- Interior
No, the old days were not better, but we are polishing the best of yesteryear and presenting it on a plate of renewed appreciation. These days, the 1970s are a favourite treat. Dobrowolska Studio proudly introduces you to a postmodern musician's home, set back in a Polish forest. Decades fade away, but ideas can be preserved.
Aleksandra Dobrowolska is the kind of designer who understands the importance of the task clients place in her hands. For this commission, she was asked to create a home that draws on the surrounding nature while being an ongoing reminder of the residents' creative work and spunk. Those two elements may seem difficult to reconcile at first, but for a natural talent like her, it was a motivating challenge. Namely, the images prove that she managed to filter these different influences into a crystal-clear whole. As a second home, the address really serves as a place to appeal to all the senses: a goal that, in our opinion, was completely achieved. The studio was therefore the perfect party to guide the duo through this important chapter. For instance, the interior designer explains that she faithfully approaches her work from an artistic angle. 
Apart from her driving creative force, there is nevertheless a clear principle for Dobrowolska that is her number one priority: the creation of dialogue. That is to say, she explains that her work is so much more than an exploration of her own artistic hunger. Beyond a form of expression, it is ultimately about exploring the most intimate places in other people's lives. ‘I often feel as if someone opens a door for me to their home that does not yet exist. Then I have the impression that they are entrusting me with the most important place in their daily life, and you have to respect that.’ There should also be a kind of timeless framing that is then fleshed out with imaginative touches. This time was no exception, and the clients were even very open to unconventional solutions. There is also the relieving satisfaction. When a whole has been worked out that meets all needs and wishes, it is a great pleasure for the ones who conceived it. When a project comes to an end for her, it is only the beginning for the residents.
Open communication and a great listening ear are therefore enduring core values in the studio
One of the couple's main wishes was to keep the centre of the house intimate. Specifically, this meant that this is where the private areas should be located, corresponding to the functions of a bathroom, a bedroom, and a walk-in-closet. Those three rooms were connected and even given some hidden passages. Although there is a clear distinction between the multiple uses, there is an obvious cohesion. The living space was created only afterwards, so the social part seems almost draped around it. This proved to be an appropriate tactic, as the house has an open attitude to the outside while still being able to continue to play off the rather closed nature of its core. In terms of style, the designer likes to describe the final concept as postmodern harmony. Organic materials and shapes refer to local nature and prove to be retro aesthetics at the same time. For colours, she went in a warm direction with dark undertones from the start. Wood, clay plaster and micro cement were some of the preferred materials. As the latter is rather rough in texture, a thoughtful interplay emerged. Brass joined that selection, and with the clear aim of providing a final touch. As a contrast to the natural aspect, the team chose some outspoken design pieces. The reason for this? Getting opposites at the same table. By deliberately opting for some furniture and objects that clearly stand out amid the rather muted background on which they are placed, a specific style was born. Instead of clashing, the two influences merged without a hitch and the musical, creative lifestyle of the residents was given a conscious place. 
With a philosophy of her own, a dedicated methodology and a stretching imagination, we are confident that she will also work these assignments into a convincing whole with verve. If she will build on the success that this stunning design already had in store, the future promises only great things. For now, we will continue to scour every nook and cranny of this unforgettable realisation and continue to enjoy the blossoming genius that is emerging within these four walls.
Want to read more about Aleksandra Dobrowolska? You can read about it in the October 2023 edition of Imagicasa Magazine.
Photography by Mood Authors
Text by Elke Aerts