Karol Wawrzkiewicz’s Post

Searches for ‘slow living’ have doubled since 2015. 📈 So what does it mean?  Are we getting lost in this chaotic and fast paced world? One thing I am sure of: designing for slow living is more than just a trend. And for me, as an architect, I believe that when it comes to slowing our lives down, our homes play a crucial role. We can design homes that can encourage slow living, offering spaces for self-awareness, nature integration, and intentional interaction. Picture calming color palettes, seamless indoor-outdoor connections, and versatile rooms encouraging both togetherness and relaxation. It's all about creating a home that truly reflects your values and supports your personal sense of comfort and well-being. It's not just about aesthetics. Spaces that prioritize connection, natural light, and simplicity contribute to a sense of calm and harmony. Imagine: 💭 Cozy nooks for quiet reflection. 🛋️ Inviting living areas ideal for meaningful conversations. 🌿 Biophilic design elements that bring nature indoors. What are your thoughts on slow living?  How does your home support your well-being? #architecture #design #products #research #slowliving #housing #home #interiordesign

When at home, do you want to do more or do less? Do you keep busy or take it easy? For many, the constant battle between productivity and relaxation is a genuine source of anxiety. This internal struggle extends its influence into our homes, shaping the decisions we make about our living spaces and our activities within them. Should home be a playground for self-development or an oasis for self-awareness? ↗️🧑🏻💻 On one hand, maximising our home experiences underscores the growing demand for multifunctional spaces with distinct purposes. Home life has become a sanctuary where individuals seek to explore their passions, enhance productivity, and establish a sense of control and accomplishment. ↘️💆🏻 On the other hand, minimising our surrounding is the result of yearning for calmness. Prioritizing quality over quantity, many individuals are opting for meaningful objects that contribute to a nurturing atmosphere, fostering a sense of accomplishment and providing a space for genuine enjoyment. This tension as recoginsed by the team at IKEA is a universal struggle for individuals, families and households. In response to our increased expectations, our homes now bear extra duties and responsibilities. We expect of them to provide us with comfort, security, and a nurturing environment. Yet, within these walls, there remains a desire to chase our aspirations and ambitions. Finding the right balance between doing more and doing less is truly about discovering a personalised formula for comfort. Only then a perfect home can be crafted. ⚖️🏡✨ #architecture #design #products #research #housing #selfdevelopment #selfawareness #IKEA #LifeAtHome #IKEAReport

52% of us say home is our favourite place to be. Analysing IKEA's 2023 Life at Home Report, we learn fascinating insights into the diverse ways people across different countries perceive their homes. 🇩🇰 For Danes, the number rises to an impressive 61%, reflecting a strong connection to their living spaces. 🇫🇷 For French, on the other hand, we see a a slight dip to 36%, highlighting an opposite perspective on their homes. 🇵🇱 For Poles, the number maintains a consistent 52%, showcasing a stable relationship with their living environments. Why is this important? Because these numbers go beyond statistics. Each percentage represents a story, a narrative, and a set of expectations. As architects and interior designers, our role goes beyond bricks and mortar; we are the creators of spaces that define the very essence of 'home'. Personally, my goal is to design homes that resonate with individuals and communities, aiming for the day when 100% of my clients can confidently say that their home is their favorite place to be. 🐶 Fun fact: the number rises to 60% for those living with pets. 🐱 #architecture #design #products #research #housing #privatehousing #socialstudies #IKEA #LifeAtHome #IKEAReport

Back with a fresh update on IKEA reports! While it hasn't been too long since my last chat about IKEA's insights, I couldn't wait to share the latest news: IKEA has just released its 2023 Life at Home Report. It marks a decade of sharing insightful research on how people around the world experience joy, face challenges, and shape their lives at home. And what a great report it is! But before jumping into the key data and highlights, which I will show you in my next posts, let’s first talk about the significance of documents like this and what is special about this year’s IKEA Report. 🟠 Why it Matters: As solo entrepreneurs or small studios, big-scale research is nearly impossible and way too expensive. That’s why staying informed about the initiatives of larger organizations may be a pragmatic approach. Sure, it may not always offer the specific information you seek, but it’s a great way to grasp the global trends and directions. 🟠 What's Special This Year: The 2023 Life at Home Report isn't just a document; it's an immersive experience. With 90 pages of revelations and conclusions, IKEA goes a step further by providing open access to detailed data statistics, that can be filtered by: 🌍 Country ⚤ Gender 🦖 Generation 🔞 Age 👶🏻 Children at home 🏠 Homeowners / Renters 👤 Personal Profile For me as an architect, specializing in creating perfect homes for my clients, this report is another great opportunity to dive deeper into understanding what makes a better life at home. I strongly suggest giving it a read! #architecture #design #products #research #housing #privatehousing #socialstudies #IKEA #LifeAtHome #IKEAReport

Ever heard of the Broken Windows Theory? 🪟🔨 Picture this: A single broken window, left unfixed, is a visible sign of disorder and neglect, and it can encourage further wrong and crime — this theory, while rooted in urban sociology, holds significant lessons for interior design. The presence of disrepair or clutter can create a negative atmosphere that affects the inhabitants' mood and productivity. Just as an unrepaired broken window can lead to more windows being broken, a poorly maintained or disorganized space can lead to a sense of neglect, impacting the users' mindset and behavior. 🛠️🎨 As architects or designers, understanding this psychological impact well gives us the power to transform this narrative. We're not just building spaces; we're crafting experiences. A well-designed, orderly space can promote a sense of well-being and encourage positive behaviors. This doesn't just apply to public buildings or offices; it's equally relevant in residential design. By paying attention to details, maintaining the integrity of design elements, and ensuring spaces are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and well-maintained, we contribute to creating environments that positively influence the occupants' behaviors and attitudes. We're setting the stage for positivity and inspiration, because our designs are not just physical structures but also catalysts for behavior and interaction. Every conscious design choice, big or small, contributes to the way we feel and interact in a space. Have you ever experienced the impact of design on your behavior? Share your experiences! #architecture #design #products #research #housing #privatehousing #interiordesign #brokenwindowstheory #designpsychology

What does your living room say about you? 🏠✨ This question isn't just about decor, it's a window into your personality. In my work as an architect and interior designer, I continuously observe that the desire for specific solutions of home design subtly reveals aspects of one’s lifestyle and personality. A preference for minimalism might suggest a value for functionality and simplicity, while a maximalist approach could indicate a love for richness in experiences and a penchant for personal storytelling. As a designer, my goal is to explore these characteristics in order to create a space that's not just visually appealing but deeply personal. 🔬 A Closer Look at Balance The key to a well-designed home lies in balance. It involves integrating a simplistic approach to establish order and spaciousness, then complementing it with textures, materials and decorating elements which infuse character and energy. This is where functionality meets personal expression. 🧩 Sociological Implications Sociologically, these design choices can be influenced by cultural trends, personal experiences, and even socio-economic factors. The living room, as a central space in the home, becomes a manifestation of these influences, displaying how one assimilates and expresses them in their daily lives. Think about the elements in your living room.  How do these design choices align with your personality and lifestyle? #architecture #design #products #research #housing #privatehousing #interiordesign #minimalism #maximalism #minimalismvsmaximalism

Just celebrated my birthday! 🎉 And guess what? I got more than just cake! My great friend Chris gifted me 'KUMA' — a stunning TASCHEN album, edited by Philip Jodidio, that peeks into the mind of a master architect Kengo Kuma. But this isn't just about the gift though; it's about a recent revelation in luxury and design you should know about. Remember KENGO KUMA & ASSOCIATES first US residential tower in Miami? That was just a teaser. 🌟 Enter Aman. Yes, the Aman. At last week's Design Miami/, Aman announced the launch of Aman Interiors. This is a bold step into the realm of bespoke furniture designs, limited-edition architect collaborations and interior design services. 🌟 The star of the show? Kengo Kuma with his inaugural designs — The Migumi Collection. It includes a table and an armchair, each embodying the elegance and contextual sensitivity synonymous with both Aman and Kuma's philosophy. As we witness these exciting developments, it’s clear that Aman is doing much more than just broadening its portfolio. They are enhancing their brand presence, enabling people to seamlessly incorporate aspects of the luxurious resort experience into the very core of their personal home environments. Because it's not just about spaces; it's about experiences, stories, life. #architecture #design #products #research #housing #privatehousing #interiordesign  #AMAN #hospitality #hotel

Fun Fact — did you know that the average person makes over 35,000 decisions daily? And if you're a designer, I bet you can double that number! 🤯 In the world of design, every decision counts, and one critical choice revolves around the age-old debate of minimalism versus maximalism. But is it really a choice between two extremes, or can they coexist? Navigating these design philosophies is an art in itself. Minimalism, known for its sleek elegance, now meets the vibrant self-expression of maximalism. While minimalism once offered a retreat to tranquility, today, maximalism takes the stage, celebrating vibrancy and self-expression. But beyond trends, design has always been a mirror to society. Crafting a visual composition involves more than picking sides. It's about seamlessly blending minimalism's clean lines with maximalism's bold statements, creating a harmonious fusion that resonates with your personal visual language. In the world of design, minimalism and maximalism aren't rivals — they are dance partners. Together, they create a captivating interplay, elevating the visual narrative to new heights. How do you strike the perfect balance in your own design journey? #architecture #design #products #research #housing #privatehousing #interiordesign #minimalism #maximalism #minimalismvsmaximalism

For all the lovers of minimalist design, here's something that will definitely get your attention. 🙌🏼✨ In the world of minimalism, the art lies in eliminating the unnecessary. In the realm of minimalist interior design, this philosophy is a constant directive. The pursuit? Seamlessly aligning the visual aesthetics of materials, to diminish any visual dissonance. Perfectly detailing conceal doors so they become one with the walls. Or making kitchen appliances vanish from view. But you don’t have to be a strict minimalist to admire those solutions. You might just want make some element, you don’t necessarily like, “disappear”. 🌚 For that you should check the latest sensation from Gaggenau – The Essential Induction. It's not just a kitchen appliance; it's an essence of simplicity. "Nothing but a dot, a surface, control knob" they say. This innovation combines a cooktop and worktop into one singular architectural element. A single surface cooktop integrated within Dekton ultracompact stone crafted by COSENTINO. This is pretty impressive, don't you think? 💫 #architecture #design #products #research #housing #privatehousing #interiordesign #gaggenau #cosentino #dekton

Everyone has different notion of comfort. Have you found yours? Or do you know how to identify what comfort is to your client? In my recent exploration of comfort science, I uncovered the impact of comfortable environments on our well-being. Today, let's go deeper: 🛋️ Comfortable Living — Creating a personalised notion of comfort in architectural design. 🛋️ This guide is a condense read, filled with insights on identifying personal sense of comfort. 🏡For Home Enthusiasts: A roadmap for future redesigns. 👷For Designers: Strategies to identify clients' comfort notions. Key Topics: ➖ Comfort Zones ➖ Sensory Design ➖ Cross-Cultural Synthesis ➖ Personal Narratives  ➖ Emotional Ergonomics ➖ Aesthetics and Functionality The goal is to create spaces that go beyond the physical and contribute to emotional well-being. Join the conversation, share your thoughts, and follow along for more insights into the science of architecture and design! The guide includes examples of beautiful projects by great designers, including works from note (design studio), Jonathan Tuckey Design, Architecture architecture, Krupinski/Krupinska Arkitekter, Norm Architects and Keiji Ashizawa. #architecture #design #products #research #private #housing #socialstudies #interior #interiordesign #comfortable #living #comfort #home #homedesign