Zachariasza is a minimal apartment located in Warsaw, Poland, designed by Taka Pracownia. Previously, the apartment’s worn-out aesthetics were a stark contrast to its current, rejuvenated ambiance. It was not an easy task to rehabilitate this space, considering the constraints imposed by a tight budget and pandemic-related challenges. Yet, the design team faced these hurdles head-on, striving to retain the apartment’s architectural heritage while incorporating modern functionality. The apartment’s limited area of 33 square meters was used judiciously to include a bedroom with ample wardrobe space, a lounge including a kitchenette, a bathroom, and a storage room equipped with a washing machine. The former kitchen has now been smartly partitioned into a small bathroom and a compact bedroom, accessed by double doors from the living area.

This door feature is a striking aesthetic element that enhances the overall charm of the apartment. One of the key design decisions was to preserve the original arches—an ode to the modernist era. Additionally, the historic parquet floor was carefully restored, which adds an authentic touch to the dwelling. The bathroom sports tiles reminiscent of pre-war architectural styles. A striking addition is a grand door housing the shower, fitted with a skylight—an interesting twist on traditional pre-war design elements. The beige tiles in the bathroom contrast beautifully with the muted green walls, further complemented by a washbasin cabinet in a subtle shade of red.

The designers ensured that the original curvature of the apartment was emphasized by using black strips on the floor, creating a distinctive graphical framework for the space. The lounge area showcases the rejuvenated parquet floor and includes a kitchenette painted in a subdued olive green balanced with a hint of delicate lilac. Brass handles and a porcelain sink further enrich the kitchenette, maintaining a minimalist aesthetic without sacrificing the character of the space.