A modern dining area featuring a round wooden table, eclectic chairs, a vase of flowers, and a wooden staircase in a warm-toned space.

Mistovia Studio Injects Two Cabins in the Polish Countryside with Modernist Nostalgia

Words by Yatzer

Istebna, Poland

Polish interior design studio Mistovia has a reputation for transforming small apartments into convivial dwellings characterised by a sense of retro-modern sophistication, contrasting patterns and vivid colours. For this project, the design of two holiday cottages in the Polish countryside, the studio eschewed their trademark bold compositions, opting instead for a more subdued approach that complements the property’s architecture—a harmonious fusion of vernacular elements and contemporary aesthetics, courtesy of architect Justyna Boduch—and the surrounding rural scenery. In doing so, the designers have imbued the interiors with their signature aesthetic of eclectic elegance and modernist nostalgia, combining a rich tapestry of textures with a carefully curated mix of traditional, vintage, and modern furnishings to bring the spaces to life.

A wooden deck with a railing overlooks dense green forests and hills in warm evening light, creating a serene natural landscape.

Photography by ONI Studio.

A modern wooden house with a dark roof set against a green valley, featuring a wooden deck and scenic mountainous backdrop.

Photography by ONI Studio.

Eclectic interior featuring a brown sofa, decorative pillows, a marble hexagonal table, and a warm light fixture by the window.

Photography by ONI Studio.

Stylish interior with a cozy orange chair, a marble table, and a scenic view of rolling hills and trees through large glass doors.

Photography by ONI Studio.

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 namesStone and Terracotta.

A wooden bench sits beside a modern wooden wall, with a window displaying a vase of flowers against a sunset backdrop.

Photography by ONI Studio.

A dog stands behind a cushioned stool, gazing through a large window showcasing a lush, green mountainous landscape.

Photography by ONI Studio.

Modern kitchen featuring a marble countertop, stainless steel appliances, and a cozy seating area with a textured couch and wooden chair.

Photography by ONI Studio.

Cozy interior featuring a textured gray sofa, wooden coffee table with a decorative plate, and a view through the window framed by plants.

Photography by ONI Studio.

  • A cozy living space featuring a textured beige sofa, a wooden coffee table with a decorative plate, and a vase of green flowers.

    Photography by ONI Studio.

  • A modern kitchen features a polished granite countertop, a decorative blue and clear vase on the window sill, and minimalist shelves.

    Photography by ONI Studio.

  • A cozy interior corner showcasing a wall sconce with two candle bulbs, warm hues, and soft linen curtains against a light wood ceiling.

    Photography by ONI Studio.

  • Modern kitchen shelf with colorful cups, a juicer, and spice jars above a sleek marble countertop and white electrical outlets.

    Photography by ONI Studio.

Cozy dining area with a round wooden table, a pendant lamp, and stylish chairs, featuring a blend of wood and concrete textures.

Photography by ONI Studio.

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.

A colorful ceramic vase rests on an intricately designed wooden side table, beside a wooden chair and textured wall.

Photography by ONI Studio.

A cozy, modern living space featuring a mix of wooden furniture, stylish chairs, and a marble floor, with an inviting atmosphere.

Photography by ONI Studio.

A modern lounge featuring a textured armchair, circular wooden table, and a wooden staircase against a concrete wall and dark marble floor.

Photography by ONI Studio.

A modern wooden staircase with a sleek design, featuring a light wood finish against a concrete wall and dark marbled floor.

Photography by ONI Studio.

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.

Modern interior featuring a round wooden dining table, eclectic chairs, a marble coffee table, and a cozy orange recliner.

Photography by ONI Studio.

A modern kitchen corner features a stainless steel sink, a textured gold cabinet, and intricate white tile backsplash.

Photography by ONI Studio.

A modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a round wooden table, and eclectic chairs, featuring artistic tiles and pendant lighting.

Photography by ONI Studio.

  • A close-up of a stylish kitchen corner featuring textured glass shelving above a granite countertop and intricate white patterned tiles.

    Photography by ONI Studio.

  • Close-up of a textured amber glass object beside a white, embossed flower-patterned wall tile, creating a vintage aesthetic.

    Photography by ONI Studio.

  • Close-up of a wooden chair leg with a decorative upholstered seat, beside a round table in a warmly lit room.

    Photography by ONI Studio.

A close-up of a staircase where a geometric shadow casts on a smooth, light-colored wall, complemented by warm wood textures.

Photography by ONI Studio.

A modern dining area featuring a round wooden table, diverse chairs, a pendant light, and a vase of flowers accenting the space.

Photography by ONI Studio.

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.

  • Cozy corner featuring a textured orange chair beside a staircase, with warm wood elements and soft lighting enhancing the ambiance.

    Photography by ONI Studio.

  • A modern wooden table with an open book, a red lamp, a red candle, and a green pouf in a cozy, elegantly decorated room.

    Photography by ONI Studio.

Cozy bedroom featuring a plush bed with white linens, wooden sloped ceiling, and minimalistic nightstands with modern lamps.

Photography by ONI Studio.

A sleek bathroom counter with a granite surface, steel cabinets, elegant flower vase, and skincare products arranged aesthetically.

Photography by ONI Studio.

Modern bathroom featuring a sleek granite countertop, circular mirror, metallic cabinetry, and a vase of flowers for decor.

Photography by ONI Studio.

  • Modern bathroom featuring a sleek stainless steel vanity, granite countertop, oval mirror, and soft neutral walls, illuminated by natural light.

    Photography by ONI Studio.

  • Modern bathroom with a minimalist wooden vanity, white vessel sink, a mirror, and stylish accessories, under a sloped ceiling.

    Photography by ONI Studio.

  • A modern bathroom with a granite countertop, a circular white basin, stylish mirror, and decorative items. Soft lighting enhances the minimalist design.

    Photography by ONI Studio.