Nostalgia Now: A Modern Home in Poland Takes Its Design Cues From the Past
Hanna Pietras Architects looked to the ’70s for a new-meets-nostalgia mashup that would delight the music-loving homeowner.
Stepping into this 2,700-square-foot family home in Łódź, Poland, is like stepping out of a time machine—in the best possible way. The living room is awash in tones of mushroom and amber. Iconic Ligne Roset Togo sofas, a modern-living staple since their debut in 1973, are the primary seating options. A poster of Pablo Picasso from Apple’s 1998 “Think Different” campaign leans behind a low-slung modular stereo console by USM.
The retro-tastic home is the brainchild of a trio of female designers for an audiophile client and his family. The music room designed for him exudes the nostalgic atmosphere of the ’70s, says principal Hanna Pietras of Hanna Pietras Architects. “The warm colours and cozy lighting create the perfect atmosphere for relaxing and immersing yourself in the sounds of your favourite music.”
The owner is also an aficionado of Danish design, an aesthetic expressed through materials such as oak, stone, and leather, as well as midcentury-style accent furniture. Pietras made use of curves in the home’s kitchen, from the island to the walls at the edges of the room’s perimeter, adding lightness and softness to the innovative layout.
“The biggest challenge was to balance elements of the old style with modern solutions to create a space that impresses with its originality,” Pietras says. “The inspiration came from both the minimalist Bauhaus tradition and a warm palette of earthy tones.”
A floating staircase with a smoked-glass railing leads up to a serene principal bedroom and ensuite, as well as bedrooms for the owners’ two children. In the principal, a wooden wall with varied reeded panels and a built-in headboard give the space the same sleek, nostalgic vibe as the living room. In another nod to the past, the ensuite features a green toilet, though it’s in a trendier shade of mint than the avocado loos of eras past.
The architects’ vision, combined with the homeowner’s passion for all things past, resulted in a one-of-a-kind dwelling: a home where music, harmony, and comfort are reflected throughout.
Photographs by Mood Authors.
