In the historic heart of Kraków, Poland, a young couple has transformed their living space into a stunning example of contemporary design that masterfully blends vibrant colors with retro-inspired aesthetics. The remarkable transformation of their 84-square-meter (approximately 900-square-foot) apartment was expertly executed by Butterfly Studio, led by talented architects Anna Baranowska and Joanna Felczuk, who successfully created a space that reflects the clients' love for bold colors and vintage style without compromising on functionality or livability.

The design team's approach centered on thoughtful functional planning that would maximize the apartment's potential. Recognizing the need for a more open and flowing living environment, the architects made the strategic decision to eliminate one room from the original layout, creating a significantly more expansive and interconnected living area. This bold architectural move allowed for the incorporation of an L-shaped sofa and a versatile extendable dining table, perfectly supporting the couple's desire for a social and flexible environment that could adapt to various entertaining and daily living needs.

The kitchen underwent a complete reconfiguration to become the heart of the home—an inviting gathering place that encourages social interaction. The centerpiece of this transformation is a custom-designed island that cleverly trades typical bar seating for concealed storage solutions, demonstrating the designers' commitment to both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality. This innovative approach ensures that the kitchen maintains its clean lines and visual appeal while providing essential storage space.

Throughout the entire apartment, color serves as the primary design language, creating a cohesive yet dynamic visual narrative. Carefully selected shades of green, rust, blue, and burgundy span various surfaces throughout the space, creating depth and visual interest. These bold color choices are expertly balanced by thoughtful textural contrasts and striking graphic details, including a distinctive checkered rug and beautifully patterned entry tiles that immediately establish the apartment's unique character upon entry.

Lighting design plays a crucial sculptural role throughout the space, with each fixture carefully selected and positioned to enhance both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Pendant lamps suspended over the sofa create intimate conversation areas, while artistic hallway fixtures cast dramatic glows that transform utilitarian corridors into gallery-like spaces. This attention to lighting design demonstrates the architects' understanding of how illumination can fundamentally transform a space's atmosphere and functionality.

The apartment's entryway makes an immediate and powerful design statement that sets the tone for the entire living experience. A striking burgundy built-in wardrobe provides essential storage while serving as a bold design element, complemented by a uniquely rounded bench that brilliantly doubles as both functional seating and sculptural art piece. This geometric motif becomes a recurring theme throughout the space, creating visual continuity and design cohesion.

The geometric design language is thoughtfully echoed throughout the apartment in various forms, including the softly curved kitchen island and the rounded media cabinet. These curved elements create visual flow and prevent the bold colors from becoming overwhelming, while establishing a sophisticated design vocabulary that unifies different areas of the home. This careful attention to geometric relationships demonstrates the architects' skill in creating spaces that feel both dynamic and harmonious.

One of the project's most significant design challenges involved transforming a long and initially awkward hallway into a statement zone that enhances rather than detracts from the overall living experience. The solution involved installing playful wall sconces that cast abstract reflections and create dramatic lighting effects, while thoughtful millwork in carefully selected muted tones introduces texture and visual dimension. A dark anthracite wall provides striking contrast and gives the corridor its own distinct dynamic identity, proving that even transitional spaces can become design highlights.

The bedroom design prioritizes tranquility and rest while maintaining the apartment's overall design language. Soothing green walls create a calming environment, topped by a warm terracotta-hued ceiling that wraps the space in cozy, embracing color. This bold ceiling treatment demonstrates how color can be used to define and enhance spatial relationships. A custom-designed headboard serves multiple functions, incorporating a built-in vanity on one side that adds both functionality and visual interest while maximizing the use of available space.

Each of the apartment's two bathrooms features its own distinct character while maintaining perfect harmony with the overall design scheme. The first bathroom channels an earthy, tactile aesthetic through the use of rich terracotta tiles and concrete-like plaster finishes that create a spa-like atmosphere. The second bathroom makes a bolder design statement with striking burgundy floors, sophisticated denim-toned cabinetry, and cool blue tiles that create a fresh, contemporary feel. These contrasting approaches demonstrate the designers' ability to create varied experiences within a cohesive overall design framework.

Behind the scenes, the apartment incorporates numerous clever storage solutions that maintain the clean, uncluttered aesthetic that is essential to the overall design success. These include a beautifully designed woven-front laundry unit that keeps utilitarian functions hidden while adding textural interest to the space. This attention to storage solutions ensures that the apartment remains both beautiful and highly functional for daily living.

The project represents a masterful example of how contemporary interior design can successfully balance bold aesthetic choices with practical living requirements. The architects' ability to create a space that feels both timeless and thoroughly modern while incorporating the clients' personal preferences for color and retro styling demonstrates exceptional design skill and sensitivity to client needs.

The styling for the project was completed by Eliza Mrozińska, whose contributions helped showcase the apartment's design elements to their full potential. Professional photography by Mood Authors captured the space's dynamic color relationships and spatial flow, documenting how the various design elements work together to create a cohesive and inspiring living environment.

This Kraków apartment stands as an inspiring example of how thoughtful design can transform a standard residential space into something truly extraordinary, proving that bold color choices and retro-inspired elements can create sophisticated, livable spaces that reflect their inhabitants' personalities while meeting all the demands of contemporary life.