M3 Katowice

M3 Katowice

This 50 m² apartment is located on the edge of Katowice’s Śródmieście district. Close to the city center yet tucked into a quiet, green neighborhood, it feels as though nature flows directly inside. One of the greatest advantages of this post-war building is precisely that mature greenery, reaching even the highest floors.

Built in the 1960s, the apartment offers noticeably more space than many units in new developments. At the same time, it came with certain limitations: an outdated and impractical layout. Originally, the flat had two separate rooms, a closed-off kitchen, and a small bathroom — far from the needs and lifestyle of today. The design process therefore began with rethinking the plan. The young owners wished for a kitchen open to the living area, a separate bedroom, and an enlarged bathroom. Adjusting the partition walls allowed us to create a clear, contemporary layout that met all of these expectations.

Unfortunately, the old parquet could not be saved due to harmful materials used in its installation. New screeds and flooring were necessary, alongside the replacement of radiators, wiring, and electrical fittings. The owners — two young, professionally active people — drew inspiration from both vintage elements and modern solutions. They were open to bold ideas and strong accents, while the third resident, their cat, also had its needs considered. The interior features natural oak finishes in the furniture and a classic herringbone oak floor, perfectly suited to the space. The color palette consists entirely of warm tones: cream, terracotta, orange, soft pink, burgundy, and brass accents. To these we added patterns and textures, giving the space a layered character where seemingly mismatched elements form a harmonious whole.

Upon entering, to the left, we encounter a wall clad with a small, glossy tile featuring a geometric relief that reflects daylight beautifully. This is paired with a strip of richly patterned tile in a matte finish with orange accents. Against this background, a vivid orange bench stands out. To the right, a cream-colored block conceals the bathroom and part of the kitchen. Its rounded corner guides circulation naturally further inside, mirrored by a similar curve in the kitchen cabinetry at the entrance to the living area. The flooring also signals the transition: microcement in the entry and wet zones, and oak parquet in the living and bedroom spaces. An additional highlight is the tiled entrance portal to the day zone, framing the view of the dining area that links the kitchen and living room. In the kitchen, tall cabinetry conceals the fridge, washing machine, and oven within the cream volume. Along the wall, low oak cabinetry is paired with glossy rust-colored geometric tiles. The wall above continues in the same shade, as does the hanging cabinet with hood and the narrow shelf above the counter. Decorative sconces on brass bases add subtle detail. The kitchen island, also cream, stands on orange legs clad in rust-colored tile, tying the composition together. The living area is framed by greenery outside the window, playing the lead role through the seasons. Inside, a comfortable sofa, hanging bookshelves, and a veneered TV cabinet on brass legs define the space. On one side, the warm rust tones of the kitchen wall close the composition; on the other, the ever-changing view of the trees. A bold touch of color comes from a painting by Nikodem Szpunar. Light cream curtains running the length of the space add softness and intimacy. The bedroom is accessed through built-in furniture that functions differently on each side: towards the corridor, a utility wardrobe with space for storage and even the cat’s litter box; inside the bedroom, a spacious everyday wardrobe. Alongside the bed and bedside tables, a low cabinet in a muted wine shade sits under the window, doubling as a bench for seating or stacking books.

In the bathroom, the shower area is lined with powder-colored tile, rounded at the corner for a soft detail. The shower tray is made from terracotta tiles, while the radiator is finished to match the powder tones. On the opposite wall, a veneered vanity is set against patterned tiles with orange accents. Above, a decorative sconce on a golden base stands out against the mirror. A white built-in unit conceals the toilet, storage, and a water heater. The apartment, full of strong color accents, is warm and atmospheric. A palette of rich tones enhanced with ambient lighting creates a cozy and comfortable home — a functional space for everyday life, relaxation, and gathering.