In Kyiv, Ukraine, local architecture and design studio YODEZEEN has crafted a grandiose statement replete with rich textures, fine detailing, and an underlying air of luxury, through the interior scheme of an apartment unit within a high-rise building designed by reputed Ukrainian architect Sergey Babushkin. The building itself is located on Hrushevsky Street, in the centre of the national capital, with its assemblage of administrative buildings - including the country’s unicameral legislature, the Verkhovna Rada, as well as other operating ministries. It also borders a nearby green zone in Mariinsky Park, and is said to be among the first such high-rise structures to crop up along its periphery. Paying heed to this context, the studio envisioned a sumptuous medley of bespoke furniture, delicate stone, and innovative design elements.

The design team at YODEZEEN shares, “Our client was a young man who owns a spacious residential unit in the city centre and works as a culturologist. In addition, he is also well versed in architecture and knew that our tastes coincided with his because he had thoroughly studied the studio's portfolio before contacting us.” They add, “When we first met to discuss the project, we quickly decided on a light architectural interior that would include a plurality of unique pieces.” Initially, the designers sought to visually expand the 343 sqm unit by dismantling walls, to allow light to penetrate the interior more readily through the apartment’s panoramic fifth-floor windows. Enlisting the aid of muted, earthy tones, monochrome finishes, and metallic accents YODEZEEN aimed to make the reaction of these textures to natural light an integral facet of the interior design.

"Half of success in interior design depends on how the lighting is spread out. In this particular project, in addition to a large number of windows, we increased artificial light sources to make the apartment warm and cozy,” says Artem Zverev, one of the studio’s co-founders, in an official release. One particularly striking facet of the design is its eschewal of seams or breaks between individual finishes and materials, such that the stone, glass, and metal seem to effortlessly blend and flow into one another.

Clean lines delineating most of the functional surfaces and details are contrasted by the smooth curves of the refined furnishings on display. “We wanted to pay tribute to the architecture of the interior in all its magnificent details and at the same time, preserve the integrity of the entire living space. All the principles that we loved in the exterior, we have embodied inside, without neglecting user comfort," explains Zverev. The design also features sculptures by Ukrainian artists Yegor Zigura and Nazar Bilyk in both the living spaces and the bedroom suites.

As per the designers, the functional layout can be easily segregated into two zones: the shared spaces, and the master suite. The former accommodates an open kitchen and living room, while the latter is hidden away from prying eyes behind a rich wooden door that blends into the walls surrounding it. A custom console by Laurameroni, that appears to float above supports of clear glass has been placed at the entrance, preceded by the imposing brass front door, which swings away to reveal an ottoman from Italy-based furniture design house Minotti. Veneer wall panels dress the surfaces enclosing this zone, adroitly concealing storage and technical spaces along with the entrance to the guest bathroom. A walk-in closet for the guest bedroom has also been placed on one side of the hallway.

From here, the space flows into the main living area, bordered by a brass 'wave' along the wall embracing the stone fireplace. The team at YODEZEEN reveals in a press statement, “This is a custom design made from the studio's drawings, assembled from several parts, and complemented by a lounge and fireplace beside it. Appearing as if made from a single component, it is a practical solution in the lathing of the existing structural column: giving the living room interior a unique element of visual architecture.”

Illuminated brass was also used in making a bookcase on display in the living room, which is decorated with Minotti’s Connery sofa, Giorgetti lounges, and Gianfranco Ferre's Kalamaja chairs - to impart a vibe that is elegantly contemporary. Horse. Evening - a painting by Ukrainian artist Anatoly Kryvolap, injects a burst of scarlet to the environment, from its place on one of the living room’s walls.

Nearby, a round Minotti dining table rests beneath a twirling bespoke design chandelier by English lighting company Cameron Design House. According to YODEZEEN, the circular table has been designed to encourage shared meals between diners. This space serves as a transition between the main living area and kitchen - with an exquisitely detailed island counter delineating the latter’s perimeter. Ridged brass runs along the sides of this feature, which is crowned by a marble countertop and also features a protruding bar counter with high stools from B&B Italia. The arrangement is completed by Henge’s Tubular Horizontal light suspended from the kitchen ceiling, which can be adjusted to suit the required mood.

Finally, the master suite encompasses a dressing room, master bedroom, and private bath, as well as another guest bedroom that has been designed such that it can be converted to a nursery in the future if required. A Giorgetti bed occupies the major part of the master bedroom, supplemented by DeCastelli bedside tables, Flexform chairs, and a lighting design fixture by Venicem. The bathroom on the other hand features faucets by Gessi and a Minotti-designed ottoman, to complement the running theme of dark stone. Alternatively, the guest room is furnished with a bed by Ivano Redaelli, alongside armchairs and cupboards by Minotti, as well as lights by Henge.

Within both of the private spaces in this residential design project, the stone cladding flows into dark toned wood and brass highlights along the walls, floors, and ceilings, exhibiting a continuity that permeates every facet of the design. “The recreation areas have a zoning technique, where walls or floors merge into each other and support the overall concept of the space. For example, a common stone wall has been utilised in the master bedroom and the bathroom, hinting at the unified concept of the two spaces,” reveal the designers. They add, “When you get inside this apartment, you understand that it is unique, it reflects the essence of our client's lifestyle, and it deserves a big name.”

Project Details

Name: Grand Apartment  
Area: 343 sqm
Year of Completion: 2021
Interior Design: YODEZEEN
Project Team: Artem Zverev, Artur Sharf