Modern Countryside in Good Style - about light, space, and details that create the atmosphere - an interview with architect Dominika Baran of Bright Home

More and more Poles are dreaming of homes where everyday life flows more slowly, and interiors radiate peace and warmth. The modern farmhouse style blends the simplicity of rural living with contemporary elegance. Bright colors, abundant natural light, organic materials, and meaningful details - when melded by a skilled architect - transform into a harmonious living space.

In this interview, Dominika Baran (founder of Bright Home studio and designer of many homes and commercial spaces where design and functionality go hand in hand) shares her insights on designing interiors inspired by farmhouse aesthetics, and how decorative radiators can become integral to the décor

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Finding the Right Balance Between Tradition and Modernity

Paulina: How do you achieve a balance between traditional rural architecture and modern design?

Dominika Baran: It starts with understanding the place’s history and context. I incorporate regional features and natural materials while adding modern amenities. The investors’ vision guides how much rustic or classical detail blends with contemporary forms. I always ask homeowners how immersed they want their interior to be in countryside ambiance versus modern minimalism—creating spaces that are uniquely theirs.

Why the Farmhouse Style Resonates Worldwide

Paulina: Is the farmhouse aesthetic becoming increasingly popular worldwide?

Dominika Baran: Definitely. As many people reconnect with their roots and childhood memories, they seek homes filled with warmth and coziness. The modern farmhouse style suits contemporary families who want adaptable spaces for living, working, and relaxing. It fits well with our cultural values—emphasizing tradition, family, hospitality, and a love of nature. 

Thinking Long-Term: Durability in Design

Paulina: Are clients steering toward timeless, future-proof designs? How does that affect material choices and layouts?

Dominika Baran: Yes - especially among young couples. They appreciate natural materials that age gracefully and can be renewed. They prefer quality over quantity, focusing on timeless solutions - colors, shapes, and forms that remain charming regardless of fleeting trends. 

The Impact of Thoughtful Details in Farmhouse Interiors

Paulina: Beyond furniture and lighting, which elements define a farmhouse-style space?

Dominika Baran: Classic hallmarks include wooden finishes, stone or brick cladding, natural textiles like cotton, linen, and jute, and everyday functional décor such as wooden cutting boards, antique scales, or woven baskets—each with a story. Other signature touches include farmhouse sinks, decorative range hoods, fireplaces with mantels, exposed beams, shiplap or board-and-batten paneling, shuttered cabinetry, mullioned doors and windows, sliding barn doors, retro radiators, and vintage-style washbasins and faucets. These details give the space soul. 

 

 

 

Bathroom arranged in farmhouse style with a Terma - M01 decorative radiator

Balancing Aesthetics with Practical Comfort

Paulina: How do you merge functionality with the cozy farmhouse aesthetic?

Dominika Baran: The heart of the home is a spacious, well-lit open area-kitchen, dining, and living room merged to foster comfort and security. Elements like a kitchen island, large farmhouse sink, double built-in fridge, fireplace, big dining table, and clear separation of living and private zones reinforce both beauty and utility.

Decorative Radiators as Key Design Features

Paulina: How do you choose radiators that complement a bright, rustic-modern interior?

Dominika Baran: I look for models with timeless form-either retro-styled for classic character or minimalistic for a contemporary feel.

Check our radiator models

Heating Strategy in Open-Plan Homes

Paulina: What challenges and solutions arise regarding radiator placement in open rural homes?

Dominika Baran: Open layouts offer design flexibility, but heating must be carefully planned. Many clients opt for full underfloor heating-aesthetic minimalism prevails, with radiators mostly reserved for bathrooms.

Colors and Radiators: Matching or Highlighting?

Paulina: In the farmhouse palette of white, beige, and wood, do radiators blend or stand out?

Dominika Baran: I choose neutral or metallic finishes-white, beige, anthracite, black, chrome, brass. Sometimes I match the dominant shade, other times I create a dynamic contrast like brushed brass against off-white walls. Radiators should harmonize with the décor.

See our color chart and choose the perfect shade for your radiator!

Modern Heating That Preserves Aesthetic Integrity

Paulina: Which modern heating solutions do you recommend that preserve the natural style of the home?

Dominika Baran: I often suggest slim, decorative, or retro-looking radiators-available in hydronic, electric, or hybrid forms. Electric versions with temperature control and scheduling add comfort, energy efficiency, and consistent style - ideal for bathrooms.

Unusual Radiator Forms for Design Impact

Paulina: Do you ever use non-standard radiator forms-e.g. vertical, openwork, or colorful-in your farmhouse projects?

Dominika Baran: Occasionally, especially to fill large walls in expansive bathrooms - horizontal ladder models are useful for towel drying. Market availability of classic horizontal models remains somewhat limited. 

Creating an American Movie-Style Home in Polish Conditions

Paulina: Some investors love the idea of homes like in American movies—how do you make that both beautiful and practical in Poland?

Dominika Baran: I focus on practical, yet aesthetically pleasing solutions. Thoughtful selection of materials, colors, patterns, and textures can evoke the cinematic look while fitting local realities. I favor flooring with “busy” textures - clean finishes show every mark, whereas textured ones disguise wear better.

The “Little Black Dress” Radiator

Paulina: Which radiator model is your go-to for elegance and versatility?

Dominika Baran: It’s the “Retro model”. I often use it because it works beautifully in any finish - white, chrome, brass, or metallic - making it a universally elegant choice.

Interview with architect Dominika Baran, Bright Home