Color Meets Character in This Retro-Inspired Kraków Apartment

In the heart of Kraków, Poland, a young couple found their dream home not just in a location, but in a design brought to life by Butterfly Studio. The 84-square-meter (approximately 900-square-foot) apartment was completely reimagined by architects Anna Baranowska and Joanna Felczuk to reflect their clients’ love for vibrant colors and retro aesthetics – without sacrificing livability.

Modern kitchen with light wood and green cabinets, a marble-topped island, pendant lighting, and herringbone wood flooring.

At the core of the design was the careful attention to functional planning. The designers reworked the original layout by eliminating one room to create a more expansive, flowing living area. This move allowed for the inclusion of a L-shaped sofa and a versatile extendable dining table, supporting the couple’s desire for a social and flexible environment. The kitchen was reconfigured as an inviting gathering place – featuring a custom island that trades typical bar seating for concealed storage.

Modern kitchen with wood cabinets, light blue lower cabinets, white countertop, two pendant lights, and decorative vases on the island. A living room is visible in the background.

Modern kitchen with mint green cabinets, wooden upper cabinets, a white backsplash, gold pendant light, and decorative items on the counter and table.

A modern dining room with a wooden table, six upholstered chairs, green glassware, a black pendant light, art on a dark wall, and decorative vases on red shelves.

Throughout the apartment, color plays a key role in the overall design scheme.

Shades of green, rust, blue, and burgundy span surfaces, balanced by textural contrasts and graphic details like a checkered rug and patterned entry tiles. Lighting also plays a sculptural role – whether it’s pendant lamps over the sofa or the artistic glow of hallway fixtures.

A modern living room with a wall-mounted TV, open shelving, contemporary lighting, a pink armchair, a green sofa, and geometric decor accents.

Two round black tables on a black-and-white checkered rug, with a cup on one table and a red plate with fans on the other, surrounded by modern furniture and soft lighting.

Wooden shelving unit with assorted vases, books, and decor objects, partially obscured by blurred greenery in the foreground and a black pendant light hanging in front.

A modern interior with a burgundy cushioned bench attached to a vertical pole, a wooden cabinet with a vase, and a textured rug on a herringbone wood floor.

The entryway sets the tone upon entry with a striking burgundy built-in wardrobe and a rounded bench that doubles as both sculpture and seating. The geometric motif is echoed throughout the space – in the softly curved kitchen island and the rounded media cabinet – creating visual cohesion across rooms.

Modern hallway with wooden herringbone floor, maroon seating area, geometric tile, wall-mounted art, and a wooden door at the end. A mirror reflects part of the space.

One of the home’s biggest design challenges, a long and initially awkward hallway, was turned into a statement zone. Playful wall sconces cast abstract reflections, while thoughtful millwork in muted tones introduces texture and dimension. A dark anthracite wall brings contrast, giving the corridor its own dynamic identity.

A rust-colored sofa sits in front of a wall with a dark botanical and bird print wallpaper, next to black open shelving with decor items and books.

Modern bathroom with a rectangular sink, wood vanity, large mirror, and a glass-enclosed shower featuring vertical brown tiles and built-in shelves.

A wooden desk with a notepad, pen, and mug sits near a window with brown curtains; a chair and decorative objects are arranged on and above the desk.

A neatly made bed with earth-toned pillows and blanket sits against a beige wall, flanked by wall lamps and built-in nightstands; a round mirror and green curtains are on the right.

In the bedroom, tranquility reigns. Soothing green walls are topped by a terracotta-hued ceiling, wrapping the space for a warm, cozy feel. A bespoke headboard – complete with a built-in vanity on one side – adds functionality.

A cozy bedroom corner features a bed with colorful pillows and a blanket, a small wooden vanity with a round mirror, a checkered stool, and a window with curtains.

A neatly made bed with pillows sits next to a wooden nightstand with a round, illuminated mirror, geometric decor, and a gold wall lamp above. Dark curtains are in the background.

A ceramic vase with white and yellow daisies sits on a wooden table next to a smaller vase and a cup; built-in cabinets and wall outlets are visible in the background.

A room with green walls, a wooden door, a wooden sideboard with decorative objects, a white wardrobe, a bed with a green blanket, and an orange ceiling.

Modern bathroom with a wall-mounted toilet, vessel sink, wood and dark blue paneling, pendant lights, and gold fixtures. Towel hangs on a hook beside the sink.

Each of the two bathrooms features its own distinct character while maintaining harmony with the rest of the apartment. One channels an earthy, tactile aesthetic with terracotta tiles and concrete-like plaster, while the other makes a bolder statement with burgundy floors, denim-toned cabinetry, and cool blue tiles. Behind the scenes, clever storage solutions – like a woven-front laundry unit – keep things clean and clutter-free.

Modern bathroom with wood paneling, a round white basin sink, blue tile backsplash, brass fixtures, a brown vase with blue handle, and a black pendant light.

Modern bathroom with a wood vanity, vessel sink, wall-mounted faucet, light blue tiled backsplash, large mirrored cabinet, and pendant lights. A towel hangs on the wall.

Two women pose in a modern room; one is seated at a table with an open magazine, and the other stands beside her. Contemporary art and shelves are visible in the background.

For more information, you can find Butterfly Studio on Instagram, Facebook, and Behance.

Styling by Eliza Mrozińska.
Photography by Mood Authors.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.