The two cottages are located near the Polish-Czech-Slovak border in the village of Istebna. Nestled on the slopes of the Silesian Beskids—a picturesque mountain range known for its lush forests, rolling hills, and charming valleys—Istebna offers an idyllic retreat, making it the perfect destination for a weekend getaway from cities like Katowice and Krakow. Simple yet refined in design, the two-storey, timber-clad cabins reflect the vernacular architecture of the region, harmoniously blending into the natural landscape. Although the cottages share the same compact yet functional layout, their interiors tell distinct stories, each inspired by a unique material palette that also provided the inspiration for their names: Stone and Terracotta.

The Stone cottage exudes an understated elegance anchored by a soulful palette of natural materials. A dark graphite floor, composed of large-format tiles mimicking the veins of black Calacatta marble grounds the scheme, while the walls, a tactile interplay of raw concrete and clay plaster infused with straw chaff, add texture and depth. The use of plywood in both the ceiling and staircase balustrade enhances the organic aesthetic, softening the overall scheme and lending warmth to the minimalist interior.

A focal point of the open-plan living area is the oval dining table, a vintage design reminiscent of Rainer Daumiller's iconic pieces, paired with an eclectic collection of woven-seat chairs, most of which were sourced second-hand. Complementing the dining area is a Danish armchair from the 1970s, originally part of a modular sofa, which has been reimagined as a cosy reading nook.

In contrast, the Terracotta cottage takes a bolder approach, celebrating the earthy warmth of its namesake hue, from the ceramic floor tiles that dominate the living area to the corduroy-upholstered armchair and sofa, all the way through to the tiles in the bathrooms. The furniture palette also leans into darker tones, with a walnut dining table and a mahogany chest of drawers in the living room setting the tone. These are paired with vintage chairs featuring sculpted backs and stools adorned with traditional highland motifs, highlighting the local craftsmanship, as well as the standout decorative wall of traditional stove tiles, sourced from a Ukrainian artisan workshop, adding a historical layer whilst creating a visual connection to the cottage’s mountain setting.

Both cottages house treasure troves of vintage furniture and décor, sourced from a mix of online marketplaces, vintage dealers, and local artisans. Pieces such as the Italian travertine coffee table and Norwegian chrome armchair underscore the global influences woven into the design, while items with Czechoslovakian roots pay homage to the regional context. Lighting fixtures, from retro sconces to mid-century lamps, enhance the nostalgic charm of the interiors, while ceramics and glassware offer a tactile type of beauty.

With very detail serving to enhance the lived-in quality of the spaces, Mistovia’s thoughtful fusion of rustic simplicity with modern sophistication makes for a truly elegant refuge where mindful, inspirational interiors perfectly set the tone for guests to unwind and reconnect with nature.