The interior redesign of the Ibis Styles Katowice Airport hotel, completed by AKA Studio, takes as its starting point Frank Sinatra’s timeless classic Fly Me to the Moon. The concept explores the idea of cosmic travel, boundless dreams, and freedom — themes that form the core narrative of the entire project. This sense of discovery and imagination greets guests the moment they enter the hotel.
Located next to the rapidly developing Katowice Airport, which mainly serves charter flights, the hotel naturally becomes a gateway to vacation and leisure. After years of use, the investor decided to introduce a second hotel brand, leading to the construction of an entirely new guestroom wing and a complete transformation of the existing common areas. “This project was particularly interesting for us because the existing ground floor layout required a total reorganization — it no longer met the expectations of modern guests. It is rare during renovations to have the opportunity to redefine the quality of interior space so completely, and here we achieved that, for example by moving the reception desk away from the main entrance,” says architect Agata Łapuchowska, co-founder of AKA Studio.
New functional layout
As part of the project, AKA Studio carried out a comprehensive redesign of the hotel’s functional plan, ensuring better spatial coherence and improved usability. The reception counter was moved deeper into the room and integrated with the bar structure, while the former reception area was transformed into a spacious entrance lobby. This solution streamlined guest service and allowed for smoother operation of the public areas.
Previously underused rooms were combined into one large, open breakfast area with a flexible layout — perfect both for dining and for hosting meetings or small events. The new layout also includes modern conference rooms, a gym, and a safely separated playroom for children. Behind the conference section, a new hotel wing was built, designed by AKA Studio, significantly raising the overall standard of the property.
New design language
AKA Studio also convinced the investor to embrace a bold, darker color palette, a cosmic theme, and richer material combinations expressing a sense of warm elegance. “We built the new aesthetic narrative around the motifs of outer space, celestial bodies, space stations, and futuristic journeys. The interiors feature deep tones of navy, blue, and silver reminiscent of the night sky and the surface of the Moon, while warm metallic details enhance the futuristic character of the space. Glass, wood, and metal create a harmonious balance between modernity and comfort, inviting relaxation. There are subtle references to the 1960s Space Age style, enriched with a touch of romanticism and contemporary sophistication,” says architect Przemek Maksym of AKA Studio.
Details that shape identity
The interiors play with carefully orchestrated color, texture, and light. Transparent fabrics in shades of blue and violet evoke the image of a starry sky, while copper-tinted mirrored columns shimmer like panels of a space station. Deep navy tones contrast with accents of orange and red, symbolizing the energy of stars and the emotions tied to the dream of travel. Natural wood and grey stone balance the cosmic aesthetic, adding a sense of earthiness and calm, while ribbed black tiles introduce a subtle technological note.
Together, these elements create a distinctive, sensory experience that lingers in memory. “We also designed a series of custom-made furnishings that define the hotel’s identity — from bespoke poufs and furniture upholstered in fabrics echoing the celestial theme, to a fluted mirror that reflects shifting colors throughout the day like a distant planet. Noteworthy are also the personalized door markings and built-in furniture crafted by local artisans, with details precisely tailored to the overall aesthetic,” says architect Karolina Kowalik, co-founder of AKA Studio.
Many of the proposed elements were based on an in-depth analysis of user needs. “The result is a coherent, emotional, and functional space that not only enhances guest comfort but also sets the mood for their journey ahead. We hope that a stay at this hotel becomes a pleasant beginning to every trip,” concludes architect Agata Łapuchowska, co-founder of AKA Studio.
Project details:
Design team: Agata Łapuchowska, Karolina Kowalik, Przemysław Maksym, Michalina Musielak-Paś, Alicja Majszak, Magdalena Chrzanowska
Area: 2830 m²
Completion: 2025
Location: Katowice International Airport (Pyrzowice)
Photography: Mood Authors
www.studioaka.pl
