What a precious and unique occurrence it is when two people meet and fall in love. They discover each other’s weaknesses, strengths, interests, and beliefs, and in that process, they fall for one another. Some are lucky enough to love and be loved in a healthy, fulfilling way. And the luckiest find a partner who supports, listens to them, and wants to share the journey of life.
Now imagine finding that one person with whom you can not only share life but also your purpose in it—reaching the purest form of mutual understanding. Maria and Aleksander Oniszh know this feeling well and call it their reality. “We both studied architecture, so we understand and complement each other perfectly,” Maria explains. She, an architect, and Aleksander, a designer and woodworker, share a common passion for design: “We are our own first reviewers; we often discuss our work and go over details together.”
By sharing ideas and projects, their work influences one another’s: “Aleksander is more artistic than I am, so since we live and work together, I am more open and see beauty in imperfection,” says Maria. In turn, she brings enthusiasm to Aleksander’s studio by being part of the process: “when he gives life to a new piece of furniture, I am always involved.”
This mutual influence is reflected not only in their work but also in their new home. “Our house was conceived as a combination of two worlds—a carpentry workshop and a living space—situated on two levels connected by a staircase lit by natural light,” says Maria. The workshop, designed by Aleksander, is marked by precision and functionality: “each machine has its place.” The living area, created by Maria, is ascetic, simple, functional, and logical: “like an art gallery, it serves as a backdrop for the objects and furniture that will fill it.”
In this sense, time becomes an essential component to their conception of design: “To fill a space with objects, you need to know it as well as your own needs, which may change over time”, she underlines. “For me as an architect, design is a process that must take into account changes over time”. Time is also inherent in Aleksander’s furniture: “it is a material record of the moment in which he experienced a given emotion”. Simplicity, honesty and consequence are embodied in the couple’s new space. Expressed through their light form of kitchen furniture, their industrial concrete floor or their coffee table made of ceramic blocks, the home is just like the owners: “We don’t pretend anything, we are ourselves”.
Located in the forest, nature becomes a core presence in the interior of the house. “Aleksander’s workshop is partially hidden underground, but, on the other side, it is illuminated by horizontal windows that are at ground level”. The illuminated staircase leads to the living area, where the windows and views of the forest have been carefully thought out. “The main entrance, situated between these two levels, gives freedom to decide where you want to go: to the studio to see pieces in the making, or finished ones upstairs”.
Inspired by each other, Maria and Aleksander also find inspiration in the surroundings of the house. “The sun shines through the pines, an endemic species very characteristic of this region of Europe, as well as our inspiration”, she describes, “They made us decide to build our house here”. After many years of living in the city, the couple decided to swap the noise and the constant traffic for the slow pace of the natural world: “Aleksander finds inspiration in nature, I take a break from the overstimulation of the city”.
Maria and Aleksander have created their own custom-made oasis in the middle of the lush forest, a 30-minute drive away from Warsaw, that embraces their love, for design and for each other. Crafted with a thoughtful, coherent and harmonious approach, their home and studio are a true representation of their shared values, as well as of their shared joys. Closer to nature than ever, but also more appreciative of the city’s daily life activities, the Oniszh’s new home celebrates design, imperfection and authenticity in the most sincere form.
