Nestled atop a 19th-century tenement building on Foksal Street in the heart of Warsaw, Poland, the FOKSAL apartment by the design studio indoor transforms a once-cramped attic into a luminous, modern living space that beautifully merges history with contemporary design. The design team faced an immediate challenge: the space’s irregular footprint. Sloping ceilings, a series of oddly shaped windows, and a maze-like layout could easily have made the apartment feel constricted. However, rather than fight these architectural quirks, the designers embraced them, turning each imperfection into an opportunity for creativity.
The first step in the transformation was to enhance natural light. Skylights were strategically installed in the hallway, their mirrored frames and wavy steel panels amplifying the sense of openness and verticality. The result is a space where architecture seems to merge seamlessly with the sky above. From the moment you enter, it feels as though the building itself is reaching toward the heavens, creating a sense of both freedom and tranquility.
Light continues to be a central theme throughout the apartment, particularly in the stairwell, where perforated steel panels filter sunlight, casting intricate patterns that shift and change throughout the day. These patterns become part of the apartment’s daily rhythm, adding an element of surprise and movement. At the top of the stairs, one of the apartment's standout features is the dining area. A round table by MDF Italia is surrounded by sculptural chairs from Moustache, while a radiant, color-drenched painting by Pawel Wasowski provides the perfect backdrop, further adding vibrancy to the space.
Adjacent to the dining area is the living room, where the slanted ceilings frame two arched windows, creating an inviting and airy atmosphere. The centerpiece is a curved modular sofa by Noti, which offers both comfort and style. Above, a dynamic Vibia Plusminus lighting system provides a contrast to the otherwise pristine white surfaces, injecting energy into the space. The design balances contemporary minimalism with bold sculptural elements, creating an atmosphere that is both calm and stimulating.
The kitchen continues the theme of sleek modernism, with a stone-topped island and cabinetry made from wood and ceramic tiles. The clean, cubic lines of the kitchen offer a sharp contrast to the apartment’s angular roofline. The choice of materials—black marble, white tiles, and natural wood—provides a visually striking, yet functional, space that is both inviting and highly efficient. Open shelving displays carefully curated decor items, bringing warmth and personality to the otherwise minimalist design.
Moving to the private wing of the apartment, the atmosphere shifts to one of serene calm. The bedroom and dressing area, wrapped in rich walnut tones and soft linen textures, offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling city below. The space feels intimate and luxurious, fostering a sense of tranquility. The primary bathroom is divided into two distinct areas, one housing a sleek, glass-enclosed shower, and the other featuring a minimalist round bathtub that serves as a sculptural centerpiece in its own right.
Every corner of the apartment showcases a thoughtful blend of form and function. The designers have paid close attention to detail, using light, materials, and textures to create a harmonious environment. The perforated metal panels in the stairwell not only serve a practical purpose but also act as an architectural feature that adds character to the space. The open-plan design of the kitchen, living room, and dining area fosters a sense of fluidity, while the use of natural materials such as wood and stone adds warmth and richness to the otherwise contemporary aesthetic.
The FOKSAL apartment is a perfect example of how an architect can blend the old with the new, respecting the building's heritage while introducing modern design elements that enhance its functionality and beauty. By embracing the attic's original quirks and maximizing natural light, the designers have created a space that feels both timeless and contemporary—an ideal urban retreat that reflects the vibrant spirit of Warsaw.