This Polish Apartment is a Masterclass of Art Nouveau
“I saw enormous potential in this place from the very beginning. I love details like the original door frames, antique radiators, and Art Nouveau stucco. I knew they were worth preserving to honor the history of this space,” says Dorota Terlecka, founder of the Warsaw-based design studio Biuro Kreacja.
This sentiment set the tone for one of the most striking renovations in Sopot, Poland, where an Art Nouveau apartment has been transformed into a living gallery of history, art, and modern design. Situated in a historic townhouse, the apartment is a study in balance – a seamless dialogue between its original architectural details and carefully curated contemporary elements.
With a focus on authenticity and respect for the past, Terlecka and her team approached the project as more than a restoration. “We didn’t want to simply recreate what was already there,” she explains. “This project is about celebrating the building’s history while giving it a new, modern narrative.”
The apartment’s original features – intricate stucco ceilings, wood-framed doorways, and antique radiators – anchor the design. These details were meticulously restored and incorporated as integral parts of the space’s identity. But Terlecka didn’t stop there. She layered in custom cabinetry, furniture by Polish designers, and artworks from local talents to create a home that feels both timeless and personal.
“We refined every detail in the project. Mirrors, handles, knobs, switches – everything matters here. Classical elements merge with modern ones, maintaining balance and harmony,” she says. The result is a home that feels like a gallery, where every room tells a story.
From the moment you enter, it’s clear that art plays a central role. The hallway features a commanding sculpture by Aleksandra Kujawska, setting the tone for what’s to come. In the living room, dining room, and bedroom, the works of Polish artists like Aleksandra Szewczuk, Maciej Salomon, Anna Grabowska, and Aleksandra Prusinowska define the mood.
“Art here is a mix of local artists. The paintings and sculptures bring color and character to the interior,” Terlecka says.
These pieces are far from decorative afterthoughts; they’re integral to the design, carefully curated to enhance the interplay between form, light, and texture.
In the kitchen, functionality and artistry coexist. Custom cabinetry was designed to complement, not compete with, the ornate Art Nouveau ceiling. A tall cabinet with an arched detail mirrors the shape of the windows, creating a sense of visual continuity.
The dining area, meanwhile, is anchored by a sculptural stone table and a statement lamp that echoes the soft curves of the architecture. A painting by Maciej Salomon becomes the focal point, imbuing the space with energy and depth.
The living room is where art and design meet in perfect balance. A soft green sofa punctuates the room with color, contrasting with the warm pink tones of a painting by Aleksandra Szewczuk. Sculptures by Aleksandra Kujawska add dimension, creating a layered space that feels both inviting and contemplative.
A glass-paned doorway connects the living room to the rest of the apartment, allowing light to flow freely while maintaining a sense of structure.
The bedroom is a study in understated elegance. Custom cabinetry, finished in natural walnut veneer, features a recessed bed niche that combines functionality with warmth. Every detail, from the choice of materials to the subtle lighting, is designed to create a calming retreat.
The bathroom, meanwhile, reinterprets classic materials in a modern way. Calacatta Gold marble-inspired tiles, decorative Ottocento plaster, and stone-accented sconces create a space that feels luxurious but not ostentatious.
Photograhpy: Tom Kurek