warmth, craftsmanship and a contemporary reading of historical context, proving that small spaces can carry a bold and distinctive identity," Konieczny added.