Joanna Jabłczyńska: Transformation of a 100-year-old house
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After buying the house, the next stage began – the renovation. It offered the opportunity to discover hidden treasures – original elements that gave the place its unique character. The brick wall, the wooden floors, and the tiled stove became not only valuable items to preserve but also an inspiration for a modern design, combining tradition with contemporary style.
In a conversation with Blum Inspirations team, Joanna shared about her new life, the challenges of renovation, and the extraordinary kitchen that has become the heart of her 100-year-old home.
From the big city to the countryside
For many years, Warsaw was the center of Joanna’s professional and private life. Yet, as she admits, she has always felt a deep connection to nature.
“I was always a scout, spending entire summers in the forest, running barefoot on the grass. I had been looking at this house online for a long time. When I finally came here in person, I felt that this was my place on earth. I made the decision against reason and other people’s opinions,” Joanna recalls.
The pandemic and the war in Ukraine proved to be turning points. Joanna offered her Warsaw apartment to those in need and moved permanently to her house on the edge of the forest.
“Moving to the countryside was one of the best decisions of my life. Only when I slowed down my pace of life could I really find myself. It’s challenging after years of living at full speed, but I knew that this is exactly what I needed.”
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A kitchen combining rustic charm with modern functionality – wooden accents, ambient lighting, and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Surprises in a century-old house
Renovating a house that is over a hundred years old turned out to be full of challenges.
“During the renovation, we discovered two cellars, a bat nest, and even a missing supporting beam above the terrace doors. Every work stage brought a surprise. But that’s exactly what makes this house so special,” Joanna says.
Her romantic nature meant that the renovation took longer – because if you’re already renewing the roof, why not add a porch with stained-glass windows? And if old stairs were found, why not paint them the blue of her dreams?
In a 100-year-old house, a kitchen for 100 years
For Joanna, the kitchen has always been the most important space. No matter where she lived, it was the place where she spent the most time – cooking and talking with her loved ones.
“My previous kitchen was not very functional and full of makeshift solutions. Now I have a space that is both functional and beautiful. The kitchen is the heart of the house – the place where life happens.”
A carpenter who helped with the project recommended Blum solutions, which made the kitchen not only visually appealing but also practical and durable.
“What convinced me most the quarantee for a whole kitchen life. In a 100-year-old house, I wanted a kitchen that would last another 100 years,” Joanna says with a smile.
Modernity hidden within tradition
Although Joanna’s house retained its historic character, the kitchen now incorporates modern solutions. LEGRABOX drawers allow her to store heavy supplies, the SPACE TOWER system provides convenient access to products, and SERVO-DRIVE enables hands-free opening of drawers.
“That’s a huge help when my hands are dirty from cooking. I just touch the drawer with my knee, and it opens by itself,” Joanna explains.
The most impressive feature, however, is the REVEGO system, which allows her to hide the coffee machine, kitchen robot, and other appliances. This keeps the kitchen tidy and aesthetically pleasing, even when guests are visiting.
“Blum solutions are like invisible helpers. They don’t stand out, but they make everyday life much easier.”
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LEGRABOX drawer with AMBIA-LINE inner organization – order and functionality at their best.
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LEGRABOX drawer in matte anthracite finish
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AVENTOS HK top – front lifted upwards, offering convenient access to the entire cabinet.
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SPACE TOWER – the perfect pantry cabinet with pull-out drawers, where every product has its place and is always within reach.
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SPACE TOWER – maximum convenience with access to stored items from three sides.
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REVEGO uno – a single pocket door system that reveals or conceals the entire work space with one smooth motion.
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REVEGO uno – a flexible solution combining elegant cabinetry with complete freedom of use.
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AVENTOS HL top with tray drawer
Life in the slow lane
In hindsight, Joanna recognizes how much moving to the countryside has changed her life. The calm and space of her new home place allow her to plan each day better, and the balance between work and rest has become a natural part of her life. “Slow life” has become not only a philosophy but also a lifestyle, reflected in the arrangement of her home.
Asked for advice for those considering a similar move, Joanna smiles:
“Multiply your budget, time, and patience by three. But also be ready for adventure. Every detail can hide a story – for example, I accidentally discovered an old cellar, which now serves as my pantry. It’s those surprises that make a house truly alive.”
On a daily basis, Joanna enjoys simple pleasures – fresh eggs from her own chickens, breakfasts surrounded by greenery, and the calm she once missed in the city.
Watch the full video showcasing Joanna's home and kitchen, along with Blum solutions.
A new chapter
Joanna Jabłczyńska proves that moving to the countryside does not mean the end of a career or social life, but rather the beginning of a new, more mindful stage. Her 100-year-old house is a blend of tradition and modernity – and the kitchen has become the heart that beats with life every day.
In the end, one question remains: could something that seems like a risky decision to many actually be the fulfillment of a dream of a true, long-awaited home?
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Quick Interview Summary:
A new life in the countryside: Joanna decided to move from Warsaw to a 100-year-old house on the edge of a forest, fulfilling her dream of a peaceful life close to nature.
Renovation with soul: During the renovation, she discovered hidden treasures – brick walls, wooden floors, and a tiled stove – which inspired a blend of tradition and modern design.
The kitchen as the heart of the home: Thanks to Blum solutions like LEGRABOX, SPACE TOWER, REVEGO, and SERVO-DRIVE, the kitchen became functional, aesthetically pleasing, and ready for everyday challenges, while maintaining a cozy, family character.
Slow life philosophy: The calm and space of her new home allow Joanna to plan each day better, and the balance between work and rest has become a natural part of her daily life.
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