INTERIOR OF THE WEEK: A Californian dream in Warsaw's Wola district - colors, details and plenty of film inspiration

Rental apartments are increasingly becoming spaces for unconventional ideas. This was no exception – a Warsaw apartment in a modern building became a vehicle to the past, frozen in the golden decades of the 20th century. The project, tellingly titled "Palm Springs," transports us to the world of the American 1950s and 1960s – the era of martinis, Cadillacs, and endless sunshine. Although there are no palm trees outside, the light, colors, and bold interior design solutions create the aura of a Californian dream.

"It was meant to be like something out of a movie," explains architect Joanna Grotkowska of Deer Design. "A bit like Doris Day had just emerged from the kitchen, and Tony Curtis was waiting on the sofa with a drink. And it worked. The result? An interior that's not only functional, but above all aesthetically captivating—summer, energizing, and with a wink."

Apartment for rent in Warsaw's Wola district in retro Palm Springs colors / press materials, project Deer Design, photo: Zagórny Studio

The apartment, measuring just under 43 square meters, surprises from the moment you walk in. It deliberately breaks with contemporary conventions, welcoming you with pastels, graphics, and details straight from the set of "Catch Me If You Can" or "Suburbicon." Designers Joanna Grotkowska (Deer Design) and Anna Garbacz (Deer Wood) have boldly combined Californian modernism with a homely warmth and a touch of humor.

"We wanted to evoke the atmosphere of the US West Coast," says Anna Garbacz. "It was supposed to be light, colorful, and inspiring. Stylized appliances, pastel-colored fronts, and subtle moldings are just some of the elements that helped create this world."

Apartment for rent in Warsaw's Wola district in retro Palm Springs colors / press materials, project Deer Design, photo: Zagórny Studio

Nothing is accidental here: the black and white checkerboard floor brings to mind American milk bars, the mint green of the kitchen fronts alludes to the iconic palette of cars from the era, and the upholstered panel in the bedroom – a decorative “fence” – evokes memories of American suburbs from postcards.

Apartment for rent in Warsaw's Wola district in retro Palm Springs colors / press materials, project Deer Design, photo: Zagórny Studio

Although the interior layout remains consistent with the developer's design, the interior design exudes freshness and creativity. The built-in furniture – from the kitchen to the bathroom and bedroom – was designed from scratch to fully reflect a coherent aesthetic vision.

However, it's not functionality, but form that sets the tone for this space. Pastel, semi-matte fronts became a canvas for further color experiments. Against this backdrop, Deer Wood furniture resembles a film set, not typical home furnishings.

In the open-plan living space, a wall painted in a gradient of colors —from juicy orange, through peach, to subtle pink—draws particular attention, reminiscent of a California sunset . It's not just a backdrop, but a visual statement. Importantly, this effect wasn't created using pre-made wallpaper or prints—it was handcrafted using various shades of paint, giving the wall a unique character and emphasizing the artistic dimension of the entire project.

"The gradient wall was an experiment, but also a dream come true," explains Joanna Grotkowska. "We wanted to create something like a real-life Instagram filter—a space that, just by its color, puts you in a good mood."

Apartment for rent in Warsaw's Wola district in retro Palm Springs colors / press materials, project Deer Design, photo: Zagórny Studio

This is a true design gem – small, yet refined in every detail. Mint fronts, a black and white checkerboard pattern, a compact white countertop, and a stylized hood create a harmonious composition that balances retro and modern. Functionality goes hand in hand with aesthetics: Blum systems, hidden cargo, and work surfaces that withstand the rigors of everyday use.

The furniture was designed and crafted to order, with care and without compromise. Lacquered fronts, period colors, and meticulous detailing make this kitchen look like it could have appeared in the pages of the American magazine "Better Homes and Gardens" in 1963.

Apartment for rent in Warsaw's Wola district in retro Palm Springs colors / press materials, project Deer Design, photo: Zagórny Studio

Although the apartment is intended for rent, it offers a range of amenities. Ducted air conditioning hidden in the suspended ceiling, clever storage compartments, and practical solutions that simplify daily life make this space both comfortable and well-thought-out.

"In the bedroom built-in wardrobe, we designed drawers under the TV—perfect for books, documents, and personal items. The idea was to make the apartment both visually appealing and practical," emphasizes Anna Garbacz.

Apartment for rent in Warsaw's Wola district in retro Palm Springs colors / press materials, project Deer Design, photo: Zagórny Studio

California Dream

The bedroom is a true oasis of peace. Its focal point is an upholstered panel shaped like a garden fence – unusual, yet absolutely cohesive in this arrangement. Warm colors, soft lines, and tactile fabrics – all combine to create an atmosphere of sentimental coziness.

The wall lamps positioned on either side of the bed are also noteworthy. They not only provide additional lighting for the space, but their modern fixtures also serve as an original decoration for the delicately shaded wall. Such a decoration looks different during the day and at dusk, when light joins the aesthetic composition.

Apartment for rent in Warsaw's Wola district in retro Palm Springs colors / press materials, project Deer Design, photo: Zagórny Studio

Bathroom like a Route 66 motel

Despite its compact size, the space remains comfortable and visually airy. Three colors of square wall tiles are used on the walls, contrasting interestingly with the black and white checkerboard flooring. Black also appears on the countertop under the sink, on the washing machine, and in the details – the shower enclosure profiles, the faucet, the toilet flush button, the door handle, and the furniture pull.

Another composition that can be noticed here is the juxtaposition of straight lines with rounded shapes – mirror, sink, and toilet bowl. Also worth noting is the orange front of the suspended vanity unit, which comes to the foreground without dominating the background so much as to overshadow it.

Apartment for rent in Warsaw's Wola district in retro Palm Springs colors / press materials, project Deer Design, photo: Zagórny Studio

Polaroid interior

The project was developed in collaboration with the investor – also an architect – which allowed for quick decisions and a coherent vision. The result is an interior that is consistent, bold, yet light and joyful.

"I'm most excited about the kitchen—it's the icing on the cake. Stylish on the one hand, modern on the other. And it blends beautifully with the rest of the space," concludes Anna Garbacz.

"Palm Springs" is a state of mind—the idea that guides the entire concept. This apartment is like a Polaroid photo—a little retro, a little fairytale, and above all, unpretentious. You'll love it for its pastel palette, its bold combinations, and its stylized appliances. But above all, it makes you want to simply live there—with a smile and a lemonade in hand.

MORE PHOTOS FROM THE PROJECT CAN BE FOUND IN THE GALLERY.