Inside an apartment where art meets soft minimalism

Inside a sunlit apartment in a historic Art Nouveau building in Sopot, Poland, designer Dorota Terlecka and her studio Biuro Kreacja have crafted a space where history and modern design quietly coexist. This interior project embraces the home’s original character while introducing contemporary elements and Polish artwork that feel right at home. It’s a calm, considered space where architecture, art, and personal expression come together with intention.

“We refined every detail in the project. Mirrors, handles, knobs, switches – everything matters here. Classical elements merge with modern ones, maintaining balance and harmony.” – Dorota Terlecka.

The Entryway

The entryway sets a refined tone with its soft palette, custom paneling, and sculptural details. A slim walnut table and a velvet-upholstered bench create a welcoming spot to pause, while the chevron floor guides the eye through the hallway to the kitchen. Brass accents, from the hardware to the lighting, add a quiet sense of luxury.

A wall-mounted artwork by Aleksandra Kujawska introduces texture and depth, balanced by the clean lines of the surrounding millwork. The space feels thoughtfully composed, offering a graceful transition between the home’s public and private zones.

The Kitchen

The kitchen pairs sculptural softness with practical sophistication. A central island in marble-look stone anchors the space, its clean lines echoed in the curved cabinetry and arched built-ins. Walnut lower cabinets add warmth and grain, while open shelving displays a curated mix of ceramics and glassware.

Custom details, like the cabinet handles and arched details, reflect the apartment’s historic bones while embracing a contemporary ease. The overall mood is bright, playful, and refined.

The Dining Room

In the dining room, sculptural forms and expressive art define the atmosphere. A veined marble table with softly rounded edges anchors the space, surrounded by textured chairs that echo the home’s gentle curves.

Above, a dramatic pendant light introduces a sense of motion and softness, while a large, abstract painting by Maciej Salomon adds bold contrast to the otherwise muted palette. Natural light pours through tall windows, highlighting the ornate ceiling moulding and pale wood floors. The space feels refined yet lively, balancing bold artistic gestures with calm, elegant materials.

The Living Room

The living room combines refined elegance with cozy textures and bold accents. A plush green sectional anchors the space, softened by layered cushions in playful prints and hues. The marble-topped coffee table rests on rounded spheres, grounding the room with sculptural weight.

A curved white lounge chair and a deep-toned side table add contrast and shape, while a vibrant pink abstract painting brings warmth to the pale walls. Glass doors frame the space and highlight the interplay of classic architectural detailing and curated contemporary decor. Sculptural vases and floral elements add personality and lift.

The Office

The home office blends functionality with calm, refined design. A wood writing desk brings warmth and structure to the space, its organized cubbies and drawers paired with a modern, chrome-framed chair.

Wall panelling and soft grey tones create a subtle architectural backdrop, while built-in shelving offers a curated display of books, ceramics, and sculptural accents. Natural light filters through sheer curtains, softening the space and keeping the atmosphere bright. This workspace feels considered and composed, balancing focus with quiet visual interest.

The Bedroom

The bedroom blends warmth, softness, and subtle historic detail. A custom natural walnut veneer niche wraps the bed in a cozy curve, with built-in lights and shelving for quiet functionality. Pale grey wardrobes with brass knobs frame the space, while blush pink bedding, sage accents, and a sculptural pendant light add layers of texture and calm.

Natural light filters through sheer curtains, highlighting the delicate crown moulding and a painting above the original radiator. In the corner, a wood vanity with a three-panel mirror and vintage styling creates a personal, graceful moment that ties the room together.

The Bathroom

The bathroom’s classic materials and soft curves create a serene, gallery-like atmosphere. Arched mirrors nod to the apartment’s Art Nouveau heritage, while brass fixtures, decorative Ottocento plaster walls, and a floating taupe vanity bring modern refinement. A sculptural tub with a matte finish sits beneath a sunlit window, framed by Calacatta Gold marble walls and warm metal accents.

In the shower, bold marble continues alongside minimalist brass fittings and a built-in niche. Every surface, from the patterned floor tiles to the custom lighting, feels carefully considered, creating a calm and elegant retreat.

Dorota Terlecka’s approach to this apartment shows a deep respect for the past and a confident sense of style. Every detail, from preserved woodwork to carefully selected ceramics, helps tell a story that feels authentic and refined. The result is a home that doesn’t chase trends but instead creates a lasting impression through warmth, craftsmanship, and thoughtful design.

Photography: Tom Kurek | Design: Biuro Kreacja – Team: Dorota Terlecka, Paula Banasik