The contemporary interiors of Estetyczna Grupa’s headquarters near Warsaw draw on both pre-war and post-war modernism. Carefully considered forms are enriched by a balanced palette and a selection of fine veneers, stones and leathers. Piotr Łucyan of Art’Up Interiors designed the spaces to showcase notable furniture, placing established icons alongside new pieces that suggest future classics. The headquarters was photographed by Ład Studio, with styling by Piotr Łucyan.
References to the world of “Mad Men”
Łucyan is known for residential interiors in old apartment buildings and villas. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of art history, he restores historic spaces and introduces a new character, always with significant works of painting or sculpture selected for the setting. He also designs public and commercial interiors, including elegant shops, beauty salons and company offices.
His latest project in this field is the headquarters of Estetyczna Grupa near Warsaw. This is where the exclusive cosmetics of internationally known brands Dives Med and Infini Premium Filler, and the youngest of the group, HDRÈY, are created. The project takes inspiration from the glamorous world of the West in the 1960s, familiar through the television series “Mad Men”.
Smoked oak and sculptural furniture in the lobby
Smoked-oak veneer panelling wraps the entrance hall. Refined in its simplicity, the wall finish gives the space an effortless elegance and a welcoming atmosphere. The geometric yet rounded reception desk recalls pre-war modernism. It is deliberately low, encouraging contact with reception staff rather than forming a barrier. Decorative mouldings on the columns also suggest the elegance of the 1930s.
Design references from the 1960s and 1970s dominate the lobby. Among the vintage elements are three visually light Star clocks, designed by George Nelson in 1955 and still produced by Vitra. They show the time in the company’s most important international markets. Contemporary pieces sit alongside them: the contrasting white zigzag of the stairs, softly shaped pale Le Club armchairs and a Mush table by Poliform, and substantial black Roly Poly seats by Driade beside a vertical garden. These fresh additions reflect the client’s own refined taste.
An executive office shaped by personal taste
A band of oak panelling follows the stairs from the lobby towards the management offices. A small hall leads into the administrative office, furnished with contemporary desks whose compact forms and rounded corners recall luxurious pieces from the 1930s. Dark oak herringbone flooring and soft flocked fabric on the walls create a quiet, focused atmosphere. They also introduce the mood of the main room on this floor: the company president’s office.
This room is particularly personal. Art’Up Interiors designed many of the entrepreneur’s previous and current offices, flats and houses. Here, his favourite design themes appear in a new form.
“At the client’s request, our task was to create a coherent composition from his favourite design themes,” says Łucyan. “We tried to bring numerous inspirations together harmoniously and reconcile them with the practical and formal requirements of the office.”
The main furnishings demonstrate exceptional design and craftsmanship. Alongside the iconic Cameleonda sofa by B&B Italia are a Poltrona Frau desk covered in soft leather and a luxurious suede-finished bar by Baxter, a company known for this kind of work. The conference table was designed for Spanish brand Viccarbe by Patricia Urquiola. A Locherber Milano fragrance totem reflects the owner’s appreciation of refined scents.
Bang & Olufsen’s Beovision Theatre meets the client’s high expectations for picture and sound quality. Its jewel-like gold-coloured panel is accompanied by particularly impressive sound. “The elegant enclosure contains advanced audio technology that, until recently, would have needed to be distributed around the room. Refined sound therefore goes hand in hand with striking design,” says Łucyan. The Beosound 2 speaker offers similar qualities, producing high-quality sound from an elegant gold cone. This sculptural object stands on an oval sideboard near the desk, beneath colourful prints by Edward Dwurnik.
The objects the company president touches every day were especially important in this room, particularly the desktop, computer, door handles and light switches. “They had to be of very high quality, elegant and durable, to encourage direct contact,” stresses Łucyan. The designer chose contemporary Simon 100 switches by Kontakt-Simon in matt black. Their minimal form suits the interior, and the deep matt finish contrasts with pale walls and subtly textured materials. Intuitive controls, gentle backlighting and the option of integration with smart systems combine technology with a contemporary appearance.
Brighter spaces for focused work
A glass-walled corridor leads from the stairs to the other staff offices. Strong graphic divisions establish a geometric design language. Minimal furniture is complemented by carefully selected photographs, prints and sculptures, along with living plants. A lighter palette distinguishes this part of the office, intended to feel welcoming and support concentration. Soft flooring with a woven pattern and a suspended ceiling help provide good acoustics.
Meeting rooms sit alongside the spacious, bright open-plan offices. The largest features a display of the company’s products. Soft but strong light reveals the subtle colours of the packaging and cosmetics themselves, forming a decorative feature in a workplace devoted to beauty.
Products used in the project
- Star clocks, designed by George Nelson – Vitra
- Le Club armchairs and Mush table – Poliform
- Roly Poly seats – Driade
- Cameleonda sofa – B&B Italia
- Leather-covered desk – Poltrona Frau
- Suede-finished bar – Baxter
- Conference table, designed by Patricia Urquiola – Viccarbe
- Fragrance totem – Locherber Milano
- Beovision Theatre and Beosound 2 – Bang & Olufsen
- Simon 100 light switches in matt black – Kontakt-Simon
Explore more of the studio’s projects on its PLNDesign profile and get in touch by email, telephone, website or social media, whichever suits you best.
See also:
- KENO returns to ER DESIGN for a 2,200-square-metre office in Poland
- Anna Maria Sokołowska fits out her own 52-square-metre studio in Gdynia
