Wide-open spaces offer a spacious living style to a 140sq m home. Designed by Mode:Lina and located in Poznan, Poland, the clients wanted a home that reflected their tastes for Scandinavian style and Mode:Lina achieved this by using raw concrete combined with lots of white and wood tones, complimented by shades of grey. A vibrant and lively shade of cadmium yellow is used as the accent colour and while used sporadically throughout the home, it makes an appearance in every room whether by architectural details or by artwork. The client’s wanted a contained area that held the fireplace, TV viewing area and shelving for their book and album collections – with the shelving being the feature of the area. This was accomplished by creating a zone wrapped in a white architectural framework with a raised hearth that continues into a low media console. The fireplace is tucked into the side of the zone and the wall behind the TV is made less visible by colour blocking the wall behind with a dark charcoal grey shade. The built-in shelving demands attention by the clever use of a corner wrap and an angular side.
The natural wood flooring in the home is hand scraped planking for a soft and rustic appeal that is complimented by the rough texture of the ceiling and the concrete floor in the kitchen. As a contrasting foil to this hand hewn patina, the kitchen and media zones are wrapped in a crisp white architectural framework and the cabinetry of the kitchen is flat panel lacquered white.
The kitchen is two sided with an island on the third side and the hall on the fourth. The island holds the cooktop as well as an overhang for 2 bar stools. The large suspended stove hood vents to the outside via exposed ducting that blends naturally with the various tones of grey used throughout the space. An oversized sink with gooseneck faucet is located below the window to take advantage of the view and the dining area is close at hand, behind the sofa.
The section of cabinetry behind the island is comprised of full height cabinets to maximize the storage. Two wall oven are situated centrally in the bank of cabinets directly behind the cook top. The architectural detail of the white frame that wraps the kitchen ceiling area uses angles for visual interest as does the wood wrap on the island.
Beside the full height cabinets is a long uninterrupted wood counter – perfect for baking. Beyond the kitchen, down the hall you can just see the stairwell that leads upstairs.
The hall is where the accent of cadmium yellow takes centre stage. Sliding doors of yellow create tall wide bands of the colour that is picked up in the artwork on the wall. The concrete flooring, grey ceiling and white walls allow the doors to be the focal drama of the space.
The stairs are constructed with concrete risers and wood plank treads. They add a geometric context to the ceiling planes and colourful doors.
The stairs are visible from the living area as well and the choice of art here picks up all the colours used in the space and plays off of the various geometric planes and angles created by the architects.
The hallway closet has one yellow door and one mirrored door. The mirror reflects the stairwell, creating an interesting and artistic reflection. A bank of closets fills the void below the stairs and a unique doghouse tucks in under the stairs as well. Here the family’s pooch can be part of the goings on while still having a private space all to themselves, gotta love it! In the reflection the dark grey wall of the entry area is just barely visible.
For a bit of fun and a nod to classic design, a Ray Eames coat hook is proudly represented as both art and function.
